Chapter 21 Back to Hangzhou

Sure enough, when Hangzhou was rehabilitated, Zhang Xiucai and his son won a seventh-rank award letter and was appointed as a member of the Aftermath Bureau because of their contribution to welcoming the feudal governor Jiang Yili in Kaicheng.Zhang Xiucai took the opportunity to say that Hu Xueyan must be invited back to preside over the aftermath of Hangzhou. Jiang Yili was deeply convinced.So the special mission to meet Hu Xueyan fell on Xiao Zhang. When he arrived in Shanghai, he first settled down in the Changfa inn at the "Shihuan Xingtai", then found out the address that Liu Bucai had left for him, and asked the inn to send a boy to invite Liu Bucai.

"I figured it was time for you to come, as expected." Liu Bucai didn't have any more gossip, and he touched Xiao Zhang's heart when he opened his mouth, "I'll take you to see my relatives first, and explain clearly what I have to say, and then I will do my best." played." "Old Liu," Xiao Zhang replied, "I am now a member of the Zhejiang Rehabilitation Bureau, a seventh-rank official. This trip was appointed by Jiang Fantai to invite Mr. Hu back to Hangzhou, and this is what I want to say." "Okay! I see. We'll go right away."

So Xiao Zhang took out the seventh-rank official uniform and changed it in front of the guests. After changing, he couldn't help but look embarrassed, and felt a bit like wearing a monkey's crown. Liu Bucai didn't laugh at him, but said: "Your housekeeper, please take the bag with you, so that you don't have to come back and change into plain clothes." Zhang Sheng, a long-term follower brought by Xiao Zhang, has always been "following the officials". The name cards and clothes bags have been prepared a long time ago, and the three of them came to Fukang Bank alone in a carriage.

Hu Xueyan was negotiating business with a group of rice merchants, and it was at a critical juncture, because Xiao Zhang came from a long way and came to visit in official uniform, so he had to accuse him of a crime, abandon the previous guests, and come to welcome the new guests. Xiao Zhang had met Hu Xueyan before, so as soon as he stepped into the small living room, without Liu Bucai introducing him, he immediately called out: "Uncle Hu!" and kowtowed respectfully. "Don't dare to do it, don't dare to do it! Brother Shi is so polite." Hu Xueyan quickly knelt down too.

After kowtowing to each other, they helped each other up, and there were a few greetings, and then they turned to the topic.When Xiao Zhang Dao explained his intentions, Hu Xueyan replied, "This is something I am obliged to do, and I am already making preparations. Shixiong is going to play in Shanghai for a few days, and we will go together." "yes!" "Okay!" Liu Bucai stepped in and said to Xiao Zhang, "I've made it clear, you change your clothes, we can go now." So Liu Bucai took Xiao Zhang to visit the colorful Yichang, and came to eat big dishes and watch Beijing opera at night.Xiao Zhang opened his eyes wide, he was tired late at night, and he was still in the middle of his spirits. Liu Bucai lived with him in the Changfa Inn, and he talked clinically at night.

At this time, Hu Xueyan was still awake, because he wanted to transport 10,000 shi of rice to Hangzhou, and he had contacted several rice merchants, who talked well, but changed his mind in the end, so he had no choice but to look for You Wu. Go ahead and ask directly. You Wu is an expert in the rice business, but the rice store established by the Cao Gang in Songjiang has long since closed down.In the past few years, he has been keeping a low profile, cautious in his words and deeds, and has become more careful in doing things. He dare not agree to things that he is not sure of. "Grandpa, of course I dare not say 'no' to your order, but you know my situation. I have to find someone to handle the rice now. The 'team' doesn't work together. You can't hold back in life. In the past, you couldn't get into the city when you transported rice to Hangzhou, so you changed to Ningbo. Didn't they promise you that once you need to use it, you can replenish the rice according to the amount?"

This was the agreement Yang Fang had made with Hu Xueyan in order to help his hometown.It's just that Yang Fang is not what it used to be, because Bai Qiwen was involved in the case of robbing officials for salaries and assaulting officials, and he suffered a big setback with Li Hongzhang. Now that the punishment of dismissal and investigation has not been eliminated, he doesn't have the mood and strength to fulfill his promise.Hu Xueyan refused to take advantage of others and decided to find a way by himself. After listening to the reasons he said, You Wu said with admiration: "Uncle, you are really a good friend, but the one named Yang is not like you. He really made a fortune by relying on Chang Shengjun, Li Fu Taiwan can't spare him, and it's the same. Although you don't need him to pay for the rice now, the rice payment should be returned to you. At the beginning, it was more than two taels of silver per stone, but now it has risen to almost six taels. It is not easy to buy. Could it be that you still pay the same price as before? He settles?"

"Of course it can't be done. I have to ask him to pay me the market price. Otherwise, I will engage in business with him and see if he can bear it or not?" "I don't have to worry about money," You Wu nodded, "However, Uncle, it is really not easy for you to manage 10,000 shimi. Jiangsu was short of food in the past two years, and it relied on Huguang and Jiangxi to sell food. Last year, Li Fu The Taiwan Office shipped rice to Beijing and purchased foreign rice, and it took two months for the 30,000 shi to come together, and now you have to do 10,000 shi in a month, I'm afraid you can't do it."

"It's not a month. In one month, including the day of shipping to Hangzhou, it takes up to 20 days to complete it." "That's even more difficult. I'm afraid the government can't do it." "The government can't do it, we can do it, and it's our ability." This sentence is equivalent to weighing two catties.It is difficult to say it twice, and I can’t say it a third time. You Wu was silent, after thinking about it for a long time, he still sighed and said: "We have to figure out a way." Running separately, it turned out that Qigu's grandma came out and found the proprietress of Dafeng Rice Shop, "Fenmianhu", and gave Hu Xueyan the Jingmi due and the two thousand shi foreign rice stored in Jardine Matheson, a total of eight thousand. Five hundred stones, the rest was managed by You Wu, and the number of ten thousand stones was quickly made up.

The rice payment was negotiated with Yangfang Office, and fifty thousand taels of silver was recovered, and the shortfall was temporarily embezzled by Hu Xueyan from the 120,000 taels of silver that was to be returned to Wang Youling's bereaved family.All went well, and in only thirteen days, the sandboat had set sail for the sea. According to the first itinerary, it was from Haining via the Qiantang River to outside the Wangjiang Gate in Hangzhou. Xiao Zhang went to the front station and returned to Hangzhou first. According to Hu Xueyan's idea, he only said that he had a few hundred shimi to donate to the government. Xiao Chuan greeted him and returned to his command, talking about the situation in Hangzhou in detail, it was really not wise, after hearing this, Hu Xueyan was depressed and silent for a long time.

As a close relative and an elder, Liu Bucai could speak without any scruples. He asked frankly, "Xue Yan, are you worried that someone is plotting against you?" "You mean someone sued me at the Zuo Zhijun? That's nothing, they can't plot against me." "Then what are you worrying about?" "Why don't you worry about things? The future will be difficult, but the present is worrying!" These eight words were very elegant and tame, unlike Hu Xueyan's usual tone, which made Liu Bucai and Xiao Zhang even more surprised.Of course, Liu Bucai knows Hu Xueyan much better than Xiao Zhang. He understands the phrase "the future will be catastrophic", because he usually heard Hu Xueyan talk about it. .However, what is there to worry about? "I didn't expect that the discipline of the officers and soldiers is not much better than that of Changmao!" Hu Xueyan said, "I just heard Xiao Zhang talk about the situation in the city, and I really have to worry about it. It's always okay during the day, but I'm afraid that at night, there will be a lot of trouble." Shoot and set fire, rape and looting are coming!" No wonder he was so worried. Whether he was exaggerating or not, precautions must be taken.Xiao Zhang's family was in the city, and he was very concerned. He asked in a low voice, "Mr. Hu! Then, what should we do?" "There's a way. But it's only useful if you see 'the head of the family'." The entire city of Hangzhou is now Jiang Yili's head. Xiao Zhang thought for a while and asked, "Mr. Hu, I ask you for advice. Should I meet my father first when I enter the city? Or go directly to see the 'head family' in Hangzhou?" "Watch 'Being Family' first, of course." "Okay!" Xiao Zhang was also very decisive, "Old Liu, let's work separately. When we get to the shore, please help Mr. Zhang Qian with the unloading of rice. The order is very chaotic now. The so-called help is nothing more than commanding and commanding." Workers. Anything else, please don't interfere." Liu Bucai understood what he meant, and he was not responsible for keeping the food. If there were stragglers who demanded soft food, Zhang Qian could handle it, and he could stand by and watch. "I see. Let's agree on a place to meet afterwards." "In my dormitory." Xiao Zhang replied, "I will ask Mr. Zhang Qian to send someone to escort you later." So, Hu Xueyan opened the small box, and inside was a set of half-new and old third-rank official uniforms. When he finished changing, the boat would arrive at the shore. Although there is still a long way to go to the shore, because the sand boats are loaded with rice, the draft is very deep, and the wharf outside Wangjiangmen is in disrepair, and the shore is silted up. If the sand boats get too close, there is a risk of being stranded. Fortunately, under the heavy reward, he has a brave man, Mr. Zhang Qian is quite dedicated, not only has found a big deserted house, sent troops to clean it and guard it, and prepare it for storage, but also has a small boat ready for connection.At this time, considering the situation, he changed his mind and ordered the soldiers to wade and load on the shallow river beach, which was simpler.A small boat was used to send Hu Xueyan, Xiao Zhang, Liu Bucai, and Hu Xueyan's follower, Changgui, to the shore, and it was clear that Hu and Zhang were accompanied by Changgui, who was carrying a prayer box, and entered the city . Seeing the flag fluttering above the city, Hu Xueyan was moved by it, and his tears kept flowing. He was thinking of Wang Youling. If the coach who triumphantly enters the city today is not Jiang Yili but Wang Youling, that would be great!Today, it is natural to judge a hero by success or failure, but those who have won battles do not know, but they would have thought that Wang Youling was not only physically and mentally exhausted when he defended the dangerous city, but also blood and tears. Much more people than have won battles! Thinking about it this way, I wish I could go to the place where Wang Youling died first when I entered the city, and weep aloud.But the people are still in dire straits, and there is really no time for him to vent their anger.I had no choice but to wipe away my tears and walk in with my chest straightened out! The guard of the city had already changed shifts, he was a fourth-rank governor, seeing Hu Xueyan's clothes, a third-rank civil servant, the same as Jiang Yili, he didn't dare to be negligent, so he greeted him personally and asked, "What is your official title?" "It's Mr. Hu." Xiao Zhang explained on his behalf, "He came from Shanghai and has an urgent business to meet with Jiang Fantai." At this time, Chang Gui had already taken out a name card from the worship box and handed it over. The Du Si was illiterate, took the name card, looked at it backwards, and pretended to say: "So Mr. Hu wants to see Mr. Jiang! Excuse me, do you want me?" escort?" "It would be great to be escorted!" Xiao Zhang said, "The most important thing is, can you get two horses?" "Marco doesn't. However, Mr. Hu can take a sedan chair." Next to the city gate, there was a sedan chair shop, and there were actually two empty sedan chairs, so naturally there would be no bearers, but the Dusi was very enthusiastic, saying that he could arrest some common people to carry the sedan chairs.But Hu Xueyan resolutely resigned-it is heartless to have to sit in a sedan chair at this time. Without a horse, and unwilling to sit in a sedan chair, he naturally borrowed his own pair of legs.However, the Dusi sent soldiers to escort them all the way, and they went all the way without any hindrance, and arrived at Sun's house in Sanyuanfang, Jiang Yili's mansion, posted a post, and the middle door was wide open, and Jiang Yili's Chinese army came to suppress the guests.As he approached the hall, he saw a general in a yellow jacket standing in front of the dripping eaves. He knew it was Jiang Yili. Hu Xueyan bowed his head and said, "Congratulations, congratulations!" This was to congratulate him on his victory, Jiang Yili bowed his hands to return the salute, and replied repeatedly: "Each, each other!" So Xiao Zhang took a step forward and formally introduced the two parties. After entering the hall, the host and guest sat on an equal footing. Hu Xueyan first thanked Jiang Yili as a Zhejiang gentry, and then talked about the southeast soldiers, and Hangzhou suffered the most.The next step is to plan for Jiang Yili, and start with compliments. Jiang Yili's name is Xiangquan, so Hu Xueyan called him "Xiang Weng". He said: "Xiang Weng has made such a great contribution, and in the future, he will be promoted to the next level, and he will be the governor of the two Zhejiang provinces. It is just around the corner." "Not necessarily, and I don't dare to have such delusions." Jiang Yili said, "Zeng Jiushuai has a good brother. When Jinling arrives and takes office, I still want to see him with the 'book'." The governor of Zhejiang is Zeng Guoquan, who has never been in office, and now Zuo Zongtang is concurrently in charge.Jiang Yili is self-aware, no matter in terms of honor or relationship, it is not easy to replace Zeng Guoquan. But Hu Xueyan has another opinion: "Zeng Jiushuai is a general. Jinling has been captured, and the court naturally has other important uses. As for the governor of Zhejiang, it seems that he is far away at present and will not take office in the future. Xiang Weng, you Don't get discouraged!" "Oh?" Jiang Yili unconsciously leaned forward, "I want to ask, why do you think Zeng Jiushuai won't be here in the future?" "The reason is easy to understand. First, Zeng Jiushuai has no relationship with Zhejiang, and the people and places are unfamiliar, so it is not suitable for him; second, Marshal Zeng is humble and willing to imagine for others. The situation in Zhejiang was determined by Mr. Zuo. He absolutely refuses to let his younger brother divide Lord Zuo's territory." "Ah, ah!" Jiang Yili cheered up, "Xue Weng saw it very thoroughly." "In my opinion, in the future, the whole province of Zhejiang, especially the aftermath of the provincial capital, will be presided over by Xiang Weng alone." Hu Xueyan paused for a moment, seeing that Jiang Yili was listening attentively, and knowing that the time had come to speak, he used The gesture strengthened the tone, and he said earnestly, "The fortunes and fortunes of the people of Hangzhou are all in the hands of Xiang Weng. If you save more energy now, you will save more energy in the future!" "It's true, it's true!" Jiang Yili rubbed his hands, slightly anxious, "Please Xue Weng advise, as long as I can preserve my vitality, I will do everything I can!" "Xiang Weng has such words, he is really the savior of the people of Hangzhou." Hu Xueyan stood up and greeted him, "I thank Xiang Weng on behalf of the people of Hangzhou!" "I dare not take it!" Jiang Yili hastily returned the salute, while patting his chest and said, "Xue Weng, please tell me, where should we start to preserve the vitality after the catastrophe?" "Please forgive me for speaking bluntly. I'm afraid Weng Xiang may not know that the brothers in each battalion will inevitably harass the people." "This--" Hu Xueyan knew that he was a little embarrassed.When officers and soldiers fight in battle, in order to defeat the enemy, they must think of the old saying "Under the great reward, there must be a brave man". Rewards are promised in advance, but it is difficult to raise money and food. For reward? This can't help being generous to others, or hinting, or acquiescing, as long as a city is captured, within three days, there are two military laws that can be disobeyed: robbery and adultery.Jiang Yili may have also made such a promise. At this time, if he is required to issue a notice prohibiting him, he will become a general who reneges on his promise, and it will be difficult to lead troops in the future. Therefore, Hu Xueyan rushed to interrupt him: "Xiang Weng, I still have feelings for you." "Severe words, serious words!" Jiang Yili was afraid that he would say something unpleasant and embarrass each other, so he greeted them first, "Xue Weng's reprimand is of course righteous, I can only feel ashamed." Don't talk about rectifying military discipline, just say ashamed, these words are polite on the surface, but secretly express that they are not to be blamed.Hearing his tone, Hu Xueyan felt that his plan was a smarter one, and he might as well speak more frankly. "Xiang Weng knows that I am a businessman. In business and business, we pay attention to fair transactions. As the saying goes, reciprocity is nothing more than a fairness. Brothers put their lives to save the people of Hangzhou. They have worked hard and made great achievements. Although the court rewarded them, the local government did not It means that it is too unfair, and I am too sorry, brother." Jiang Yili was quite troubled when he heard this passage. The first words were very vulgar, but the latter words were very polite. What is the main purpose?You have to think carefully before you can answer.He was thinking in his heart, this person is very beautiful, but he is also very powerful, he can't handle it well, his friend has become an enemy, and there is a big discrepancy in it, so don't be careless. So he thought about it for a while, and finally understood what Hu Xueyan meant, and replied modestly: "Xue Weng is too flattering. It's his duty to eliminate bandits for the people, so where is the credit?" "Xiang Weng's words are really too polite. As soon as we met each other, I will speak bluntly." Hu Xueyan said calmly, "Our office is a well-known so-called 'Hang Tietou'. It should be a reward. However, there are ten rooms and nine empty spaces in front of me. In the past two years, the long hair has been searched. As a master, I decided to collect a hundred thousand taels of silver and send it to Xiang Weng, please thank the brothers on my behalf." It was difficult for Jiang Yili to answer these words, and he felt disrespectful and unacceptable.Because Hu Xueyan's meaning is very obvious, one hundred thousand taels of silver to buy a "Qiu Wuwu", which is what he called "fair trade" and "reciprocity".It’s just that one hundred thousand taels of silver sounds like a huge amount, tens of thousands of people get one cent, and the income is limited. Whether it can be “balanced” is a big question. Seeing his hesitant look, Hu Xueyan could guess what was on his mind. If he asked, "Could it be too little?" it would be too impolite, and if it was automatically increased, it would seem like a bargain.After thinking about it, I can only give him a little benefit from the side. "As for paying homage to Xiang Weng, there are naturally other plans—" "No, no!" Jiang Yili interrupted him, "Don't count me in. When the situation calms down a bit, when the gentry from your province write letters to Beijing, if you can say that I, Jiang, are worthy of Zhejiang, I will be grateful. gone." "Then what's the point? Xiang Weng, you are worthy of Zhejiang, and Zhejiang will certainly be worthy of you!" "Okay, that's a good word!" Jiang Yili said resolutely, "I will thank Xue Weng on behalf of my brothers." Then he shouted, "Come on! Please Mr. Liu!" "Master Liu" was born in Juren, donated to the prefectural and county teams, Jiang Yili relied on him as a think tank, and also regarded him as a copywriting committee member.He was invited here to discuss and issue a notice to rectify military discipline and strictly prohibit harassment. This is Jiang Yili's matter, Hu Xueyan can ignore it, what he has to think about now is how to fulfill his promise, how to release a hundred thousand taels of white money to the treasury for Jiang Yili to share with his brothers? Thinking of the treasury, Hu Xueyan had a flash of inspiration, as if he found a light when he lost his way in the dark night. Although it flashed and went out, he was sure that it was not an illusion caused by his own eyesight, and he would be able to find a way. Sure enough, after thinking about it for a while, Jiang Yili finally came to a conclusion, and when Jiang Yili and his think tank had come to an end, he asked, "Where is Weng Xiang's grain table?" "The general grain platform in Zhejiang is in Yuhang with Marshal Zuo, and I have a small grain platform in Pingyao. Here," Jiang Yili pointed to Xiao Zhang and said, "he is also a member of the Guanliang platform." "So, what about the treasury?" "Fan treasury?" Jiang Yili smiled, "I don't even know if the feudal office is here, so where can we talk about the feudal treasury?" "The treasury is in charge of the income and expenditure of a province. It is very important to restore it as soon as possible. Once the sign of the treasury is hung up, people who have their own funds will come to the door. Otherwise, it is like the saying, 'You can't find the temple with a pig's head. door.' Wouldn't it delay the receipt of the treasury?" Jiang Yili didn't know who would come to release the money at this time, but felt that Hu Xueyan's advice was very reasonable, that the treasury should be restored quickly, but he didn't know how to restore it and who should be assigned to manage the treasury. So Hu Xueyan explained to him the rules and benefits of the bank's agency treasury.Fukang used to act as an agent for the Zhejiang vassal treasury, and he is still willing to serve now. However, in the past, the debts owed to others still need to be cleared. In order to draw a clear line, he wanted to set up another bank, called "Fufeng". "Fufeng is Fukang, but there is one more signboard. There is a distinction on the outside, but the inside is the same. It can be called Fufeng or Fukang. Xiang Weng!" Hu Xueyan said, "I did this for the sake of the public. Kang received the old debt and paid it to Fufeng, that is, to pay Xiang Weng. As for the former treasury owed to others, it depends on the situation and should be paid slowly, and if it is urgent for public affairs and private interests, isn't there a lot of room for expansion and contraction? " "Okay, okay! I will definitely entrust Xue Weng." Jiang Yili was overjoyed, "Whether it is Fufeng or Fukang, I only recognize Xue Weng." "Since I have been appointed, I will do my best." Hu Xueyan paused for a moment and then said, "I will make plans for the 100,000 silver that should be handed over to see how much cash I can raise in Hangzhou. I will make up for the shortfall. , I would like to settle an account, so that the Liangtai and the Fan Treasury will be convenient for each other." "Here, how do you settle this account?" "It's like this. For example, if I can make up half of the cash now, I will pay it first. The other half, I will make a ticket and hand it over to the Liangtai, and I can cash it in Fukang, Shanghai at any time. It doesn’t matter if you go to withdraw cash, Fufeng acts as an agent for the treasury, and all the advances are equivalent to paying the cash, and the treasury and the Liangtai can make an account. How much is deducted, and the bill is settled monthly.” Hearing what he said clearly and logically, Jiang Yili only felt plausible, and he had to think carefully about how to settle the account before he could understand. I think I have figured it out, but I have a question: "What about the income of the treasury? Should I pay back your advance money first?" "This, how can it be?" Hu Xueyan suddenly leaned back, leaned on the back of the chair, and kept shaking his head, as if he felt that the words he asked were too out of the ordinary. This action alone made Jiang Yili desperate.He felt that Hu Xueyan was not only honest, but also kind-hearted, and could really take other people's interests as his own fortune.But it was too good to make people believe it. He was afraid that he might have misunderstood, so it was better to ask clearly. "Xue Weng," he chose his words carefully, "you mean, within the amount of banknotes you issued to the Liangtai, if you pay for the feudal treasury, it will be considered as cashing in successively. As for the income of the feudal treasury, You still have to pay. Is that right?" "Yes! That's what you said." Hu Xueyan continued, "Even if the account transfer has been cleared, since Fufeng acts as an agent for the Zhejiang feudal treasury, of course it has to take care of the Zhejiang feudal governor's face, so it's still worth it." This time, Jiang Yili was not only overwhelmed, but also a little grateful, cupped his hands and said: "Everything depends on Xue Weng, so I ask Baohao to act as the agent of the treasury, do you want to prepare business for the old man?" "Xiang Weng is a member of the supervisory department of the imperial court. If you say a word, it will count naturally. I don't care if you have official business or not. But in order to win people's trust, Fufeng acts as an agent for the treasury and wants to ask for a notice." "That's very convenient! I'll ask them to do it right away." "I also immediately asked them to prepare overnight, and post the notice tomorrow. However," Hu Xueyan lowered his voice slightly, "what should be paid, what should not be paid, really should not be paid, Fufeng obeys orders. Please Xiang Weng gave a code to follow." "Give me a password?" Jiang Yili scratched his head, looking embarrassed. This is Xiao Zhang who is more expert than him, "My lord!" He said "I am an official and perform this ceremony", and he called the word "My lord" very kindly and naturally. When Jiang Yili turned his face to look at each other, he continued. "It's hard to be a family member. Sometimes you need food and payment, and you know you can't give it, but it's inconvenient to refute, so you have to follow the instructions, and the food table will of course follow. But there is no money or payment, so I have to talk to each other politely. What Hu observes means is that he is afraid that the adults will make things difficult, so he first agrees on a secret code, and when he knows what the adults mean, he will find a way to perfunctory." "Ah, ah!" Jiang Yili suddenly realized, "I understand. I have been troubled by this matter all the time. They are all old brothers who went through life and death, let alone owed their salary, you said, took the 'seal collar' to call If I approve it, should I approve it and send it out? It’s another matter whether the grain table can bear it or not. As a result, what should be paid is often not paid, and what should not be given is often taken instead. I don’t know how many times Liangtai complained to me, and even jumped. I have no choice. Now there is such a way of "good guys" doing it for me and "bad guys" doing it for others. That's great. What code should I use, please Xue Weng order." "Don't dare!" Hu Xueyan replied, "The password needs to be changed frequently so that people won't understand it. Now I will make a simple method. Xiang Weng only approves the word '澧' for the title, and Fufeng will pay in full. Write the word "Yili" for Taifu, and pay half of it. If you write your surname and first name together, it means "not allowed", and Fufeng will find a way to prevaricate." "That's great!" Jiang Yili clapped his hands and said, "'Listening to your words is better than being an official for ten years.'" The host and guest looked at each other and laughed, really feeling irresistible.At this point in the friendship, Hu Xueyan felt that there were some things that he didn't need to keep, so he winked at Xiao Zhang, and only said one word softly, "Mi!" Then he pouted slightly. Xiao Zhang is also an exquisite heart. He can detect words, distinguish colors, and fully understand them. He leaned his body and said to Jiang Yili immediately: "I have something to report to my lord. I have already asked Mr. Zhang Qian to follow Hu for the hundreds of shimi. The relatives of the observers are here to unload. Temporarily stored in the warehouse, waiting to be used. I didn’t say the source of these hundreds of shimmi before, but now I should explain that it was transported by Hu Observer. The amount is far more than that.” "Oh, how many?" Jiang Yili said with great concern. "There are always tens of thousands of stones." Hu Xueyan said, "Mi, I am dedicated to helping the officers and soldiers and the people of Hangzhou. Logically speaking, we should pay Xiang Weng, which is the right thing to do. However, I also have some difficulties, please Weng Xiang rewarded me with a face, and I was asked to keep this batch of rice for the time being. When I see Zuo Zhijun, I will hand it over to Weng Xiang to make the decision anyway. It’s just a day or two later.” Jiang Yili had a big accident.Since the rise of the army, especially in Zhejiang, it is not surprising that people starve to death, but now suddenly 10,000 shimmi appear, as if it fell from the sky, so it is not surprising. "Xue Weng, your 10,000 shi rice is more than just sending charcoal in the snow! It is a drought and rain! In this way, I will send troops to protect it, and I will ask Commissioner Zhang to contact and help, and at the same time, I will send the appropriate person to Yuhang to see Commander Zuo. .However, I hope that my brother will go and come back quickly. There are still many important things here, so I need to ask my brother for help." "Yes! I'll be back as soon as possible." "So, when is my brother going to leave? Is it too late tonight?" "Yes! Leave early tomorrow morning." Jiang Yili nodded, then looked for the Zhongjun and the copywriter, and assigned the tasks that he would do for Hu Xueyan one by one.The military officer who escorted him to Yuhang was sent by a capital officer, surnamed He, who was Jiang Yili's nephew and confidant. So Hu Xueyan thanked He Dusi earnestly, was very perfunctory, and agreed to meet at Xiao Zhang's house early the next morning and accompany him to set off. When he arrived at Zhang's house, Zhang Xiucai naturally had a heart-to-heart talk with Hu Xueyan.Just treat them like honored guests, only do their best in politeness, and don't have any wine and food entertainment.And Hu Xueyan didn't care about eating at all, after hastily filling his stomach, he still had a lot of important matters to explain during this night, and hated the lack of manpower, so he had no choice but to take Xiao Zhang as his confidant. Hu Xueyan didn't have time to calmly discuss with them, but just made a straightforward request. "The first big thing, Xiao Zhang, please take the time to discuss it with your old man. If you can find a few people who can be mentioned in the local area, let's talk about it, and find a way to collect cash and send it to Jiang Fangbo as a temporary loan for me in Fufeng. Please understand that this is saving the place and yourself. The responsibility for the one hundred thousand silver is on me alone. It would be best for everyone to share it in the future. Transfer money, please help me." "Okay." Xiao Zhang nodded again and again, "Leave this matter to our father and son. Mr. Hu is very benevolent, and everyone is very grateful. As long as you have cash, you will definitely lend it out." "Secondly, Fukang will resume business soon, and Fufeng's brand will be displayed. I would like to ask the third master to take care of this matter, and Xiao Zhang to take care of the outside." Hu Xueyan looked at Liu Bucai and said, "Let's talk about the inside first, and first look at it." See how the original house in Fukang is. If it can be used, find someone to clean it up immediately, and then write two plum red notes, one is 'Fukang will resume business soon', and the other is 'Fufeng agent treasury', and post it immediately .” "Where's the notice from the vassal's yamen?" "I'll post it on the day when the business resumes." Hu Xueyan continued, "Second, prepare one or two thousand cash, and most importantly, get dozens of bags of rice to put there. Then post a piece of red paper: 'Old friend of Fukang, Please go back to the shop immediately.' When you come, each person will be given ten taels of silver and five buckets of rice. Our show can start singing." "Then," Xiao Zhang hurriedly said, "Mr. Hu, I have something to say first, you always think highly of me, come in the soup, go in the fire, and follow orders. However, I also have to estimate my own Strength, I am a layman in Qianzhuang, and I am afraid that I will not be able to spare time, so don’t miss Mr. Hu’s important matter. At that time, Mr. Hu refused to blame me, and I couldn’t explain it myself.” "It doesn't matter. I know you are very busy, so please do what you can." Hu Xueyan lowered his voice and said, "Why should I act as an agent for the treasury? It is to make a brand. Fukang is a famous brand, which is good, but only The old Hangzhou knows. Now I want to attract a group of new depositors, so I have to think of another way to call. Acting as a treasury is the best call. The public funds of the whole province of Zhejiang can trust me. What else? Unreliable? As long as those new depositors have such an idea, Fufeng’s deposits will come in a steady stream, and there will be rewards from Jiang Fangbo and the money to be advanced as an agent of the treasury.” Seeing that everything was explained properly, Liu Bucai wanted to have a private conversation with Hu Xueyan, winked, pulled him aside, and said in a low voice: "You and Jiang Xiangquan are doing well, it's useless, I heard today A piece of news is quite reliable, the Zuo Zhijun wants to settle accounts with you, and it has already spoken, and if it is not done well, Yan Shen will be named." "Don't worry!" Hu Xueyan calmly said nothing, "I have nothing to settle. I don't listen to outsiders." Seeing that he looked very confident, Liu Bucai felt relieved.Xiao Zhang still has something to ask. "Mr. Hu's calculation is really good. However, after talking for a long time, what kind of new depositor is it?" "Changmao!" Hu Xueyan said, "Changmao has surrendered, and the money looted in the past two years cannot be taken away, so he must find a place to store it!" The new depositor Hu Xueyan wants to absorb is Changmao!Both Xiao Zhang and Liu Bucai felt that it was something that could not be imagined in their dreams. At the same time, they also felt that his ideas were superhuman, but there may be a lot of troubles. The stunned and confused expressions showed that they had some doubts in their hearts. Hu Xueyan fully understood, but this was not the time to calmly argue, so he could only use a more assertive attitude: "Things will never go wrong. You two just use your brains according to my advice. Why do you use your brains, just how to make them come to Fufeng with their private savings? Do you two understand?" "I understand. But—" Liu Bucai did not continue. "I also understand. I am familiar with the situation in Hangzhou. If I find a few people to recruit these depositors, I will definitely not return empty-handed. However, before attracting these customers, people must ask, will the money deposited in Fufeng be ruined? How should I say this?" Xiao Zhang asked. "You tell him: it will never be ruined. But the royal law of the court is also important. If he thinks that the deposit may be seized by the government one day, then please think about it for himself." Hu Xueyan paused and said, "In a nutshell, it's okay to accommodate, but it's not okay to break the law. We don't have to force the account, we have to be stylish and credit. With credit, even if you don't even give the passbook to people, just rely on a word, and people will still come to the door." Both Liu Bucai and Xiao Zhang felt that what he said was still unclear for a while, and it seemed that there was a bit of inconsistency.But I can't ask in detail at this moment, and it's not urgent, so there's no need to get to the bottom of it at this time.Therefore, the two glanced at each other, reached a tacit understanding, and decided to talk later. "It's easy to do things but difficult to be a human being!" After a moment of silence, Hu Xueyan suddenly started with such a complaint, and made a very important reminder, which is also a warning: "From today, we have a lot of hard work, but it is also very cost-effective. It depends on how we behave as human beings. Xiao Zhang, tell me, what should we do as human beings now?" Xiao Zhang thought for a while, then smiled slightly: "Being a man is nothing more than keeping faith. Now that you are helping the leftist army, you must bite the bullet and help to the end." "We are now helping the Zuo Zhijun. Since we intend to help to the end, we must stand upright. But this will offend a lot of people." Liu Bucai said. "Everything is flattering, and everyone is not flattering! You can only touch your chest, if you feel worthy of the court, worthy of the people, and have a clear conscience, then you don't have to be afraid of anything. It's getting late, go to bed!" Everyone couldn't sleep that night because there were too many things to think about.Other than that, it's more emotionally exciting.Shanghai and Hangzhou have already been captured, and the end result of the Siege of Jinling is not far away.What was the situation like then?How to deal with the stragglers, dismiss or retain them, are all questions here, it is really confusing! Suddenly, Hu Xueyan noticed that someone was beating the gong and clapper outside the wall, which was a watch.The long-suffering city has just been liberated, and everything is still in chaos. There are watchmen watching the night, listening to the sound of gongs coming from far and near, Hu Xueyan has the joy and gratitude of the footsteps of the valley.And the state of mind has also changed, everything in front of me is out of the blue, recalling when I was a teenager, embracing the quilt in the cold night, listening to the cry of "Cold winter, be careful with the fire and candle" from the northwest wind, I really feel very comfortable. . It was the sound of peace.Now hear it again!Hu Xueyan suddenly felt refreshed, and could no longer stay on the bed.The three of them slept in the same room. He was afraid of disturbing Liu Bucai and Xiao Zhang, so he went down quietly, but Xiao Zhang had already noticed. "Mr. Hu, what are you going to do?" "You weren't asleep?" "No." Xiao Zhang asked, "Where is Mr. Hu?" "I do not have either." "It's the same as each other." Liu Bucai said in the tent, "I've been listening, but it's still quiet outside. Secretary Jiang kept his word and restrained his subordinates, which has been effectively verified." “这是胡先生积的阴德。”小张也突然受了鼓舞，一跃下床，“这两天的事情做不完，哪里有睡觉的工夫？” 等他们一起床，张家的厨房里也就有灯光了。洗完脸，先喝茶，小张以为胡雪岩会谈未曾谈完的正事，而他却好整以暇地问道：“刚才你们听到打更的梆子没有？” “听到。”小张答道，“杭州城什么都变过了，只有这个更夫老周没有变，每夜打更，从没有断过一天。” 胡雪岩肃然动容，“难得！真难得！”他问，“这老周多大年纪？” “六十多岁了。身子倒还健旺，不过，现在不晓得怎么样了。” “他没有饿死，而且每天能打更，看来这个人的禀赋，倒是得天独厚。可惜，”刘不才说，“只是打更！” “三爷，话不是这么说。世界上有许多事，本来是用不着才干的，人人能做，只看你是不是肯做，是不是一本正经去做。能够这样，就是个了不起的人。”胡雪岩说，“小张，我托你，问问那老周看，愿意不愿意改行？” “改行？”小张问道，“胡先生，你是不是要提拔他？” “是啊！我要提拔他，也可以说是借重他。现在我们人手不够，像这种尽忠职守的人，不可以放过。我打算邀他来帮忙。” “我想他一定肯的。就怕他做不来啥。” “我派他管仓库。他做不来，再派人帮他的忙，只要他像打更那样，到时候去巡查就是。” 说到这里，张家的男佣来摆桌子开早饭。只不过拿剩下的饭煮一锅饭泡粥，佐粥的只有一样盐菜，可是“饥者易为食”，尤其是在半夜休息以后，胃口大开，吃得格外香甜。 “我多少天没有吃过这样好吃的东西了！”胡雪岩很满意地说，“刘三爷说得不错，'用得着就好'！泡饭盐菜，今日之下比山珍海味还要贵重。” 这使得小张又深有领悟，用人之道，不拘一格，能因时因地制宜，就是用人的诀窍。他深深点头，知道从什么地方去为胡雪岩物色人才了。