Chapter 119： Road

In the capital, the prince’s aides reported to the prince who were candidates for the scholar. The prince now has to inquire about everything in detail, and after many failures, he feels that none of his subordinates can be trusted.

"His Royal Highness, Mao Daochang, the watcher of Xiaoyun View outside the city, is well-known and has a very good reputation. He has been gifted by the emperor for disaster relief and relief. We can go and hire him."

The prince nodded slightly in recognition, "You are sure to persuade him to enter the palace."

An staff member said: "This person loves fame and money very much. We are going to invite him to a big fanfare. If he should, it will be fine. If he shouldn't, let a person who ate his eternal life pill die. Blackmail him. If he still doesn't want to, he has to find someone else."

The prince snorted: "Kill him and find someone else. Don't let people think that those shameless people can get better here in this palace! The Ji Wenzhao back then should kill him!"

Everyone now fully understands the prince's method, which is the word "kill"! No matter who, as long as it is not used by the prince or is wrong, it is dead. The prince felt that killing was the only way to solve all troubles. The so-called quick knife cut the mess, the killing would be over, simple and clear, convenient and trouble-free! In the past, some people once told the prince that there should be other means besides killing people, but these people were all recognized by the prince as pleading for the enemy, and soon disappeared. The rest of the people dared not say anything-kill and kill. In history, "killing" is used to set the country everywhere. Sometimes, "killing" is even the only means. Who can say that the prince did something wrong?

One day soon afterwards, the men and women under the banner of the Eastern Palace left the palace and swaggered all the way to the view of Xiaoyun outside the city.

A flag and carriage stopped outside the view, attracting many pilgrims and people onlookers. You Daotong ran all the way to inform Mao Daochang. He heard that he was from the Prince’s East Palace, and he was very happy: such a visit would definitely be. It is to earn a reputation for Taoism, and it will naturally attract more pilgrims. In these famine years and disasters, they will also have more income!

Mao Daochang straightened his clothes and walked to the Guanwai to greet the distinguished guests. After the two parties saluted, Mao Daochang greeted the staff sent by the prince into the Guannei Guest Hall. After being seated, a few Taoist children came over and brought tea to the guests. Mao Daochang said a little apologetically: "In recent years, the number of disaster victims has increased greatly. I think there is not much food in the store. There is no good place to entertain VIPs in the temple. I hope I will forgive you."

Knowing that this is the Taoist leader who wants to advertise himself at any time, the staff hurriedly took the opportunity to put a high hat on Mao Taoist leader and said: "The Taoist leader is high-righteous, caring for the people, and compassionate to the world. No wonder Taoism is superb and can produce the elixir of longevity. "

Mao Daochang immediately said modestly: "Where and where, the so-called elixir of longevity is nothing but a word praised by outsiders, it's just a pill for health..."

The prince’s aides hurriedly said, "Even if it is to keep in good health, it is a trip that benefits the public, and the Taoist leader must be a person who can do it."

Mao Daochang laughed.

Seeing that he was pleased, the prince’s staff also smiled and said: “I accept the trust of the prince of the East Palace and come to invite Dao to enter the palace. I will persuade the emperor to keep in good health and refine the pill for the emperor.”

Mao Daochang's eyes widened in surprise: Enter the palace and make alchemy for the emperor! This is a big deal! Names will be left in history books in the future! The supreme glory!

Seeing that Mao Daochang was speechless, the staff thought that Mao Daochang was hesitant, and said hurriedly: "The Daoist chief should also know that the harvest has not been good in the past few years, and there are countless victims in various places. The emperor has been exhausted for this reason. It is obvious that he will not sleep at night. There is a lack of maintenance. His Royal Highness is a man of filial piety and cares about the health of the emperor very much. Therefore, I would like to invite a Taoist with a high reputation in Taoism to visit the emperor and persuade the emperor to cherish his body and seek the way of longevity. Gong, not only did a part of filial piety for the prince, but also a part of love for the emperor for the people of the world..."

Mao Daochang closed his lips, twisted his long gray beard, smiled and nodded in agreement: Since the other party said so, it seems that he has already settled down, and he must have some demeanor... In the past, the senior brother said to himself that he should not be too rich. Poor leads to long life, rich life leads to short life, so nonsense! This kind of good deeds of fame and fortune cannot be asked by others, so where will it bring disasters?

The prince’s aides said: “If the Taoist chief speaks to the emperor about the health-preserving method and seeks health and longevity with the pill for health and longevity, the name of the Taoist chief will go down in history. Not to mention, the Taoist temple where the chieftain resides will also be more prosperous, perhaps for hundreds of times. In 2009, not only the people in the capital and surrounding areas will be familiar with Xiaoyun Temple, but also officials and people across the country will have a deep respect for this place. Many people will come to visit and add countless incense to Taoism. This is a blessing. The good thing for Yumin is that the Taoist leader is not for his own selfishness, and should also be considered for the Taoist and Buddhist monks."

These words are hitting the heart of Mao Daochang, the pinnacle of his own achievements is Xiao Yunguan! Let the Taoist temple that you have worked so hard to be famous all over the world, and your life’s wish is enough! Mao Daochang said: "The Sansheng of Poor Dao is fortunate to be invited by the prince. I dare not ask the Lord to take care of the affairs of Poor Dao for San Day, and then enter the palace with the monarch."

The staff were very satisfied. The two parties saluted and said goodbye, and the carriages of the East Palace went all the way back, but this kind of momentum has already made the inside and outside of the capital know that the prince is interested in asking Mao Daochang to go to the palace to practice health preservation for the emperor to show his filial piety. Everyone is really envious and jealous of Mao Daochang. You must know that people who can reach the emperor, there are several Mao Daochang in the world, no matter how famous and Taoist they are, they cannot be compared with the glory of the royal family. This time, it can be regarded as entering the hall, and the name goes down in history. All of a sudden, there was an endless stream of fellow Taoists who came to Xiaoyun to observe and celebrate, and everyone said nice things: "The Daoist has today, it is the result of years of charity and good deeds, it is a great achievement!"

"I wish the Dao long to go here, and the journey will be thousands of miles, and the sky will rise to the sky."

"I have had a relationship with Xiaoyunguan for many years, I hope the leader will help..."

"If the Daoist enters the palace to refine alchemy, I believe that all the rare medicinal materials will be used by the Daoist chief, but I only hope that the Daoist chief will mention the name of my view to the emperor..."

With so many beautiful words, Mao Dao is as long as drinking jelly. Sometimes, he would also think of the frustrating words that his fellow crows mouth said. But after thinking about it carefully, he couldn’t see the bad things about entering the palace: he practiced. The health pill helps yang and qi, if taken properly, there should be no harm. He has studied ancient Taoist books about health for many years, and he has quite some experience, which will definitely be inspiring for the emperor's health care... He will not disappoint the prince's filial piety...

Three days later, Mao Daochang was sitting in an open carriage surrounded by silk flowers, escorted by many Taoist priests with flags, and followed the prince's staff to the gate of the palace.

The prince went out of the palace to greet him personally, and he was polite to Mao Daochang, and asked him to go to the palace and enter the east palace with himself.

After a series of salutes, the two parties sat down, and the prince said in a sincere tone: "It has been known that the Dao Qing is famous for a long time, and the eternal life pill made is well-known in the capital. Many people eat all the sicknesses, which can be said to be a blessing to the world. , To create countless benevolent relationships. Dao Chang must be the gods and immortals who will come to save the world and save the people."

Mao Daochang received such praise from the prince of a country. He only felt proud and contented from the bottom of his heart. He hurriedly said: "His Royal Highness has praised him. Just study the art of alchemy. Over the past few decades, I have only gained a little." He knew that the prince wanted him to make alchemy for the emperor, so he naturally pointed out his background.

The prince was very satisfied with Mao Daochang’s understanding, and nodded and said: “Taoism is grand and profound, and Daoist’s path is also profound and extraordinary, so he can be considered an important task. I am very pleased to be able to find the Dao Master for my father. Ben. The palace prayed that his father would live for a hundred years, and he especially recommended that the Taoist priest go to visit his father and tell him how to cultivate health and help his father to live forever and become immortal."

Mao Daochang said: "If a mortal wants to become immortal, it is impossible for a mortal to practice in a very young age, the emperor has everything to do..."

The prince said: "Then ask Dao Chief to explain the use of the elixir for the father, I hope Dao Chang can contribute to the health of the dragon body of the father."

Mao Daochang immediately accepted: "Pan Dao must do his best."

When the prince said to invite a Taoist priest, the emperor knew about it. Soon, Mao Daochang's background materials were also reported to the emperor. After the emperor read it, he nodded and said, "This Taoist priest is pretty good."

Grandpa Sun said on the side: "This Taoist master Qingxuzi, who was a master of Taoism, has been next to the capital for more than 30 years. His Taoism is indeed well-known, and his Taoism has changed from a small one to the largest one outside the capital. Up."

The emperor pointed to the dossier: "It's easy to do one thing. It's rare that it has become more and more famous in the past two to three decades. It can be seen that it is a good man.

Grandpa Sun said in a low voice: "The prince has done his best."

The emperor pressed his temple with his hand and gave a hmm.

He feels bad recently.

People don't think they will be old when they are young, but occasionally think of one day when they are really old, thinking that they are still themselves, that is, their hair is gray, their skin becomes looser, and maybe they walk a little slower. People don’t know that when old age comes, the joints will swell inexplicably, and the next step will be cold. Tossing around in the night, clearly sleepy, but can't sleep well. His eyes were so dizzy that he couldn't see what was in front of him, and he could only see the situation in the distance. Obviously, what I just said, I forget everything... the most indescribable thing is a feeling of physical and mental exhaustion. It's not that I don't have time, but I don't have the energy to do something, and I feel upset when I see everything...

At this time, someone came to tell him how to keep in good health, which really cast his mind. What's more, no one is pregnant with so many young women in the harem over the years. Taoist Fangzhongshu has been famous since ancient times, and it pays attention to health preservation and anti-ageing... The prince recommended that Mao Daochang finally did something that pleased him.

The prince accompanied Mao Daochang to see the emperor. Mao Daochang was wearing a Taoist uniform with a long beard over his chest, his eyebrows stretched out, and he looked like a fairy bone, with the temperament of a worldly expert. Seeing this, the emperor nodded secretly.

Mao Daochang went forward to see him, his eyes were raised, and he saw that the emperor's complexion was dark and his eye sockets were a little sunken, and he knew that the emperor was not in good health and did not discharge toxins in his body. Naturally, he would not speak out in a daze, but summed up his symptoms in his mind.

The prince said: "Father, my son has heard that Chief Mao is well versed in the art of alchemy, and he will come to see his father." After speaking, he stepped aside.

The emperor said to Mao Daochang: "The Daoist can teach me the meaning of Taoist health."

Mao Dao has been refining medicine for many years, and has quite insights into health preservation, so he hurriedly said: "Thanks to the emperor’s question, our doctrine is to rebirth and die, to seek longevity and to seek immortality. If you have the intention to maintain and cultivate, one’s life can be the master instead of being obedient. Heaven. Human health is based on regular maintenance, supplemented by elixir, and youth is not a delusion. It is not necessarily to become a fairy, physical fitness, and maintenance of life are equally important. There are always all kinds of things to cover people to old age. Discomfort, dizziness, heavy body, stiff movements, inexplicable pain, loss of appetite, tasteless eating and sleepless night... I have many cultivation methods in Taoist school, and the alchemy can strengthen the yang and strengthen the body, as well as other Taoist techniques. Such as vomiting, massage, guiding, room, bigu, thinking, serving amulets and chanting, all can help people live long and healthy...."

Hearing these words in the ears of the emperor, it was almost like Xianle. This Daoist spoke of his usual feelings and gave him hope! Unlike those imperial doctors, he kept prescribing a bunch of unpalatable medicines every day! The person who holds the highest power in the world, who doesn't want to stay young forever, Qin Shihuang chased the way of longevity everywhere, and made the emperor look forward to immortality from generation to generation. I am an emperor, so I have to go this way...

He Yu Guang caught a glimpse of the prince standing aside with a submissive expression, and felt that this son was much more pleasing to the eye than before.

After listening to Mao Daochang's talk, the emperor was very satisfied. From then on, he stayed in the long palace of Mao Daochang forever. According to Mao Daochang's design, he began to build alchemy rooms, cast pill furnaces, and prepare for alchemy in the Bagua auspicious place. At the same time, the emperor stayed with Mao Dao for an hour or two every day after he went to court. Under the guidance of Mao Daochang, he performed the technique of guidance and learned how to vomit... After a month, the emperor really felt a little more comfortable, at least the weight on his neck was much less.

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Now that he decided to go to the beach, Zhang Yunzheng carefully recalled the Li's site that Ping Yuanhou had him remember, and finally talked about the northernmost seaside town, Jiaocheng. Shen Wen and others went all the way to the east through the mountains. At the beginning of April, they finally approached the coast and inquired all the way to Jiaocheng.

In areas with a maritime climate, winter is humid, and some trees are not withered. Even in winter, there are green jungles or weeds. The early spring is even more verdant.

When they found Jiaocheng, Zhang Yunzheng looked disappointed: From a distance, it was a small village with low walls, dilapidated gates, and few pedestrians on the road. Zhang Yunzheng frowned: "This is still called "City" or "Jiaocun", which is almost the same!"

Shen Wen laughed. She now thinks Zhang Yunzheng's complaints and dissatisfaction are very funny.

Zhang Yunzheng said: "This is supposed to be a site, what can you do if you are poor?"

Shen Wen said: "Don't underestimate this place, there must be something to sell in the endless land near the sea."

They led the team to the edge of the city. There were two government officials guarding the city gate. Zhang Yunzheng reported to find Li's shop. The government officials received the money for entering the city and waved them in. They entered the city and walked on the only street in the town. The surrounding houses were old and shabby, most of them selling dried seafood. The air was filled with the smell of dry goods, which was a bit smelly and fishy. There are also beggars on the roadside. Zhang Yunzheng looked around and said with some worry: "I hope my mother's shop is bigger, otherwise it is enough for us to eat and drink for free, but the people I bring have an appetite..."

Shen Wen couldn't stop laughing.

After walking for a while, they saw from the gap between the shops that a section of the broken city wall collapsed in the distance, and the sea could be seen outside, and people came and went from there, not going through the city gate at all. Zhang Yunzheng was angry: "Isn't this cheating us outsiders! It is time to get back the money that comes into the city!"

Shen Wen smiled again: What's wrong with her, Zhang Yunzheng smiled as soon as she spoke.

Li's shop is not big, and it looks a little shabby. It is a grocery store that sells North and South goods. There are all kinds of goods, from brooms and dustpans to rouge hair ropes. It is the only department store in the town.

The shopkeeper of the grocery store was a little suspicious when he heard the news that it was from the Pingyuan Houfu. But when he went to the door, he saw a few carriages and some sturdy men. He believed it eight to nine points, and waited until Zhang Yunzheng got inside his neck. Pulling out a fish-shaped seal given by Li, the shopkeeper completely believed that this must be a direct descendant of the ultimate boss, Mrs. Ping Yuanhou. Don’t be negligent. He smiled and stammered: “Next... Next... Last name... weekly……"

Zhang Yunzheng saw that the owner of this grocery store was in his fifties, he was a little fatter, had small eyes, and his thick lips were half open. He looked very dull. He immediately classified him as a "suffocating bag" and ordered him on the spot. Angrily: "Then trouble the treasurer Zhou." He pulled the Fourth Prince and Shi Helin who got off the car with his hand: "These are the guests of Pingyuan Hou Mansion, please treat them well!"

Shopkeeper Zhou nodded vigorously: "Good, good, good..."

Although the four princes recovered from illness, Shen Wen Su Wanniang and Shi Helin refused to let him ride a donkey for a long time, saying to avoid wind and evil, so he could only ride for a while every day, most of the time he rode in a carriage with Shi Helin. People who have rode horses for thousands of miles on the grassland will feel uncomfortable again when they are held in the car. The four princes stretched out and kicked their legs as soon as they got out of the car, complaining to Shi Helin: "Shi Langzhong, the weather here is not so cold, should you be able to ride for a day"

Shi Helin still shook his head: "No, it's the beginning of spring after all, and the wind and humidity are even more piercing..."

Shopkeeper Zhou said to the side: "Are you going to the south?"

The fourth prince glanced at Zhang Yunzheng and saw that he didn't shake his head, so he said, "Exactly."

Shopkeeper Zhou said: "This is the seaside. You should go by boat. Why do you want to ride a mule? There are always boats going south. Our boats are all going south. We won't come back in the summer, otherwise we will just catch it."

The four princes had never taken a boat before, and heard Shen Wen talk about voyages along the way. He looked at Zhang Yunzheng excitedly, and Zhang Yunzheng nodded and said: "We originally planned to do this too. The shopkeeper, help find the ship going south. ."

Shopkeeper Zhou hurriedly responded, "I didn't say anything. But..." He looked at some carriages and big mules: "These cars..."

Zhang Yunzheng thought about it and said: "I will let them go south from the land, maybe they will meet us in some part of the south."

Shopkeeper Zhou’s small eyes were completely invisible behind his half-squinted eyelids: "If that’s the case, can you bother Mr. Lao to help me carry a batch of goods to the young man's carriage to the south. It seems that the carriage is quite empty. Now there is no need to carry anyone. Said that our seashell ginseng mushrooms sell very well in the south..."

Zhang Yunzheng was looking at shopkeeper Zhou, who still had a smiling face, and Zhang Yunzheng muttered in a low voice: "How come no one is stupid in this world"

Shopkeeper Zhou knew that this had happened, and smiled even more. He greeted the fourth prince and Shi Helin: "Come here, I'll let someone prepare a bath."

After Shen Wen got off the horse, she helped Su Wanniang out of the car. Su Wanniang came to Kuishui, and has been slow in her actions for the past two days. Shen Wen remembered that he was 16 years old in his previous life and came to Guishui when he was about to get married. Su Wanniang is now almost 17 and it's time. In later generations, with the development of modern society, girls' menstrual affairs come earlier and earlier, but now, it is normal.

The fourth prince did not dare to look at Su Wanniang. He thought that Su Wanniang was ill the day before yesterday, and he was anxious for a long time, only to understand after being vaguely ordered by Shi Helin. He used to go to school and knew that a woman could give birth to Tianguizhi. He was always sad: Su Wanniang is an adult, and she is also 19 years old. According to ordinary people, when she should be a biological child, she will stay in the imperial mausoleum once he goes , Su Wanniang was still a maid, and he felt very frustrated...

Shopkeeper Zhou saw that there was a female relative in the crowd, but the maid was not like a maid, and the master was not like the master, so she didn't dare to ask more. He only asked people to prepare more baths and make dinner early.

Shi Helin gave Su Wanniang a pulse, prescribed a recipe, and let people cook brown sugar **** water. Shen Wen helped Su Wanniang wash her body, and then lay down well. Naturally, they did not go out for dinner. The two had dinner in the house, early and early. Sleep peacefully.

At the dinner party prepared by the treasurer Zhou, there were enough rice and noodles, as well as marine fish, squid, kelp and other marine products. For those of them who only eat dry food all the way, it is really very rich, but the four princes are a little distracted.

Seeing that the four princes were depressed, Zhang Yunzheng asked the treasurer Zhou: "Here is close to the sea, can we go to the beach for a walk?"

Shopkeeper Zhou said hurriedly: "Of course, of course, you only need to walk for a quarter of an hour and you will be able to reach the beach. After we have eaten, I will walk with you."

After the meal, shopkeeper Zhou took a few of them and Yulan and other guards out of the city from the collapse of the city wall to the beach not far away.

In the evening, the setting sun was slanting, the blue water reflected the golden glow, and the waves hit the shore one after another. On the beach, there are people carrying baskets picking up seaweed clams, and some refugees are sitting dry. There are several fishing boats moored in the distance, and fishing nets are around them.

Zhang Yunzheng and these people were all excited when they saw the sea, and a group of them rushed to the seaside. Some began to pick up shells along the beach, some reached out to touch the sea, some dug the sand with their hands, some threw rocks into the water...

The four princes looked far away and saw that apart from the shadows of a few islands, they were more boundless by the sky and water. They immediately felt refreshed. It is no wonder that the Westerners mentioned by Shen Wen want to explore the sea. I also want to know what it is like to be on the other side of the sea, even if I can’t get there and sailing to a far distance, it can satisfy people’s desire to explore...

He grew up in the palace and was taken care of by his mother. He was a child of rules. He couldn't go crazy on the beach like other people, so he found a tree stranded on the beach and sat down and looked at the sea. Shi Helin also consciously was a little old, so he sat next to the fourth prince with the treasurer Zhou, who was accustomed to seeing the scenery. Both of them are considered elders, so naturally they talk condescendingly about the young ones.

Shi Helin said: "These children have never seen the sea, making the shopkeeper laugh." As if he were a parent.

Shopkeeper Zhou smiled and said, "They are all very good about everything. People from Pingyuan Hou Mansion are naturally good."

Shi Helin glanced at the four princes. He was used to calling him Jiang Gongzi, but sometimes he forgot that he was actually a prince. Now shopkeeper Zhou talked about the background, Shi Helin was afraid that the four princes would not like to be regarded as a member of the Pingyuan Houfu, so he asked the four princes: "Don't you go and play with them to the beach."

The four princes were a little bit cautious: "This, I'm not going to play anymore..."

Shopkeeper Zhou said: "There is really no fun right now. If summer comes, it will be the best. Not to mention there are many shells on the beach. The weather is hot and you can swim in the sea..."

The fourth prince shook his head and said, "I can't swim."

Shopkeeper Zhou said: "If you don't know how to swim, you can play in the sand. The sand is hot. Many people have built castles with sand. It is very beautiful."

The fourth prince nodded and said, "Okay, I will come here next summer."

While they were talking, a dark shadow passed by, and all three of them were shocked. They turned their heads to see a tree branch thrown in the air. A little yellow dog flew behind and chased the tree branch. As soon as the branch fell, the little yellow dog grabbed it and shake A young man who strode behind with his tail ran over.

Shopkeeper Zhou smiled and shouted: "Hong Er, I have guests here, but I can't throw them around. It's not a good idea to disturb the officials. They are looking for a ship to the south."

The young man called Hong Er came over with a smile, with high cheekbones, a little messy hair, and half-closed blouse, but twenty-two and three, there were stubble stubble on his face. He saluted: "Treasurer Zhou!" He threw a fist at the fourth prince and Shi Helin, and said, "Our ship went south recently. Shopkeeper Zhou helped to speak nice things, I..." beside him When the yellow dog saw him talking to someone, he bit the tree branch and jumped. The front paw was almost upright on his abdomen, and his throat was groaning. Hong Er took out the branch from the yellow dog’s mouth and threw it far away. Flew away with a whistle, the yellow dog barked and ran over.

Hong Er then went on to say: "Our ship is the most reliable. It has been for several generations. Shopkeeper Zhou knows it, doesn't it?"

Shopkeeper Zhou nodded and said, "Of course, your father is at the helm."

Hong Er smiled full of teeth: "I'm pretty good too!..."

A passing fisherman cursed: "What a good thing! Be careful. I told your father to let him beat you! There is no hair on your mouth! Shopkeeper Zhou, don't be fooled by this kid! His father never let him. Going out to sea alone, crazy, calling the dog son..." I walked over.

Hong Er shouted at the person behind: "Does a dog know what it means to take a mouse?"

The man didn't look back and said, "You were caught by your dog..."

Hong Er punched in the air and said: "Look at your age, let me let you!"

Shopkeeper Zhou said: "Now when there is a famine, you still have such a dog. Be careful of being caught and stewed to eat."

Hong Er said: "Then I have to work hard with him! I take it with me when I go to sea. This is my son."

Shopkeeper Zhou laughed and said: "You're such a mess! Are you still a human, don't talk nonsense! Go ask your father, when will the ship going to the south recently leave and where it will go, and then come and tell me."

Hong Er nodded grinningly and was about to leave, but then stopped on the trail: "The shopkeeper should know that my father said he doesn't need money, he wants food. Depending on the distance, the last time the customer was two hundred catties of food for one person."

Shopkeeper Zhou nodded again and again: "Okay, okay." Hong Er then walked to meet the yellow dog who came to him again.

When shopkeeper Zhou saw him leaving, he beckoned to Zhang Yunzheng, who had just turned around and watched, and said to Zhang Yunzheng: "His father Hong Laoduo is a famous helmsman here. He has been traveling between north and south for decades. Their ship is also strong, if you go there. In the south, you can consider using their home. Their price is more expensive than others, but we have food."

When Zhang Yunzheng saw the sea, he was already eager to try. Hearing this from Shopkeeper Zhou, he became more moved and said, "Let's go back and discuss it." Then he turned to play in the water again.

Shi Helin asked the treasurer Zhou: "When we came from the mainland, we saw that the drought was serious. You can say that you have food here."

The shopkeeper Zhou said: "A few years ago, the owner asked us to buy food to prepare for shortages. The food was so cheap. Moreover, we are close to the sea, relying on mountains to eat mountains and water, and we live by fishing, so we won’t be hungry. Better than inland."

The four princes curiously said: "The disaster year can be spared here, and the usual years should be more prosperous. But when we entered the city, how did we see the streets so dilapidated?"

Shopkeeper Zhou chuckled, then looked around, and whispered: "This young man has never heard that there is nothing in the world that can satisfy people's greed. There is no end to greed. No matter how rich it is, there is no use!"

Shi Helin suddenly said: "It's the government..."

Shopkeeper Zhou waved his hand: "Where do any government officials say it is an official tax, it doesn't always end up in people's pockets in the end."

The fourth prince stunned: "How can this be?"

The shopkeeper Zhou whispered: "How could it not be like this that nearly half of the fish cargo here is taxed. How the court collects the fish and then transfers it into the hands of private merchants. It is dried and sold. The money is not here. Go straight. After the disaster years, there was no granary, and the food was sold at high prices. We are rich in products, but in a remote location. A county magistrate is the emperor. Who dares to say that everything has been like this for many years, one after another, Take this place as a fat man, and leave if you shave enough. I am the biggest merchant here, and I don’t have enough respect for them. If it weren’t for the sign of Pingyuan Hou Mansion in the capital, I wouldn’t be able to do it long ago. ."

The fourth prince frowned and asked: "How to block?"

Shopkeeper Zhou said: "For example, when this county magistrate first took office, he came to find faults in two days, and he also found an excuse to put me in jail, because he had a relative who came here with him and wanted to swallow our business. The guy sent a letter to the capital. Ping Yuanhou sent a few people without registering a surname. He grabbed a pig and killed the pig at the entrance of the yamen hall. He tied the pig to a chair and slowly broke his stomach. Before he was killed immediately, the pig screamed so infiltratingly that the people were frightened to avoid it. The few people who wanted to come to serve as soldiers, while killing pigs, and making blood all over their bodies, they laughed and watched. Those prefects and government officials, the prefects let me inquire about their origins and released me the next day."

Shi Helin and the fourth prince laughed bitterly, and the treasurer Zhou sighed: "From then on, as long as we give money and goods, he won't bother us. Thank God."

This is also called thank God the fourth prince shook his head depressed: "Really..." He couldn't find a suitable word unexpectedly.

The treasurer Zhou thought that the Fourth Prince was also a member of the Pingyuanhou Mansion, and that he was the most stable among the people, so he wanted to say more of Pingyuanhou’s kind words: "Pingyuanhou is a righteous man. If you go back to Beijing, Thank you for me..."

Shi Helin hurriedly interrupted and said, "This Young Master Jiang... is not from the Pingyuan Mansion."

The shopkeeper Zhou sighed and said a little apologetically: "I thought the son belonged to Pingyuanhou's Mansion." He was afraid that what he had just said would be spread by outsiders, which would ruin Pingyuanhou's reputation, so he quickly defended Pingyuanhou. Pingyuanhou is really good. We are in business and think this official is the most terrible. If we don’t work with them, we have to wait to be cleaned up by them. Some local government and businessmen colluded and made enough money, but other businesses didn’t. It's a way to survive. If the officials and bandits are together, the people will suffer even more. Although Ping Yuanhou is an official, he really didn't harm anyone, he just protected the owner's business..."

The fourth prince said hurriedly: "I also received the favor of Pingyuan Hou Mansion." Not all the money spent by Pingyuan Hou Mansion this time

The shopkeeper Zhou nodded hurriedly and said, "That's good. Mrs. Ping Yuan Hou is very benevolent and inherited the handwriting of the old owner. You see, the Li family's business outlet in the inland has no food during the disaster year, or people robbed it. If they couldn't do it anymore, they all evacuated to the south. Many people dragged their homes from my place and took a boat to the south, and waited at the old owner's house. They will return after the disaster year.

Shi Helin said in surprise: "It turns out that the Li family will raise a person who has no business."

Shopkeeper Zhou nodded and said: "The old boss said long ago that the Li family will never treat anyone who does things to the Li family. If the business breaks down because of natural disasters, or the person is sick and old, the Li family will take over. Nothing in the past. If you think there is something, you can look at the disasters in the past few years. In some places, I heard that people cannibalize people but do things for the Li family. Not only does no one die but the whole family has a place to escape. The old owner said, If the Li family doesn’t fall for a day, everyone will have food. Our boss is the daughter of the old boss, and we can only do better. Li’s family is the home of Ji Shan."

The four princes listened to the greed of the imperial court official, and heard that a merchant with a low social status was praised so much, feeling very uncomfortable, and asked: "Is anyone doing something for the Li family corrupt?"

The shopkeeper Zhou replied: "People are greedy, and the old owner knows very well. There are three barriers in the Li family's business. It is not the same person who spends money and who keeps the money, but it is another person who keeps the accounts. On top of this, Every two years, someone from the Jiangnan Li family comes to collect the account. Another more ruthless thing is to encourage the buddy to expose it. If it is true, the buddy can take the place of the shopkeeper."

The fourth prince said in surprise: "Isn't it possible that you can't be single-minded?"

The shopkeeper Zhou smiled and said to him: "Young people, where has the Yixin Li family been so destructive, even if there are rules, it is easy for everyone to follow them. Unless you are really greedy, who wants to really tear the master? In fact, the Li family didn’t send off the officials, just to chase the money back, and then drive the people out. Everyone in the advertisement didn’t say that even the children and grandchildren would not be hired by the Li family."

The fourth prince gasped in air: "Isn't this even sitting down?"

The shopkeeper Zhou said: "The Li family feels that the upper beam is not correct and the lower beam is crooked. If the parents are not good, how can they expect the children to be good. Moreover, those who are greedy for money are also used to raise the family. They have the benefits of corruption, how can they? Hire them to do things again"

Shi Helin also shook his head: "If you commit a crime, but it will hurt your children and grandchildren, your reputation will be bad."

Shopkeeper Zhou said: "Exactly, businessmen, if they want to be long-term, they pay attention to credibility. If anyone loses their reputation, they should not continue to mess around."

The four princes looked at the sea and sighed: Any scholar who does not appreciate the reputation of the court, why not say that Zu Yin is really an official, and he still sees money...

The sun has completely set, and there are several gorgeous clouds in the sky. Zhang Yunzheng thought about pulling Shen Wen out to see the sea, and said: "It's late, let's go back."

Shopkeeper Zhou promised: "Naturally, you can come every day and watch the sunrise on the sea in the morning. It is very spectacular."

He walked back with a group of people. It was after dinner. People were ready to go to bed. The door was closed and the beggars huddled in the corner. When they entered the courtyard gate, the four princes saw a gate face in the distance. It was very tall and magnificent, and stood out among a group of houses.

Seeing the eyes of the four princes, the shopkeeper Zhou whispered: "That is the Yamen, which was demolished and rebuilt last year."

Shi Helin smiled and said, "We found that yamen are always well built along the way."

The four princes were rarely angry: "It's a disaster year, and the government actually..."

Shopkeeper Zhou pulled him and pulled him in. The closed courtyard door whispered: "You can't talk nonsense. How could the Yamen be the emperor that our people can provoke? I heard that his head is far away. The boss is his distant relative, no one can manage, don't mess with them."

The fourth prince frowned and asked, "What is the name of that county magistrate?"

Shopkeeper Zhou was taken aback: "The county magistrate is called Luo Youcai, with Wen Sheng. Are you going to tell Ping Yuanhou?"

The fourth prince was silent-he might tell the third prince in the future. The shopkeeper Zhou whispered, "Forget it. The people above him heard that they were related to the palace in the capital. He rebuilt the yamen to go to bad luck. A few years ago, his family took a fancy to the land. I want to buy it at a low price. The house was opened up from a foreign land. It planted fruit trees a few years ago. After all, the fruit trees grew up and didn’t want to sell them. He waited for the fruit to ripen soon, so he sent someone to cut down the trees. The house originally borrowed the loan but couldn’t pay it back, so the land was gone. The man from that house told him to tell him that he didn’t care at all. In the end, he was hanged in front of the yamen. The woman went to the ya and was pushed by the servants. Suddenly, her head hit the stone steps in front of the office, and the blood was bleeding there and died there. But the servants all said that she fell by herself, and died in vain. There was only one child left in the family who became a beggar. , And are often chased by the servants..."

The fourth prince pressed his lips tightly, and the shopkeeper Zhou patted him on the shoulder: "Young man, don't be angry. This is how the world is, the government oppresses the people, and it has been like this since ancient times. It's okay to die a few people, as long as you don't force everyone on. No way, you can live on this day, go wash and sleep."

As soon as they were about to sleep separately, they heard the banging of the door, and Zhang Yunzheng and some of his men who had already entered the guest room came out again. Shopkeeper Zhou gestured to a guy, who came to the door and shouted: "Who, the shop is closed, this is going to sleep."

Someone outside also shouted: "Open the door! The county government! Come and check your shop!"