Chapter 20 Chapter 20: The Trip to Baoqing

It is said that ever since Jiang Yilang told the story of the tomb robbery at Zhige Pavilion, there was one person who paid as much attention to the development of the situation as Xiao Ziyu and Xiong Jie—he was Jiang Xinghe, the richest man in Duliang.At that time, there was an uproar in Duliang City, and everyone said that "Jiang Da" in the story was Jiang Xinghe in reality. Is Jiang Xinghe really an upstart who made his fortune by robbing tombs?It's a mystery.His housekeeper Li Shiyan heard a lot of gossip outside every day, which was very detrimental to Jiang Xinghe's reputation.Li Shiyan said: "Boss, in my opinion, it's better to let that Jiang Yilang shut up forever."

Jiang Xinghe said: "My reputation has already spread, and I can't take it back if I want to. I have to forgive others and forgive others. Let him go. Don't worry about the rumors about me in the public, but the development of the situation must be It must be grasped and must not be neglected.” Li Shiyan is a powerful character. He is a frequent visitor to Zhige Pavilion. With careful observation, he found out that Qian Jincai's wife Xia Mei had an affair with Zhang Xianfan. , The adulteress is caught on the bed.As a result, since then, Zhang Xianfan has obeyed Li Shiyan's words.Through Zhang Xianfan, Li Shiyan grasped the development of the situation in time.When Xiao Ziyu and Xiong Jie went to Tongbao Mountain to compete for the tomb of Concubine Xia, Li Shiyan finally couldn't hold back, and tried his best to encourage his boss to intervene.Jiang Xinghe was unmoved, and advised Li Shiyan in the Chinese language of "Zeng Guang Xian Wen": "Sometimes you must have your destiny, and there is no time to force your destiny."

Jiang Xinghe said so, but he also ordered to pay close attention to the development of the situation. Li Shiyan is a smart person, so he naturally understands the intention of his boss. That day Li Shiyan sat in the Zhige Pavilion and ordered a plate of peanuts, a plate of pig ears, and a catty of Du Liangxiang, and sat down to taste them slowly.Then a few more guests came, Qian Jincai saw that the guests were all drinking, and felt that this was not Zhigeting's style, so he said: "Guest officials, don't just drink, you have to create some atmosphere, isn't there?" Would you like some wine and condiments?"

The "condiments" mentioned by Qian Jincai are actually "stories". One of the guests said: "Yes, there are, I almost forgot, but now the most lively place is Tongbaoshan Immortal Temple." Another diner laughed and said: "This guest officer is telling a joke. The Buddhist temple is so clean that the morning bells and evening drums make even ghosts feel lonely. How can it be so lively!" The guest said: "This gentleman doesn't know something. Let me tell you slowly. It turns out that a concubine's tomb was buried behind the Immortal Temple, which attracted two men to hunt for treasure. One is the police chief Xiao Ziyu, and the other is the police chief. It's Xiong Jie from Fengmu Ridge, isn't it so lively?"

Another guest said: "Someone said this in Zhige Pavilion. It's not unusual. We all want to know the result. Can you tell me the result?" The guest said: "The result is already there. Xiao Ziyu dug up the tomb, but he didn't even see the concubine's bones! What's more annoying is that the concubine's tomb is haunted at night, scaring Xiao Ziyu's son out of his soul. Master Liao Kong and Tang Shaoyin treated him in every possible way, but his life was saved, but he fell into a strange disease." Li Shiyan became anxious when he heard this, because the wedding date of Xiao Peng and his young lady Jiang Yuying had already been set, which was on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, and the wedding date was imminent. He couldn't help but interrupted: "Mr. okay?"

The guest said: "This disease is really strange. It usually behaves well. When it flares up, it will yell that the ghost is coming. If it is in the middle of the night, people will be scared to death by him. I heard that he is about to get married. Just wait and see, bride." Don’t be scared to death by him and ask me to pay for your life.” Li Shiyan wanted to continue interrogating, but another diner said first: "This time Xiao Ziyu was unlucky, he was struck by lightning and then burned. He didn't dig out the treasure, and even dug up his son." The guest said: "It's inevitable that he was unlucky. His father's grave was dug just after he was buried. This is a sign of prodigal family."

The hall was talking lively, and several guests came in. These guests were wearing incense team uniforms, with "Jingxiang at Xianren Temple" written on the back, and "Returning to the Light" on the front.One of the pilgrims yelled as soon as he came in: "News, amazing news! The night before yesterday, Xiao Ziyu wasted no effort digging an empty tomb in Tongbao Mountain. Last night, Xiong Jie entered the tomb according to the original cave and dug thousands of graves." Gold and silver treasures!" What the pilgrim said caused waves of waves with one stone. The diners were very interested and questioned the pilgrim one after another.Before the pilgrim could finish speaking, someone came in from outside and shouted: "News, great news! Last night Xiong Jie unearthed Concubine Xia's tomb in Tongbao Mountain and made a lot of money, and sold it to Beizhamen consignment company early this morning for a piece of silver." Fifty thousand oceans!"

The hall was boiling again, and the diners were very excited. The last guest who came in said: "It's nothing, the excitement is yet to come, the tomb of Concubine Xia is less than one-thousandth of Zhu Qifeng's tomb... The first time I lose a game, I won't accept it, he is looking for Jiang Yilang everywhere, intending to cut off Xiong Jie's retreat!" Xiao Ziyu looked around for Jiang Yilang's affairs. Zhang Xianfan had secretly told Li Shiyan about it, but he didn't expect it to reach Zhige Pavilion now. He wanted to tell Jiang Xinghe the information in time.Li Shiyan was about to get up, but Zhang Xianfan walked in with his head downcast.Li Shiyan walked over and patted him on the shoulder: "Look at your bitter face, who owes you rice and pays you back?"

Zhang Xianfan said: "Where did I get the rice to lend to others, I am afraid they will borrow my life." Li Shiyan knew something was wrong as soon as he heard it, and pulled him out of the Zhige Pavilion: "There are no good stories here, and I will help you out if there is something bothering you." Zhang Xianfan followed Li Shiyan to a secluded place and said: "I didn't lie to you, someone will really kill me." Li Shiyan asked: "Who will kill you? I don't understand." Zhang Xianfan said: "Xiao Ziyu will kill me. He asked me to look for Jiang Yilang these two days. I searched all the inns in Duliang, but I couldn't find them. I only found a closed side room in Yudaiqiao Inn, which was very suspicious. , I reported to him, he pretended to be disapproving, who would have thought that after I left, he would sneak to the Yudai Bridge Inn, climb in through the back window of the ear room and kill Jiang Yilang."

Li Shiyan was surprised: "Why did he kill Jiang Yilang? He doesn't want to dig Zhu Qifeng's tomb?" Zhang Xianfan said: "I saw with my own eyes that he threw Jiang Yilang's body into the river. In fact, Jiang Yilang had long been useless to him. Although he knew where Zhu Qifeng was buried, he couldn't get in. There are hidden weapons, traps, and poisonous gas in the tomb, and as many people enter, as many people will die." Li Shiyan frowned: "According to what you say, no one can enter Zhu Qifeng's tomb?" Zhang Xianfan said: "Not necessarily, Zhu Zixiang in Xiao Ziyu's hand is Zhu Qifeng's direct descendant, he has the secret blueprint to enter the tomb."

Li Shiyan lowered his face and said, "Zhang Xianfan, you never told me these words before! To be honest, why did you keep it from me?" Zhang Xianfan said with a bitter face: "I just found out. Since Xiao Ziyu killed Jiang Yilang, I also know a lot of inside stories. He will definitely kill me too." Li Shiyan nodded and said: "According to what you say, it will be a matter of time before he kills you. But if you are willing to listen to me, you can still live." "Tell me first, don't try to deceive me, I'm not easy to deceive." "If you think I'm lying to you, just don't listen, but for the sake of our friendship, I still have to say it—you can tell Xiong Jie what you just said to me..." Li Shiyan waited to see Zhang Xianfan Reaction. Zhang Xianfan said: "Wouldn't Xiong Jie compete with Xiao Ziyu for Zhu Zixiang again?" Li Shiyan nodded: "I want them to fight against each other." Zhang Xianfan said: "Can Xiong Jie compete against Xiao Ziyu? Wouldn't it be more sinful if he can't compete with me?" Li Shiyan said: "For you, adding first-class or second-class crimes is death in Xiao Ziyu's hands. If you help Xiong Jie, you still have hope of living. I just heard about Xiao Ziyu's crime." My son is sick and lives in Tang Shaoyin's house, as long as Xiong Jie gets Xiao Peng, Xiao Ziyu will obediently hand over Zhu Zixiang." The two of them hadn't finished their conversation when they saw a person rushing out of the slanting stab - this person pulled Zhang Xianfan away as soon as he came in: "So you are here, we had a hard time finding you!" Zhang Xianfan was taken aback, and when he looked closely, it was Huang Yuanfu, the owner of the Yudai Bridge Inn, who called out, "Boss Huang, why are you pulling me?" Huang Yuanfu said, "Don't ask, you'll know when you go." Zhang Xianfan cheated: "If you don't tell me, I won't go if you kill me!" Huang Yuanfu said: "Only you have asked about the side room in my shop many times. Now that Jiang Yilang who was hiding there is gone, Xiong Jie wants to ask me for someone." Zhang Xianfan said: "Didn't you say that Jiang Yilang didn't hide at your house? How come he lost it and asked me for someone? I won't go!" He said so, but he followed Huang Yuanfu. When Li Shiyan heard that Xiong Jie wanted to find Zhang Xianfan, he felt relieved. When he returned home, he saw Jiang Xinghe sitting in the study with a jeweled object in his hand.Li Shiyan has seen this thing in the play, if he guessed correctly, it should be the phoenix crown worn by Concubine Xia.This shows that the rumors about Zhigeting are not wrong.Jiang Xinghe knew that Li Shiyan had entered the study, but he didn't look up, his eyes stayed on the antique: "Butler Li is back?" Li Shiyan closed the door: "You're back, did my master go to the north gate too?" Jiang Xinghe said lightly, "You know it too." Li Shiyan said: "I heard it all at the Zhige Pavilion, and I still have a lot of news to report to you." Li Shiyan then told him about what he heard at the Zhige Pavilion and how he encouraged Zhang Xianfan.After hearing such important news, Jiang Xinghe still remained silent, and Li Shiyan couldn't help feeling a little anxious: "Master, regarding Miss's marriage, if my uncle is really that weird..." Jiang Xinghe finally stopped playing with antiques, and said unhurriedly: "I've heard about this too. I've been to Xiao's house, and Xiao Ziyu went out, but I didn't meet him. But fortunately, I didn't meet him because of his illness. I asked Tang Shaoyin specifically—it might not get better." Li Shiyan said: "If it doesn't get better, it will be troublesome. The young lady is timid. After marriage, the son-in-law will have a seizure in the middle of the night, and it will definitely scare her out of her soul." Jiang Xinghe pondered for a moment, then said slowly: "Go to Xiao's house and tell them that my family, Yuying, is not in good health recently and the marriage will be postponed." Li Shiyan took orders to go to Xiao's house, and it happened that Xiao Ziyu was not at home, so he told the old housekeeper Xiao Zhong about the boss's words. Li Shiyan left the Xiao Mansion compound, and when he was about to finish walking Liushan Road, he felt someone following behind him. In a secluded place, Li Shiyan simply stopped and turned his head—only to find that the person following behind turned out to be Zhang Xianfan. "It's you, I thought I was haunted by ghosts." Zhang Xianfan said: "You did a good job, now Xiong Jie really kidnapped Xiao Peng!" Li Shiyan said: "This is a good thing." Zhang Xianfan said: "What a fart, Xiao Ziyu took the police from all over the world to chase after him, and even rode a horse. Xiong Jie only has about twenty people. Most of their guns are made of wood. Even the real guns only have a few grains left." The bullet is gone, and this time they are dead." Li Shiyan said: "After they die, Xiao Ziyu will deal with you." Zhang Xianfan said: "It turns out that you have already arranged a trap for me!" Li Shiyan patted Zhang Xianfan on the shoulder and said with a smile: "What kind of trap, I'm pointing you to a sunny avenue—Xiong Jie succeeds, you are a hero and you can go to Fengmuling to join the gang; Xiao Ziyu wins, you are also a hero, Without you he would have seldom driven off such a formidable opponent. So you should thank me." When Li Shiyan and Zhang Xianfan passed the Zhige Pavilion, they saw that the hall was full of people, so they knew that there was another big news. They squeezed into the hall to listen carefully, and it turned out that something big happened——Xiong Jie had been beaten to death by Xiao Ziyu At Deadhead Bridge, his men fled back to Maple Ridge.An eyewitness who lived near the Duantou Bridge danced and said: "The robbers in Maple Ridge are so daring, they dared to fight against the brigade police with wooden guns in their hands! What is even more ridiculous is the bandit leader who kidnapped Xiao Peng There is no bullet in the gun!" Besides, because Xiao Ziyu was stimulated by the Jiang family's regretful marriage, he was eager to seek money and wanted to dig Zhu Qifeng's tomb that night.While instructing Xiao Zhong to choose labor, he went to the guest room to ask Yu Zhu Zixiang. Zhu Zixiang said: "It's not a bad idea to act tonight, but there is one thing I want to remind Mr. Director, the rules left over from ancient times in our business, in addition to offering sacrifices to gods, we also have to choose a date before doing things. Once you commit evil, it is difficult to achieve good things." .People don’t seem to believe that anymore in order to save trouble over the years, and neither do I—the result is that things used to rarely happen, and now they always don’t.” Xiao Ziyu seemed to have realized something, and said: "We didn't choose a date when we went to Tongbao Mountain. It seems that we still have to believe in this. Master Zhu is an expert, which gentleman should we choose a date?" Zhu Zixiang said: "Just look for He Banxian. In Duliang, no one is more proficient in Zhouyi and Bagua." Xiao Ziyu immediately sent Xiao Huoyang to look for He Banxian. In order not to expose the matter, Xiao Ziyu asked Xiao Huoyang to say that the demolition of the old house needed groundbreaking.To say that choosing a day is really a bit mysterious, a seemingly simple day, governed by sixty heavenly stems and earthly branches; five elements of gold, wood, water, fire, earth; No matter whether it is wedding or funeral, sacrifices, house demolition, or erecting beams, Duliang people always check the zodiac date. Excavating graves should be classified as "breaking ground" and falsely claiming that "demolition of old houses" at home is the most suitable date. of. Let’s talk about before dark, Xiao Huoyang came back from the outside and told Xiao Ziyu what He Banxian said-these two days of evil stars are on duty, and it is not suitable to break ground. After half a month, there will be an auspicious time that is rare in ten years-after half a month, it will be the seventh day of the lunar calendar. At the end of the month, ghosts and gods from all walks of life have just accepted sacrifices from relatives at home, and they have some spare money in their hands, so they are all active outside, and few return to the tomb.At this time, it should be the safest to do it.Xiao Ziyu obeyed, and put aside the matter of digging the grave for the time being. Early the next morning, Xiao Ziyu was about to go back to the police station to handle business, but was stopped by a person as soon as he went out, and when he stopped to look, it was Zhang Xianfan.Xiao Ziyu asked in disgust: "What else do you need to come to me?" Zhang Xianfan had a hippie smile on his face: "Of course I only dare to disturb you if there is something to do—and it's something related to Mr. Chief." Xiao Ziyu sneered and said, "Then just tell me, I have to go back to the bureau for business." Zhang Xianfan showed a somewhat troubled expression: "Such an important matter is on the way...Aren't you afraid of being heard...?" Xiao Ziyu had no choice but to lead Zhang Xianfan back to the study, and said impatiently: "What's the big deal, can we talk about it now?" Zhang Xianfan took a long breath to make his stomach fully swell, as if he had gained confidence, and then said: "This time to kidnap your son—it was my idea to replace Xiong Jie." Xiao Ziyu was startled, wanting to know the following: "What else?" Zhang Xianfan said: "The other thing is that someone else came up with this idea for me." Xiao Ziyu said sharply: "You are so brave, you dare to tell me yourself when you are an accomplice of a robber! Tell me, who came up with the idea for you?!" Zhang Xianfan said: "This idea was thought up by your in-laws' confidant Li Shiyan for me." Xiao Ziyu was startled, then calmed down, and asked, "Why did he give you this idea?" Zhang Xianfan said: "He didn't tell, and I didn't ask." Xiao Ziyu asked, "How much does he know about me?" Zhang Xianfan said: "He knows everything about you." Xiao Ziyu's heartbeat increased: "How did he know?" Zhang Xianfan said: "In addition to me providing him with information, they also pay attention to the news about Zhigeting." Xiao Ziyu's eyes widened angrily: "I think you are tired of work, how dare you tell others about me!" Zhang Xianfan said: "I'm not tired of living, so I live with a little taste. I thought you were in-laws. If I didn't tell you, you would tell him yourself." The more Xiao Ziyu thought about it, the more angry he became, like an angry lion, he paced back and forth in the study for a few times, and finally pulled out a gun and pointed it at Zhang Xianfan's forehead with a fierce look: "You must die, you say it yourself, you choose to kill yourself, or do you want to kill yourself?" Want me to help you?" Zhang Xianfan showed no fear: "I won't commit suicide, so why do you help me?" Xiao Ziyu said coldly: "If I help you, I will kill you with one shot!" Zhang Xianfan said: "You can't do this, it's not good for you. I dare say you will suffer even more without me." Xiao Ziyu sneered: "You are so loud, I want to hear how I would suffer without you!" Zhang Xianfan said, "I will only speak when you take the gun away." Xiao Ziyu took the gun away: "It will take a few seconds for you to die, I will see how you blow the cowhide first!" Zhang Xianfan rubbed his forehead, coughed a few more times, and then said: "It is said that the onlookers are clear, the authorities are obsessed, and the director is not aware of it. In fact, from the very beginning, your opponent is not only Xiong Jie, but also another stronger one—Jiang Jiang." Xinghe. If you think what I said makes sense, I’ll continue. If you think I’m farting, send me on my way.” Zhang Xianfan paused for a moment, seeing that Xiao Ziyu was speechless, he continued: “Today I just heard a It is very accurate news that Jiang Xinghe has already sold the stolen goods from Concubine Xia’s tomb, and the actual price is 50,000 oceans—” Zhang Xianfan paused, looking directly at Xiao Ziyu, “Mr. In the battle of tomb robbery, some people get nothing and some people sacrifice their lives, who is the real winner?" Xiao Ziyu was stunned by Zhang Xianfan's words, and it took him a long time to recover, and said: "Although these words are not pleasant, they are true. Have you finished?" Zhang Xianfan said: "I'm going to lose my use value after I've finished talking. It's too early. For you, I can be used for a long time. My requirements are also pitifully low—just to survive." Xiao Ziyu said: "I didn't realize that you have any value." Zhang Xianfan sneered and said, "I know Director Xiao is using the aggressive method. In fact, if you don't use the aggressive method, I would also say——if only one of your original two opponents remains, don't you want to know what he's doing?" Xiao Ziyu finally forced a smile on his face, changed his fierce look just now, patted Zhang Xianfan on the shoulder and said: "You are indeed a smart man, I underestimated you before. What is going on with Jiang Xinghe now?" Zhang Xianfan said: "Wait on the sidelines, waiting for someone to dig up the treasures from Zhu Qifeng's tomb, and then reap the benefits of the fisherman." Xiao Ziyu looked directly at Zhang Xianfan: "What if someone prevents his wishful thinking from succeeding?" Zhang Xianfan said: "I didn't hear what Director Xiao said clearly, and I don't need to hear clearly. In short, I will pay close attention to Jiang Xinghe's every move in order to survive." Xiao Ziyu asked: "You said that Jiang Xinghe got 50,000 oceans of stolen goods from Concubine Xia's tomb, where did you hear the news?" Zhang Xianfan said: "Don't answer this question." Xiao Ziyu retreated and said the next best thing: "Then don't ask, you can always tell me who he does business with?" Zhang Xianfan hesitated again and again, and said: "Baoqing has a Yonghe number. Finding this treasure number can solve any problem." Xiao Ziyu breathed a sigh of relief, and patted Zhang Xianfan's shoulder a few more times: "Your head is temporarily placed on this shoulder, if you dare to be dishonest, it won't be too late to deal with you!" After Zhang Xianfan left, Xiao Ziyu called Xiao Zhong over and told him some of what Zhang Xianfan had said.After hearing this, Xiao Zhong sighed: "It's really thanks to Zhang Xianfan who reminded me in time. In this case, what is the second young master going to do?" Xiao Ziyu said: "I'm planning to go to Baoqing, even if I sell it to others cheaply, it won't benefit Jiang Xinghe." Xiao Zhong nodded and said, "This is the only way to go. When are you going to leave?" Xiao Ziyu said: "A round trip to Baoqing will take at least ten days at most. This matter cannot be delayed. You can go to He Banxian to find out the auspicious date for the trip. If you can leave within two days, you will come back just in time for the grave digging. .” Xiao Zhong immediately went out to find He Banxian, and came back in less than an hour to tell Xiao Ziyu that tomorrow would be a good day, and it would be auspicious to go north.Baoqing happened to be in the northeast of Duliang, Xiao Ziyu was overjoyed, and then went to the bureau to handle official business.Before leaving get off work, Xiao Ziyu called Shu Zhenqian to the office, saying that the General Administration had something to do in the past few days, and he had to go on a business trip. If it was not a particularly urgent matter, each department could decide on its own. Considering that people would see him riding a horse, Xiao Ziyu decided to take the water route.Early the next morning, Xiao Ziyu dressed up as a squire and took Xiao Huoyang to Baoqing by boat. The Nanshui River flows northeast, and it flows downstream from Duliang to Baoqing. It took only four days to reach the destination.The master and servant chose an inn to stay for one night, and asked the innkeeper about the Yonghe.When it comes to this treasure number, the locals all know it, saying that it is the largest jewelry number and antique shop in several provinces in the south of the Yangtze River.Among the two, the antique business is the best, and it is the gathering place for cultural relic dealers in western developed countries.After hearing these words, Xiao Ziyu felt confident, and the master and servant took a hot bath and rested at ease.On the fifth day, Xiao Ziyu found the Yonghe Ship on Baoqing Road with the guidance of passers-by. The facade of the Yonghe is very grand, and the counters in the store are made of thickened glass, which was very fashionable at the time.The cabinet is full of various styles of gold and silver jewelry and jewelry.The appearance of Xiao Ziyu's master and servant immediately attracted a warm reception from the waiter in the shop, and introduced the advantages and prices of various jewelry to them.Xiao Ziyu listened patiently for a while, and then said: "I don't buy jewelry, I have a batch of goods to sell - I want to find your biggest boss." The shop waiter said: "Our boss doesn't come to the shop often, sir, I will help you to ask later." As soon as the clerk left, a foreigner with a high nose and blue eyes came over and asked in standard Chinese, "Sir, what do you want to sell? Is it an antique? My name is Bill, an American, and I am in the antique business." Seeing that Xiao Ziyu was ignoring him, Xiao Huoyang couldn't help but said, "What we want to sell is antique." Bill immediately became interested and asked, "What is it, can you disclose it?" Xiao Huoyang asked: "Do you like ancient paintings?" Bill's face was bright: "Our favorite is ancient Chinese paintings. Which artist's works are they?" Xiao Huoyang said: "Tang Bohu's works are absolutely authentic." Bill was overjoyed: "That's a treasure, can we find a place to talk?" When Xiao Huoyang saw Xiao Ziyu staring at him fiercely, he knew he was talking too much. Just at this moment, the waiter came back and wanted to lead the two of them to see their boss. The owner of the Yonghe Ship, surnamed Jia and named Shoucheng, was a man in his fifties. He met Xiao Ziyu in a luxurious office, and he bowed his hands to Xiao Ziyu gracefully: "Sir, what is your name? Xianju Where?" Xiao Ziyu also returned the courtesy and replied: "My surname is Xiao, and I live in Duliang." Jia Shoucheng said: "It is a famous cultural city, a place where stories come out!" After the guests and hosts were seated, Xiao Ziyu said, "I'm sorry, an ancient city can't compare with Baoqing." A servant came over to make tea, and Jia Shoucheng made a "please" gesture: "Mr. Xiao, please. I heard that Mr. Xiao has antiques on hand?" Xiao Ziyu took a sip of tea and put down the cup: "I didn't bring it, let me ask about the quotation first." With a smile on his face, Jia Shoucheng asked, "What kind?" Xiao Ziyu said: "An ancient painting, Tang Bohu's "Four Seasons of Pleasure"." Jia Shoucheng showed surprise on his face, and then asked, "Is it the real work?" Xiao Ziyu said: "It's not worthwhile to travel all the way here if it's not the real work." Jia Shoucheng restrained his inner excitement: "This is a rare treasure! If I'm not mistaken, this painting is divided into four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter. There are eight sex scenes in each season, a total of 32 pieces, each of which is valuable. Liancheng!" Xiao Ziyu nodded: "Boss Jia is indeed an expert, my trip was not in vain!" Jia Shoucheng asked, "Is it in stock?" Xiao Ziyu nodded: "It's a cash loan, and it has been deposited at a friend's house." Jia Shoucheng said: "Let me know when you get it back, and I will fill the ocean with a big ship and go to Duliang to find you!" Xiao Ziyu said, "Boss Jia, can you give me a real price?" Jia Shoucheng said: "It's hard to say. If it's well preserved, it's okay. If it's damaged, the price difference will be big." Xiao Ziyu said: "Okay then, when I get the painting back, I'll invite you to come and see the goods, first negotiate a good price, and the rest will be easy to handle." Jia Shoucheng smiled and said: "Then listen to Mr. Xiao's arrangement. Mr. Xiao might as well inquire about the reputation of our Yonghe, and you can also ask Jiang Xinghe from Liang, who is our regular customer." Seeing Jia Shoucheng mentioning Jiang Xinghe, Xiao Ziyu couldn't help asking, "Recently, Boss Jiang sold a batch of goods. Has Boss Jia heard about it?" Jia Shoucheng said: "Is it the tomb of a concubine named Xia? The main item is a phoenix crown?" Xiao Ziyu nodded: "That's right." Jia Shoucheng said: "This batch of goods is in my hands, and I gave him the net price of 50,000 oceans." What Jia Shoucheng said verified what Zhang Xianfan said, Xiao Ziyu felt that the distance between Jia Shoucheng and Jia Shoucheng had been shortened a lot, and he talked more: "To be honest, I have more than just "Four Seasons" and a large number of hard goods. .” Jia Shoucheng nodded again and again: "I know that Tang Yin's "Four Seasons of Pleasure" has been collected in the palace, and has never been lost to the people. It has been missing since the Ming Dynasty, and some people guess that it has become a burial object of the emperor's family. Finding this group of paintings is inevitable. There are other treasures. Don't worry about money, Mr. Xiao. Our customers are not 'rich', but truly 'wealthy'! I hope Mr. Xiao will reply to me as soon as possible after he returns, and don't make me hopeless." Xiao Ziyu smiled and said, "Boss Jia is really good at telling jokes. I'll send a telegram as soon as the matter is settled—I know Boss Jia is very busy, so I won't bother you today." Jia Shoucheng said: "What are you talking about? No matter whether we are in business or not, we are still friends. You have come all the way, and you are a landlord. Can I still go out in the future?" Xiao Ziyu couldn't help Jia Shoucheng's repeated attempts to persuade him to stay, so he had to go to the high-end restaurant for dinner together. There were several foreigners accompanying him at the table, and Bill was among them.After the meal, Xiao Ziyu's master and servant were arranged by Jia Shoucheng to stay at the high guest.At this time, Xiao Ziyu was ready to return home, and bid farewell to Jia Shoucheng in advance - he will return to Duliang by boat early tomorrow morning. As soon as Jia Shoucheng left, Xiao Ziyu was about to rest, when someone knocked on the door just after taking a shower, and Xiao Huoyang opened the door—it turned out to be Bill. Bill shrugged and spread his hands: "I'm sorry to delay your rest, can I come in?" Xiao Huoyang didn't dare to be the master. Looking at the master, he saw Xiao Ziyu nodded and let Bill into the room.Bill stretched out a hand to Xiao Ziyu: "I believe in fate. From the first time I saw Mr. Xiao, I knew that we would become best friends." Xiao Ziyu stretched out his hand mechanically, with a guard in his heart: "We are destined to meet from a thousand miles away, and I hope that Mr. Bill's words will come true." Bill said bluntly: "I want to do business with you. It's not kind to come to you without Boss Jia's back. According to your Chinese words, it's not kind, but we don't think so in the West. It's called fair competition. Boss Jia and I are at the same level. On a competitive platform. Mr. Xiao, don’t you think this is a great thing for you? You will have the opportunity to choose, you will not be hanged on a tree, and you can sell for the best price.” Xiao Ziyu now understood Bill's reason for coming, and his worries disappeared. He asked, "Mr. Bill speaks Chinese very well. How many years have you been in China?" "I grew up in China," Bill said. Xiao Ziyu said: "Mr. Bill grew up in China, so he must understand China's national conditions. Of course what you say is reasonable, but I still dare not do that. Chinese people are most afraid of bearing a bad moral reputation." Bill said: "Don't worry about this, sir. I've already thought about it for you. You can negotiate the price with Boss Jia first, and then I'll add it to his reserve price. When he wants to pick up the goods, you can report theft. Absolutely keep it a secret from you." Xiao Ziyu laughed and said, "It's true that the blue is better than the blue. Mr. Bill has carried forward our method." Bill also laughed and said: "It's just going to do as the Romans do. Duliang is a good place, where Zhu Yuanzhang's fourteenth son is the fourteenth generation of the king. This is a wealth that cannot be ignored." Xiao Ziyu said: "It seems that Mr. Bill has a deep research on Duliang." Bill said: "In-depth research is not enough. It is the most basic homework to be familiar with the local history every time you go to a place in this line of work. A few days ago, I received a treasure from Boss Jia, which was also from Duliang." Xiao Ziyu said, "What baby?" "It's a princess's phoenix crown, a typical Ming Dynasty style, and the workmanship is quite exquisite. Boss Jia took 70,000 oceans from me alone." Xiao Ziyu and Xiao Huoyang looked at each other in shock, and Bill continued: "Today I won't bother you two to rest, how can I contact you in the future?" Xiao Ziyu didn't hold back either, and said, "On Liushan Road in Duliang, I'm the only one with the surname Xiao." Xiao Huoyang sent Bill away and closed the door: "Master, it's fortunate that we came to Baoqing, otherwise we risked the risk of digging up Zhu Qifeng's tomb and it would be for nothing for others." Xiao Ziyu glared at him: "No one will treat you as dumb if you don't speak!" Early the next morning, Xiao Ziyu's master and servant arrived at Nanshui Wharf, and a boatman greeted them: "Which one is Mr. Xiao from Duliang?" Xiao Ziyu asked suspiciously, "So what?" The boatman bowed his head and said, "My name is Boss Yang. That's what happened. Boss Jia of the Yonghe Ship has already chartered our boat to send you two back to Duliang." Xiao Ziyu's master and servant followed Boss Yang on board. For some reason, he was not moved by Jia Shoucheng's politeness at all. Between Jia Shoucheng and Bill, he preferred the straightforwardness and unpretentiousness of the latter. Boss Yang reminded Xiao Ziyu to sit down, and then sailed the boat. The water area from Baoqing out of the city was gentle, and the speed of the boat was not slow. After leaving the city, the river became narrow.It is not easy to sail against the current.When Xiao Ziyu came here, he was under heavy pressure. He didn't know what the outcome of the trip would be, and of course he was not in the mood to enjoy the scenery.Now that things are going so smoothly, Xiao Ziyu sees that the scenery on both sides of the strait is very beautiful, especially the boat owner, Boss Yang, is a very interesting character. He also has a shortcoming. Whenever he sees a young woman on the shore along the way, his eyebrows are beaming, and he can't help but sing folk songs to tease him. —— In the first month, Lianmei went to make friends with her sister, and Lang gave the favor with a ring. Lang's money is like dung, but sister's benevolence and righteousness are worth a thousand catties. In February, Lianmei went to make friends and painted unicorns on the walls. It is difficult to paint the skin of a tiger to paint the bones, but it is difficult to know the heart when it is known. In March, Lianmei went to make friends, and the willows by the river turned green again. Deliberately planting flowers will not bloom, but unintentionally planting willows to make shade. Lianmei went to make friends in April, and the thin horse was tied to the green lawn. Horses are weak because they are thin, and people are not coquettish because they are poor. In May, Lianmei went to make friends, and the dragon boat on the Dragon Boat Festival accompanied the water. It is easy to rise and pass through mountains and streams, and it is easy to reverse and restore the villain's heart. In June, the younger sister went to make friends, and in June, the sun was burning like fire. If you have wine, money, and many friends, you will never see anyone in adversity. In July, the sisters went to make friends, and in the middle of the month, they brewed wine to toast the guests. If you don't believe me, let's watch the banquet, and persuade the rich first. In August, I went to make friends with my younger sister, and my younger sister lived in a distant mountain forest. No one cares about the poor living in the busy city, but the rich have distant relatives in the mountains. In September, my younger sister went to make friends, and in ninety, my father-in-law went to the mountains and forests. There are thousand-year-old trees in the mountains, and it is rare to meet a hundred-year-old person in the world. In October, I even go to make friends with my sisters, and in October there is an Xiaoyangchun. A person is as big as a person does not ask for, and the water is not as big as a beach. If you see a celibate woman or a woman with children and children without a husband, sing-- Thick tree birch lotus, The younger sister sent her lover to sell salt. People sell salt for three to five days, The lover sells salt for three to five years. When the sky explodes with thunder, Lang is not allowed to return in Guangxi. There is a Liu Langmei in Guangxi, There is a hopeful man at home. A sister from Guangxi has no conscience, My sister is single at home. Tears on the pillow can wash your face, Tears under the bed can punt a boat. At that time, the weather was fine, the wind was blowing on the boat, the scenery on both sides of the river was pleasant, and there was an optimistic and cheerful boat boss, time passed quickly.On the night of the third day, the air was suddenly stuffy, and it rained cats and dogs before dawn. The water on the river rose sharply, and sailing gradually became difficult. After Xiao Ziyu woke up, the heavy rain was still falling. He asked Boss Yang where he was, and Boss Yang told him that he hadn't left the boundary of Baoqing yet.Xiao Ziyu was shocked. It was almost the fourth day and he was still in the boundary of Baoqing. How could he return to Duliang on July 29 so slowly?Melancholy came to my mind in an instant, and I thought about it for so long, would there be an accident at home?In desperation, he said to Boss Yang: "Boatman, the waterway is so difficult, and there is an urgent matter at home, can you go back to Duliang by other means of transportation?" Boss Yang said: "No, there is a post road from Baoqing to Duliang in addition to the waterway since ancient times, but the post road is rugged and winding, and it takes longer than the waterway, so since ancient times, most people have traveled by waterway." Xiao Ziyu became very anxious when he heard it.