Chapter 3 Chapter Two Hijacking, Kidnapping
Qiu Han suddenly heard Liu Erlang's voice, and hurriedly turned her head to peek out from the crack in the car's wall panel. In the crowd, she caught sight of her husband Feng Sai's face. He slammed his shoulder against the wall of the carriage.
"Don't move!" The man with high cheekbones hurriedly suppressed his voice to stop it, and then rushed over to hold her shoulder, but she still struggled and shouted.However, her mouth was strangled by the cloth towel, and she only made a nasal whine.The carriage was very narrow, and his hands were tied behind his back, so he couldn't use his strength. The sound of the wall panel being hit by her was also covered by the sound of the wheels and noise.But she couldn't stop, still struggling and screaming.
However, at this moment, a sharp and thin scream suddenly sounded from behind her.People outside couldn't hear it, but as a mother, she stopped immediately and turned her head to look back. It was Ling'er.
The flat-faced man held a sharp knife against Ling'er's tender neck. Ling'er looked at Qiu Han in horror, her small body was trembling, her mouth was gagged, and she couldn't make a sound.Tears welled up from her round eye sockets...
"Brother-in-law, you sent two sedan chairs to pick up your two sisters in the morning?" "No!" "Ah? Xiao Ming said that shortly after you left the house in the morning, two sedan chairs came and said that you hired them to take the two older sisters and the two young ladies to Xinghuagang outside the west gate. Food and wine have been arranged there. Chun..." Liu Erlang kept wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. Feng Sai stood there in shock, feeling numb all over his body. "The eldest sister asked Ah Shan and his wife to stay at home, and she and my elder sister took the two girls into the sedan chair together. A Xian and Xiao Ming followed and went out of the city. Later, Xiao Ming hurried back and said When they were about to arrive at Xinghuagang, she and Axian were knocked out, and when they woke up, the sedan chair was gone. Both of them cried in fright, and hurried to find the whereabouts of the two sisters..." "Didn't find it?" "No." "Did you report to the police?" "I went to report. This morning, my sister asked me to go to Fangmingyuan to deliver festival steamed cakes to Gu Pan'er. I was delayed for a while, and went back to answer my sister. I happened to meet Xiaoming who came back in a hurry. After hearing what she said, I Hurriedly asked Ah Shan and his wife to go to the west gate to look for them together, and Xiao Ming stayed at home. I went to Kaifeng mansion to report to the officials, but today was a holiday and I couldn't find the person in charge. He rode around to inquire about it, but he couldn't find it after searching around. Afraid of delay, he hurried out of the city to look for the head of the right north chamber. Fortunately, he found him. Gang went to search. I hurried to Dongcheng to find my brother-in-law..." Feng Sai was like a dream, but he still didn't believe it. He was shocked for a long time before he came back to his senses, and hurriedly said: "I'll go look for them, and you will accompany Ibra to pick up the goods..." Liu Erlang nodded, Feng Sai hurriedly turned around to get on the horse, his foot missed the stirrup, and he almost fell, before he stabilized himself, a loud shout came from behind him: "Feng Er!" Turning his head, he saw Zhu Deshi, the head of the Bianjing Charcoal Company, and Zang Qi and Wu Meng, the two major charcoal merchants. The three of them walked over in a hurry, all looking bad. Feng Sai was worried, but he had no choice but to stop, and tried his best to smile: "Uncle Zhu, Uncle Zang, Brother Wu!" "The one surnamed Tan is still missing today!" Wu Meng yelled in a rough voice, he was the one who was drinking too much just now. "There are too many ships today, I'm afraid they will be blocked at the tax customs. My family..." "Tax customs yesterday, today again? The charcoal we stored has been sold out, and the internal charcoal depot is urging for charcoal again. What do you think?" "It will definitely arrive today, please wait a moment. My family..." "Wait? We can wait, the stove in the palace can't wait!" "Today is the first day of charcoal delivery, and the palace may not really be out of charcoal..." Feng Sai has always been a precept that when talking to merchants, he must not go against the merchant's words no matter what.At this moment, he was worried about his wife and children, and Wu Meng interrupted his words one after another. In his anxiety, he accidentally violated the precept.As soon as he realized that he was about to recover, Wu Meng slapped him hard on the shoulder, he was unprepared, staggered, and retreated a few steps. If it wasn't for Hushang Ibra's support, he would almost fall to the ground. He has been a dentist for more than ten years, and although he has encountered countless disputes, he has never been pushed and shoved like this.Not to mention that he has earned a reputation in Bianjing in the past few years, no matter how big a wealthy businessman is, they are polite when they meet him.He looked at Wu Meng, suddenly a little dazed. But Wu Meng still stared at him angrily: "I don't know if there is any charcoal in the palace, our buttocks are already burnt!" At the head of the line, Zhu Deshi hurriedly persuaded: "Don't do anything about Wu Laosan...Second brother Feng, I can't blame Wu Laosan for being anxious. For more than a month, we have been frustrated enough by that surnamed Tan. , endure it again and again, the situation is good right now, he simply won’t deliver the goods, isn’t he trying to burn us all as charcoal?” Feng Sai tried his best to suppress his anxiety: "Uncle Zhu, Uncle Zang, Brother Wu, there are many boats going to Beijing to take advantage of business these days, Tan Li's charcoal boat must have been delayed. Wait a moment, I guess no matter what , I will definitely come today. If I don’t come today, I am willing to be punished..." "Punishment? How?" Wu Meng shouted harshly, "How many scales of charcoal is your little fortune worth? If we are short of charcoal for a day, do you still want to expose the pots and stoves that are full of capital?" Feng Sai's heart was on fire, and his hands were trembling a little, but he knew Wu Meng's temperament. Seeing the situation, the more anxious he became, the more he couldn't escape. , you guys are the Kitchen Gods of Bianjing City, not to mention the 200,000 households in Bianjing, even the palace has to rely on you to cook saliva. How could I not know how powerful this is? It’s just that something urgent happened in my family. I have to do it quickly. I asked my brother-in-law to stay by the Bian River today, and report to everyone as soon as the charcoal boat arrives. Erlang?" Liu Erlang nodded hurriedly. Zhu Deshi and the others still stared at Feng Sai, not wanting to let him go. Feng Sai was anxious, his voice was a little trembling, but he could only continue to try his best to make amends with a smile: "It's a good day, if you want to go to any garden outside the city, you can choose whatever you want. I will ask my brother-in-law to serve you, and I will also pay for the wine. I will pay for it at the next house. Things are really urgent, can you take the first step?" Zang Qi didn't like to talk, so he said in a hoarse voice: "We can still pay for a few glasses of wine, don't worry about Brother Feng's expenses. I think the surnamed Tan may twist our intestines again this time. If he is sincere If you do evil, we have no choice but to meet with the officials. Then you don't have to run away." Although Zang Qi was not as irritable as Wu Meng, his tone was cold and compelling.Feng Sai hurriedly said: "This time Tan Liruo really made a fool of himself. I was the first to drag him to the court. How could he run away? Everyone must know me. Feng Sai dare not say anything else, but the word 'letter' I have never lost it before, and I will never dare to lose it in the future. It's just that my family really..." Wu Meng interrupted violently again: "Second brother Zang is right! We have to be careful, if he leaves again, we won't be able to catch even a single hair - you didn't mean to let your brother-in-law serve us, then Alright, let him stay with you! I know you spent three thousand and four hundred guan to get that 'tea slave' out of prostitution and get her home. Naturally, you have to take good care of her brother. That's it! Use charcoal Come replace your brother-in-law!" Feng Sai was startled, and Liu Erlang couldn't help but took half a step back. Feng Sai couldn't help but smile again: "Brother Wu really can't trust me?" "I don't believe in anything, I only believe in the charcoal that enters the library!" As Wu Meng spoke, he stretched out his thick arm and grabbed Liu Erlang's left arm. Liu Erlang tried his best to break free, but Wu Meng was so strong that he couldn't break free at all. Liu Erlang hurriedly looked at Feng Sai. Feng Sai hurriedly said to Zhu Deshi: "Uncle Zhu, you also refuse to believe me?" Zhu Deshi was a little embarrassed, and before he could open his mouth, Wu Meng stared and said, "Didn't you say that the charcoal will definitely be delivered today, what are you afraid of? We don't eat the meat of your brother-in-law. Don't worry, I will treat him well. , when the charcoal comes, we will naturally let him go home." Feng Sai was about to speak when he caught a glimpse of a short and fat man hurriedly passing by. He recognized Wanfu, the personal escort of the left army patrol Gu Zhen. Feng Sai and Gu Zhen had drank several times, and Wanfu was present.He was just about to greet Wanfu and ask him to come and rescue him.Wu Meng had already noticed it, and lowered his voice with staring eyes: "I think it's best to keep this matter private." Seeing his fierce gaze, Feng Sai had no choice but to swallow his voice back. "Wan..." Liu Erlang yelled loudly, before he could utter half a word, Wu Meng had already slapped him hard on the face. "Brother Ang, what are you doing?" Feng Sai couldn't help being annoyed. "Let him bark? The one surnamed Tan just slapped me in the face, you should try it too!" "I'm just a middle-aged man. Tan Li violated the contract, so the government should check it out. I'm afraid it's unjustifiable for Brother Wu to do so, not to mention that my brother-in-law has nothing to do with this matter. Uncle Zhu, Uncle Zang?" Feng Sai looked at the two of them. Zang Qi was cold and sullen, as if he didn't hear; Zhu Deshi was ashamed, but he didn't speak. Wu Meng said loudly again: "At this moment you want to escape the crime? You are there when you get money, and if something happens, you run away. What do I spend money to feed you idiots?" As Wu Meng said, he stretched out his hand and pulled hard, pulling Liu Erlang over. "Brother Wu!" Feng Sai hurriedly tried to stop him. "Return charcoal to others! If you keep talking, it won't be a matter of slapping!" Wu Meng opened Feng Sai's arm, turned around and walked towards the city with Liu Erlang in his arms. Feng Sai knew that this person was a rascal and would do anything, so he had to stop. Zhu Deshi felt a little sorry, but he only said: "Second brother Feng, we are waiting for your letter." After saying that, he and Zang Qi also turned and left. Feng Sai watched Liu Erlang's frail body being pushed forward by Wu Meng's thick arms, and he staggered forward, only vaguely heard him say to Wu Meng: "Tan Li does not send charcoal, Brother Wu should..." But Wu Meng immediately waved his left hand, as if he was about to hit again, Liu Erlang naturally didn't dare to say any more.The figures of the two were immediately submerged in the street crowd, appearing and disappearing from time to time. Feng Sai watched them walk away, his heart was in a state of confusion, not only his hands were shaking, but even his teeth were chattering.
The two sides of the Hongqiao were in chaos, with people crowded and arguing. The bullock cart couldn't move at all, Lu Mantou was anxious, panicked and afraid, but he had no choice but to lead the cow to the west wall of the Shiqianjiao shop, stop and rein in the cow. "Father! Can't stop!" The second son Lu Bu behind him cried out in a low voice. "Yes, how dare you stop?" Lu Bo, the eldest son who was following behind the car, hurried over and asked. "How do I get here? With such a group of people, it's even more difficult to go up Hongqiao!" Lu Mantou never expected to bump into Feng Sai, his legs were almost limp. Lu Mantou just turned 50 this year, but he looks like someone in his 60s.In fact, three months ago, his forehead was still full like a fresh steamed bun, without a single wrinkle, his thick black beard could not find a single white one, and his body was also healthy, how could he be so haggard and thin?Even if Feng Sai saw him just now, he might not recognize him. Even so, he never dared to show his head, hid beside the cow, secretly peeking at Longliu.Fortunately, several people from the Tanxing Bank entangled Feng Sai and had no time to look this way.At this time, the two men in the car had already restrained the two women and the girl, and he was relieved when he heard nothing. But recalling the emergency when the car passed by Feng Sai just now, sweat suddenly covered his bald forehead again.
Feng Sai had never been so panic-stricken before, he lowered his head and clenched his fists, pondered for a while before he managed to calm himself down.Although Wu Meng is violent, Liu Erlang should be fine for the time being, but his wife and daughter must go looking for him immediately. He turned his head and apologized to Hu Shang: "Ibra, I'm really sorry, I have to find out the whereabouts of my wife and children first, can you wait in the tea house next to me?" Hu Shang nodded, but there seemed to be some reluctance on his face.Feng Sai didn't care about these things, thanked him, and hurriedly got on the horse's back, and was about to drive the horse, but he heard someone calling from behind: "Mr. Feng!" Looking back, he saw a man in his twenties, wearing an old blouse, old cloth trousers, a pair of worn out shoes, and holding a willow branch in his hand. He was followed by five donkeys. Holding two bundles of charcoal, and finally followed by a young man, also old clothes and shoes, clinging to a willow branch.I don't even know it. But the man bowed his back and smiled humbly: "Mr. Feng, you don't recognize me? My name is Zhu Shiwu, and he is my younger brother Zhu Shiliu. Last summer, we brothers begged you to find a job, and you recommended us to Gu Jiayin." shop……" "Oh——" Feng Sai vaguely remembered that at that time Zhu Shiwu and three others came to ask for a way out, and he remembered that the Gu family bank was looking for helpers, so he asked Liu Erlang to take them there.Looking at Zhu Shiwu at this moment, he seemed to think of something, but he was worried and didn't have time to think about it, so he just answered casually and wanted to drive the horse forward. But Zhu Shiwu came over, stopped the horse halfway, and still smiled: "I haven't thanked the senior official yet. Senior official, I have to ask you for something." "What's the matter?" Feng Sai was a little impatient. "You see, we two brothers really have no other way of life. Seeing that the price of charcoal in the capital has risen, there should be more people asking for charcoal, so we made a total sum, dug a kiln to burn some charcoal, and rented these five donkeys. Come to the city to sell, earn a few liters of rice to feed your stomach and save your life, but once you enter the city gate, the tax has to be collected, and when you enter the city, you have to go through the first road..." Feng Sai immediately understood what he meant.It was a rule at that time that no matter what kind of goods or how much they were, as long as they entered the city, they had to pay taxes to the city gate tax collectors.There are regulations in all walks of life, foreign goods cannot be sold privately, they can only be sold to the head of the line, and then the head of the line sells them to the merchants.Zhu Shiwu said all this because he hoped that he would intercede with the tax and charcoal chiefs on his behalf, and reduce some taxes and money.Normally, it would be a bit of blessing for him to intercede casually.But right now I am in a hurry, how can I take care of these? "I can't do it today. I have something urgent. How about another day?" "Okay! Okay! The officials are being delayed..." Zhu Shiwu was a little disappointed, but quickly covered it up with that humble smile. Feng Sai couldn't bear to see the many years of hardships accumulated in his smile, and when he thought of what he had just suffered, he couldn't help feeling angry. He happened to see Zeng Pang, the owner of the Chuan Restaurant opposite, coming out. The grilled jerky was selling well, and they needed charcoal, so they greeted, "Brother Zeng, do you want charcoal?" "Yes. However, the charcoal has always been delivered by Lu Tan's family over at Lanke Temple." "Brother Zhu has some charcoal. It's not easy for a small family and a small business. You can take care of it and collect some." "This is not good. I have been doing business with Lu Tan's family all year round..." "The total of these five donkeys is only ten scales of charcoal, and the current price of one scale is 160 Wen. He will sell the ten scales to you for 1,500 Wen. How about it?" Feng Saixun made a rough calculation, two cents for the tax when entering the city, and at least two cents for the first pass. Zhu Shiwu's ten scales of charcoal, if sold according to the industry regulations, would cost at most 1,400 Wen.Saving one hundred cash is enough for his family to eat for a day. After hearing this, Zhu Shiwu's eyes lit up with joy, but Zeng Pang hesitated. "I'm afraid Lu Tan's family is short of charcoal too?" Feng Sai asked again. "It's true... I went to his house this morning, and there is no charcoal left." "So it's not a breach of contract for you to accept this charcoal. In addition, Brother Cao has already told me about Sun Yangdian's transfer to the wine business and the increase in the price of wine. I will intercede for you when I have time. There is also the love of big brother." "That's right! I'll take the charcoal!" "Thank you Brother Zeng, I have to take a step ahead. Oh—" He saw Liu Erlang's horse still left on the side of the road, "Brother Zeng, can I leave this horse at your house for a while?" "That's easy to say." Zeng Pang led the horse. "Thank you!" Feng Sai couldn't wait any longer, turned around and drove his horse towards the city.
"Brother-in-law, you sent two sedan chairs to pick up your two sisters in the morning?" "No!" "Ah? Xiao Ming said that shortly after you left the house in the morning, two sedan chairs came and said that you hired them to take the two older sisters and the two young ladies to Xinghuagang outside the west gate. Food and wine have been arranged there. Chun..." Liu Erlang kept wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. Feng Sai stood there in shock, feeling numb all over his body. "The eldest sister asked Ah Shan and his wife to stay at home, and she and my elder sister took the two girls into the sedan chair together. A Xian and Xiao Ming followed and went out of the city. Later, Xiao Ming hurried back and said When they were about to arrive at Xinghuagang, she and Axian were knocked out, and when they woke up, the sedan chair was gone. Both of them cried in fright, and hurried to find the whereabouts of the two sisters..." "Didn't find it?" "No." "Did you report to the police?" "I went to report. This morning, my sister asked me to go to Fangmingyuan to deliver festival steamed cakes to Gu Pan'er. I was delayed for a while, and went back to answer my sister. I happened to meet Xiaoming who came back in a hurry. After hearing what she said, I Hurriedly asked Ah Shan and his wife to go to the west gate to look for them together, and Xiao Ming stayed at home. I went to Kaifeng mansion to report to the officials, but today was a holiday and I couldn't find the person in charge. He rode around to inquire about it, but he couldn't find it after searching around. Afraid of delay, he hurried out of the city to look for the head of the right north chamber. Fortunately, he found him. Gang went to search. I hurried to Dongcheng to find my brother-in-law..." Feng Sai was like a dream, but he still didn't believe it. He was shocked for a long time before he came back to his senses, and hurriedly said: "I'll go look for them, and you will accompany Ibra to pick up the goods..." Liu Erlang nodded, Feng Sai hurriedly turned around to get on the horse, his foot missed the stirrup, and he almost fell, before he stabilized himself, a loud shout came from behind him: "Feng Er!" Turning his head, he saw Zhu Deshi, the head of the Bianjing Charcoal Company, and Zang Qi and Wu Meng, the two major charcoal merchants. The three of them walked over in a hurry, all looking bad. Feng Sai was worried, but he had no choice but to stop, and tried his best to smile: "Uncle Zhu, Uncle Zang, Brother Wu!" "The one surnamed Tan is still missing today!" Wu Meng yelled in a rough voice, he was the one who was drinking too much just now. "There are too many ships today, I'm afraid they will be blocked at the tax customs. My family..." "Tax customs yesterday, today again? The charcoal we stored has been sold out, and the internal charcoal depot is urging for charcoal again. What do you think?" "It will definitely arrive today, please wait a moment. My family..." "Wait? We can wait, the stove in the palace can't wait!" "Today is the first day of charcoal delivery, and the palace may not really be out of charcoal..." Feng Sai has always been a precept that when talking to merchants, he must not go against the merchant's words no matter what.At this moment, he was worried about his wife and children, and Wu Meng interrupted his words one after another. In his anxiety, he accidentally violated the precept.As soon as he realized that he was about to recover, Wu Meng slapped him hard on the shoulder, he was unprepared, staggered, and retreated a few steps. If it wasn't for Hushang Ibra's support, he would almost fall to the ground. He has been a dentist for more than ten years, and although he has encountered countless disputes, he has never been pushed and shoved like this.Not to mention that he has earned a reputation in Bianjing in the past few years, no matter how big a wealthy businessman is, they are polite when they meet him.He looked at Wu Meng, suddenly a little dazed. But Wu Meng still stared at him angrily: "I don't know if there is any charcoal in the palace, our buttocks are already burnt!" At the head of the line, Zhu Deshi hurriedly persuaded: "Don't do anything about Wu Laosan...Second brother Feng, I can't blame Wu Laosan for being anxious. For more than a month, we have been frustrated enough by that surnamed Tan. , endure it again and again, the situation is good right now, he simply won’t deliver the goods, isn’t he trying to burn us all as charcoal?” Feng Sai tried his best to suppress his anxiety: "Uncle Zhu, Uncle Zang, Brother Wu, there are many boats going to Beijing to take advantage of business these days, Tan Li's charcoal boat must have been delayed. Wait a moment, I guess no matter what , I will definitely come today. If I don’t come today, I am willing to be punished..." "Punishment? How?" Wu Meng shouted harshly, "How many scales of charcoal is your little fortune worth? If we are short of charcoal for a day, do you still want to expose the pots and stoves that are full of capital?" Feng Sai's heart was on fire, and his hands were trembling a little, but he knew Wu Meng's temperament. Seeing the situation, the more anxious he became, the more he couldn't escape. , you guys are the Kitchen Gods of Bianjing City, not to mention the 200,000 households in Bianjing, even the palace has to rely on you to cook saliva. How could I not know how powerful this is? It’s just that something urgent happened in my family. I have to do it quickly. I asked my brother-in-law to stay by the Bian River today, and report to everyone as soon as the charcoal boat arrives. Erlang?" Liu Erlang nodded hurriedly. Zhu Deshi and the others still stared at Feng Sai, not wanting to let him go. Feng Sai was anxious, his voice was a little trembling, but he could only continue to try his best to make amends with a smile: "It's a good day, if you want to go to any garden outside the city, you can choose whatever you want. I will ask my brother-in-law to serve you, and I will also pay for the wine. I will pay for it at the next house. Things are really urgent, can you take the first step?" Zang Qi didn't like to talk, so he said in a hoarse voice: "We can still pay for a few glasses of wine, don't worry about Brother Feng's expenses. I think the surnamed Tan may twist our intestines again this time. If he is sincere If you do evil, we have no choice but to meet with the officials. Then you don't have to run away." Although Zang Qi was not as irritable as Wu Meng, his tone was cold and compelling.Feng Sai hurriedly said: "This time Tan Liruo really made a fool of himself. I was the first to drag him to the court. How could he run away? Everyone must know me. Feng Sai dare not say anything else, but the word 'letter' I have never lost it before, and I will never dare to lose it in the future. It's just that my family really..." Wu Meng interrupted violently again: "Second brother Zang is right! We have to be careful, if he leaves again, we won't be able to catch even a single hair - you didn't mean to let your brother-in-law serve us, then Alright, let him stay with you! I know you spent three thousand and four hundred guan to get that 'tea slave' out of prostitution and get her home. Naturally, you have to take good care of her brother. That's it! Use charcoal Come replace your brother-in-law!" Feng Sai was startled, and Liu Erlang couldn't help but took half a step back. Feng Sai couldn't help but smile again: "Brother Wu really can't trust me?" "I don't believe in anything, I only believe in the charcoal that enters the library!" As Wu Meng spoke, he stretched out his thick arm and grabbed Liu Erlang's left arm. Liu Erlang tried his best to break free, but Wu Meng was so strong that he couldn't break free at all. Liu Erlang hurriedly looked at Feng Sai. Feng Sai hurriedly said to Zhu Deshi: "Uncle Zhu, you also refuse to believe me?" Zhu Deshi was a little embarrassed, and before he could open his mouth, Wu Meng stared and said, "Didn't you say that the charcoal will definitely be delivered today, what are you afraid of? We don't eat the meat of your brother-in-law. Don't worry, I will treat him well. , when the charcoal comes, we will naturally let him go home." Feng Sai was about to speak when he caught a glimpse of a short and fat man hurriedly passing by. He recognized Wanfu, the personal escort of the left army patrol Gu Zhen. Feng Sai and Gu Zhen had drank several times, and Wanfu was present.He was just about to greet Wanfu and ask him to come and rescue him.Wu Meng had already noticed it, and lowered his voice with staring eyes: "I think it's best to keep this matter private." Seeing his fierce gaze, Feng Sai had no choice but to swallow his voice back. "Wan..." Liu Erlang yelled loudly, before he could utter half a word, Wu Meng had already slapped him hard on the face. "Brother Ang, what are you doing?" Feng Sai couldn't help being annoyed. "Let him bark? The one surnamed Tan just slapped me in the face, you should try it too!" "I'm just a middle-aged man. Tan Li violated the contract, so the government should check it out. I'm afraid it's unjustifiable for Brother Wu to do so, not to mention that my brother-in-law has nothing to do with this matter. Uncle Zhu, Uncle Zang?" Feng Sai looked at the two of them. Zang Qi was cold and sullen, as if he didn't hear; Zhu Deshi was ashamed, but he didn't speak. Wu Meng said loudly again: "At this moment you want to escape the crime? You are there when you get money, and if something happens, you run away. What do I spend money to feed you idiots?" As Wu Meng said, he stretched out his hand and pulled hard, pulling Liu Erlang over. "Brother Wu!" Feng Sai hurriedly tried to stop him. "Return charcoal to others! If you keep talking, it won't be a matter of slapping!" Wu Meng opened Feng Sai's arm, turned around and walked towards the city with Liu Erlang in his arms. Feng Sai knew that this person was a rascal and would do anything, so he had to stop. Zhu Deshi felt a little sorry, but he only said: "Second brother Feng, we are waiting for your letter." After saying that, he and Zang Qi also turned and left. Feng Sai watched Liu Erlang's frail body being pushed forward by Wu Meng's thick arms, and he staggered forward, only vaguely heard him say to Wu Meng: "Tan Li does not send charcoal, Brother Wu should..." But Wu Meng immediately waved his left hand, as if he was about to hit again, Liu Erlang naturally didn't dare to say any more.The figures of the two were immediately submerged in the street crowd, appearing and disappearing from time to time. Feng Sai watched them walk away, his heart was in a state of confusion, not only his hands were shaking, but even his teeth were chattering.
The two sides of the Hongqiao were in chaos, with people crowded and arguing. The bullock cart couldn't move at all, Lu Mantou was anxious, panicked and afraid, but he had no choice but to lead the cow to the west wall of the Shiqianjiao shop, stop and rein in the cow. "Father! Can't stop!" The second son Lu Bu behind him cried out in a low voice. "Yes, how dare you stop?" Lu Bo, the eldest son who was following behind the car, hurried over and asked. "How do I get here? With such a group of people, it's even more difficult to go up Hongqiao!" Lu Mantou never expected to bump into Feng Sai, his legs were almost limp. Lu Mantou just turned 50 this year, but he looks like someone in his 60s.In fact, three months ago, his forehead was still full like a fresh steamed bun, without a single wrinkle, his thick black beard could not find a single white one, and his body was also healthy, how could he be so haggard and thin?Even if Feng Sai saw him just now, he might not recognize him. Even so, he never dared to show his head, hid beside the cow, secretly peeking at Longliu.Fortunately, several people from the Tanxing Bank entangled Feng Sai and had no time to look this way.At this time, the two men in the car had already restrained the two women and the girl, and he was relieved when he heard nothing. But recalling the emergency when the car passed by Feng Sai just now, sweat suddenly covered his bald forehead again.
Feng Sai had never been so panic-stricken before, he lowered his head and clenched his fists, pondered for a while before he managed to calm himself down.Although Wu Meng is violent, Liu Erlang should be fine for the time being, but his wife and daughter must go looking for him immediately. He turned his head and apologized to Hu Shang: "Ibra, I'm really sorry, I have to find out the whereabouts of my wife and children first, can you wait in the tea house next to me?" Hu Shang nodded, but there seemed to be some reluctance on his face.Feng Sai didn't care about these things, thanked him, and hurriedly got on the horse's back, and was about to drive the horse, but he heard someone calling from behind: "Mr. Feng!" Looking back, he saw a man in his twenties, wearing an old blouse, old cloth trousers, a pair of worn out shoes, and holding a willow branch in his hand. He was followed by five donkeys. Holding two bundles of charcoal, and finally followed by a young man, also old clothes and shoes, clinging to a willow branch.I don't even know it. But the man bowed his back and smiled humbly: "Mr. Feng, you don't recognize me? My name is Zhu Shiwu, and he is my younger brother Zhu Shiliu. Last summer, we brothers begged you to find a job, and you recommended us to Gu Jiayin." shop……" "Oh——" Feng Sai vaguely remembered that at that time Zhu Shiwu and three others came to ask for a way out, and he remembered that the Gu family bank was looking for helpers, so he asked Liu Erlang to take them there.Looking at Zhu Shiwu at this moment, he seemed to think of something, but he was worried and didn't have time to think about it, so he just answered casually and wanted to drive the horse forward. But Zhu Shiwu came over, stopped the horse halfway, and still smiled: "I haven't thanked the senior official yet. Senior official, I have to ask you for something." "What's the matter?" Feng Sai was a little impatient. "You see, we two brothers really have no other way of life. Seeing that the price of charcoal in the capital has risen, there should be more people asking for charcoal, so we made a total sum, dug a kiln to burn some charcoal, and rented these five donkeys. Come to the city to sell, earn a few liters of rice to feed your stomach and save your life, but once you enter the city gate, the tax has to be collected, and when you enter the city, you have to go through the first road..." Feng Sai immediately understood what he meant.It was a rule at that time that no matter what kind of goods or how much they were, as long as they entered the city, they had to pay taxes to the city gate tax collectors.There are regulations in all walks of life, foreign goods cannot be sold privately, they can only be sold to the head of the line, and then the head of the line sells them to the merchants.Zhu Shiwu said all this because he hoped that he would intercede with the tax and charcoal chiefs on his behalf, and reduce some taxes and money.Normally, it would be a bit of blessing for him to intercede casually.But right now I am in a hurry, how can I take care of these? "I can't do it today. I have something urgent. How about another day?" "Okay! Okay! The officials are being delayed..." Zhu Shiwu was a little disappointed, but quickly covered it up with that humble smile. Feng Sai couldn't bear to see the many years of hardships accumulated in his smile, and when he thought of what he had just suffered, he couldn't help feeling angry. He happened to see Zeng Pang, the owner of the Chuan Restaurant opposite, coming out. The grilled jerky was selling well, and they needed charcoal, so they greeted, "Brother Zeng, do you want charcoal?" "Yes. However, the charcoal has always been delivered by Lu Tan's family over at Lanke Temple." "Brother Zhu has some charcoal. It's not easy for a small family and a small business. You can take care of it and collect some." "This is not good. I have been doing business with Lu Tan's family all year round..." "The total of these five donkeys is only ten scales of charcoal, and the current price of one scale is 160 Wen. He will sell the ten scales to you for 1,500 Wen. How about it?" Feng Saixun made a rough calculation, two cents for the tax when entering the city, and at least two cents for the first pass. Zhu Shiwu's ten scales of charcoal, if sold according to the industry regulations, would cost at most 1,400 Wen.Saving one hundred cash is enough for his family to eat for a day. After hearing this, Zhu Shiwu's eyes lit up with joy, but Zeng Pang hesitated. "I'm afraid Lu Tan's family is short of charcoal too?" Feng Sai asked again. "It's true... I went to his house this morning, and there is no charcoal left." "So it's not a breach of contract for you to accept this charcoal. In addition, Brother Cao has already told me about Sun Yangdian's transfer to the wine business and the increase in the price of wine. I will intercede for you when I have time. There is also the love of big brother." "That's right! I'll take the charcoal!" "Thank you Brother Zeng, I have to take a step ahead. Oh—" He saw Liu Erlang's horse still left on the side of the road, "Brother Zeng, can I leave this horse at your house for a while?" "That's easy to say." Zeng Pang led the horse. "Thank you!" Feng Sai couldn't wait any longer, turned around and drove his horse towards the city.