Chapter 16 Section 4: The Mysterious Merchant in Wang Street, Anyi

There is a very special street in Anyi, which is at the end of the palace.Let's say it is a street, and it is within the old red wall of the palace.Say it is a royal palace, but it is full of cars and horses without any guards.This is the most special Wangcheng Street in Anyi City, which is also the palace area first built by Wei Wenhou.During the time of Wei Wuhou, this old palace area was also used as various official offices of the state government.After the completion of King Wei Hui's new palace, the official office was moved away, and the two floors of the old palace were left idle.Later, under the planning of the official in charge of royal affairs, King Wei Hui distributed this oldest palace area to the royal ministers and descendants of the royal family, and it became the place where the royal nobles lived together.After a timely transformation, within a few years this place has become a splendid long street, which is called "Wang Street" by Anyi people.

The most special feature of this street is that there is an endless flow of tall cars and horses, and there are few days when the cars and horses are left out.Not to mention that there are many vehicles of the royal family and nobles, even the vehicles of the special envoys of the princes of the world and the officials of Wei State who come here to visit, are already coming and going.If the Tianjie where Dong Xiangchun is located is the land of civilization in the Wei State, then this Wang Street is the source of Wei State's conspiracy.Although the state of Wei has undergone major reforms, it has not touched the power of the royal family in any way. It is still not much different from the old Jin state, and it is not much different from other warring states and small and medium-sized princes of the same period.On the surface, these nobles of the royal family seldom serve as important ministers of the country, let alone have any outstanding achievements to speak of, but the extension of their power is astonishing.First, they still have their own relatively independent hereditary fiefdoms. Although this kind of fiefdom can only collect taxes and cannot govern the people and build an army, it gives them a solid and stable wealth foundation after all.Second, they are deeply rooted in the court, with strong penetration, and they have a great restraint and influence on the monarch.Three, they have a noble status, but they don't have the actual power of the government office, they seem to be a pure class.This allows them to flex freely, not only to launch attacks on any important minister who is in power and doing things, but also will never be despised or dismissed because of lack of power, and there will be no threat of beheading.For such a royal class, any official must classify it into the power structure that he must care about.Similarly, any foreign envoy who wants to achieve a more difficult goal must also send wealth here to seek change.Wei State is the most powerful warring state, and slight changes in its internal affairs and diplomacy will affect other countries.Therefore, this Wang Street is actually a world-famous place for conspiracy and trading.

Right now, a luxury car with a six-foot hood is squeezed into the traffic and heading towards the depths of King Street. Night has fallen, although there are no shops on Wang Street, there are street lanterns every twenty steps, illuminating the stream of cars and horses brilliantly.As the Chinese cars flowed into the mansions on both sides, Wang Street gradually came to an end, and the traffic flow gradually thinned out.In the end, there was only this six-foot hooded car. In the deepest part of Wang Street, there lived the son Wei Ang, to be precise, it should be the prince Wei Ang.During the Warring States period, only the children of the princes of the vassal states, that is, the children of "gong" or "hou", could be called "gongzi".After about the Qin and Han Dynasties, "gongzi" became separated from his actual identity and became only a common honorific title.Gongzi Ang is the concubine son of Wei Wuhou and the half brother of Wei Huiwang.As far as the current official position is concerned, the young master is white.However, in terms of actual influence, that's a promise.All the officials and celebrities of the Wei State were very clear about the power and status of Young Master Ang, and they knew how he behaved.

As soon as the gorgeous six-foot-covered cart stopped in front of the gate, an old man with white hair and red clothes came to greet him in small steps.This is the general manager of the mansion, and the Wei people call him the old man.The old man smiled and cupped his hands and said: "May I ask you, sir, is Xue Guo your guest?" The owner of the Chinese carriage had already got out of the car, but he was a dark complexioned and dignified young man, followed by a servant who was also as white as jade and handsome. Heroic.The guest bowed his hands to the old man in charge and said: "My family is well. I am Xue Guoyiyuan." The old man said: "Young Master has been waiting in the mansion for a long time, sir please." Yi Yuan smiled calmly: "My old man, I have a Be particular about it, the first time you meet an old man, you must give a small gift, called Yi Yi Tong Ji. If it is not a respect, please accept it with a smile." While speaking, the handsome servant behind him has brought a delicate wooden box to the old man.When the old man saw the gold-covered sides of the wooden box, he knew that there were precious jewels inside, and he bowed deeply in surprise, "Sir, you are very rich, and the little old man is lucky to have three lives." Holding the wooden box in his arms, he hurriedly said, "Please, sir."

Yi Yuan smiled and said: "I have a small matter that bothers me, I wonder if the old man will appreciate it?" "Sir, I have something to say, but the little old man is quite well-versed in the son's residence." "I have a concubine, I have admired my wife for a long time, and I entrusted me to bring a gift for my wife. Because my schedule is in a hurry, I may not be lucky enough to see my wife's demeanor. The elders of the family will forward my wife to me, and I will take my concubine on a special trip in the next day. I would like to pay my respects to Madam. I wonder if it is okay?" His words are gentle and elegant, giving people good things is like asking for them, teaching people to benefit from them.

The old man's face was flushed, he clasped the box and said: "It's a great honor to be able to serve my wife on behalf of Mr." Yi Yuan took a jade box that glowed faintly green under the wind lamp from Jun servant, and held it up with both hands, "Old man, this is a sable fur from the snow-capped country in the Western Regions, which melts the heavy snow three feet away. Inside the box There is still a concubine, please forward it to my wife." The old man respectfully said: "Mr. is really an elegant man. I will go to see my wife immediately." He turned back and said in a loud voice, "Where is the gate?" A gatekeeper who looked like a general came running.The elder of the family ordered solemnly: "Lead the gentleman to see the young master, and tell the young master that the madam has something to call me, and come immediately."

The general of Dianmen agreed, and humbly led the two masters and servants to the main hall. Young Master Ang is admiring a famous sword in the hall.From the stand, the scabbard of this sword is mottled with copper rust, and the length of the sword is about two feet. It is obviously a precious ancient sword.Every time he was waiting for the distinguished guests in the hall, Young Master Ang was admiring the famous sword.In his opinion, all the treasures in the mansion are worth less than this famous sword.During the Warring States Period, owning a famous sword not only multiplied the social status, but also its practical value was even more unusual.The reason why he is waiting here patiently now is that his uncle son Liang strongly recommended to him a great merchant from the state of Xue, saying how this merchant has the style of the ancients, how he has the feelings of a celebrity, how he has rare treasures in the world, and what kind of personality he has. Hero, said that this businessman often lives in the most famous elegant room in Dongxiangchun, and has become a figure that celebrities and officials are eager to get acquainted with, and so on.Young Master Ang was curious by nature, and after hearing such a vivid introduction from his uncle, Young Master Liang, he couldn't help wanting to meet this mysterious big businessman.Young Master Liang generously made an appointment for him, agreeing to visit tonight.How to hold the lamp for three quarters, but the guests have not yet arrived?Of course, the biggest possibility is the traffic jam on Wang Street, otherwise, the guests who saw his son would not dare to come after the first quarter of the unitary hour.Speaking of which, the traffic on Wang Street is really helpless. It seems that I have to talk to Wei Wang about it. It is best to tear down the old red wall and widen Wang Street by three feet, otherwise it will be really inconvenient.

At this time, the Dianmen officer walked in, "Report to your son, Mr. Qi Guo Yiyuan is here." "Where's the old man?" Young Master An was slightly displeased. "My son, Ma'am called the elder to have something to do, and the elder ordered the general to lead the master first, saying that he would be here in a moment." Young Master An wanted to greet him at the entrance of the hall, but before he thought about it, he waved his hand and said, "Go and invite sir to come in." Dianmen exited the main hall, led the guests in respectfully, and quietly retreated.

"At Xue Guoyiyuan, I have heard for a long time that your son is wise and righteous, so I came here to pay a visit." Young Master Ang's eyes lit up!The swarthy young man in front of him was wearing a red gold silk cloak and a six-inch black jade crown. He was majestic and majestic, with an extraordinary bearing. Even the servant behind him was handsome and bright-eyed.Young Master Ang couldn't help secretly marveling, there is such a character among the merchants?While thinking about it, he cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Wei Ang doesn't dare to be a gentleman, sir, please sit down and talk." At this time, the old man entered the main hall lightly, and Young Master Ang ordered: "Bring tea to the gentleman."

Yi Yuan sat down in the guest seat on the east side, and Jun Servant stood solemnly behind him.The elder Jia brought the tea set, and when he leaned over to operate it, he gave the guest an excited look.The luxurious guest smiled knowingly. Young Master Ang sat down on the main seat, held up the teacup and said, "Please, sir." Yi Yuan respectfully raised the teacup, "Wu tea is precious, thank you, sir." He took a sip and tasted it very elegantly. "Sir, you know the rare and valuable Wu tea, so you've seen a lot." Young Master Ang didn't forget that the other party was just a businessman, so he was very reserved.

"I don't have any other specialties, but I know a thing or two about the world's famous utensils. My son laughed at me." "Oh?" Young Master Ang smiled and said, "I heard the rumors in Anyi that Mr. Yan is a strange man in business and has many talents. I have an ancient sword, but no one in Anyi knows it. If you can determine it, you can be regarded as famous. Qi Fang's family is here. Elder, bring the ancient sword over here." Yi Yuan waved his hand and said: "No need. The sword is on the stand, and it will show its charm." While talking, he got up and left his seat, walked to the front of the sword stand, pondered for a while, and said with a smile: "Young master, this ancient sword is a famous weapon in the world. It’s worth a lot.” When evaluating swords, one usually holds the sword in hand to look at the shape of the scabbard, and then draws the sword out of the scabbard to observe the body of the sword.However, this nobleman-like businessman just stood in front of the sword stand and looked at it, without any intention of taking the sword in his hand. Young Master Ang was quite displeased, feeling that this businessman was trusting him, so he walked over and said with a faint smile, "Sir, you have good eyesight, Xiangjian is comparable to Xue Zhu."After King Goujian of Yue destroyed Wu and became hegemony, he searched for twelve famous swords in the world, and invited Xue Zhu to judge their authenticity.The twelve swords stood side by side with the sword rack in the hall. Xue Zhu walked all the way and pointed out that five of them were imitated by the swordsmith later.After the public discussion of swordsmiths in the Yue Kingdom, it was confirmed that Xue Zhu's words were correct.For a time, Xue Zhuxiang sword was famous all over the world, known as the god of swords.Young master Ang's comparison was obviously mocking the businessman's tricks. Yi Yuan didn't seem to notice it, looked at it again, still didn't move the sword, thought for a while and said: "This sword must be an ancient Gongbu sword. The curved lines on the sword are like a river rushing, continuous. The sword should be two feet long. It is two or three inches long, and with the sword grid, it is about three feet long." "Oh? Sir, how did you know the shape of the sword pattern?" Young Master Ang was very surprised. "Young master, my ancestors like to collect famous ancient swords and weapon illustrations, which I learned from books. To be honest, I have never seen this Gongbu sword." Yi Yuan replied with a humble and open-minded smile. Young Master Ang began to look at this businessman with admiration, and he cupped his hands as a salute and said, "From Mr.'s point of view, what is the value of this ancient sword among famous utensils in the world?" "The Gongbu sword is naturally a famous sword. From the perspective of ordinary people, it should be priceless." "What do you think sir?" "It's not yet a heavenly grade, it can only be ranked third." "How? Third class?!" Young Master Ang was once again inexplicably surprised. He shook his head and laughed loudly, "Sir, how exaggerated? Excuse me, what sword in the world can be called first or second class?" The luxurious businessman was not cramped, but he said neither humble nor overbearing: "The ones who are of the highest rank must be generals and Mo Xie's male and female swords." Young Master Ang nodded helplessly. This pair of Gan Jiang and Mo Xie's male and female swords are recognized as divine swords for hundreds of years, and their character is naturally higher than that of Gongbu Sword.He couldn't help asking: "Is there any more precious sword weapon than Gan Jiang and Mo Xie?" "The one that can be called the heavenly sword weapon must be the Tianyue Sword." "Sky, moon, sword?" Young Master Ang sneered lightly, "I've never heard of it, but I don't know who forged it and when?" "The Tianyue Sword was forged by Chi You." The luxurious merchant replied solemnly. "You, are you talking about... the Chi You who fought against the Yellow Emperor?" "Since ancient times, there has only been one Chi You." Young Master Ang couldn't help laughing loudly, "You businessmen, there are no single-minded sons! Chi You? Chi You made swords, that's a rumor in the market, understand? You can also say that the sword of the Emperor of Heaven, really." In an instant, Young Master Ang All the respect for the noble merchants disappeared, and the arrogance of the descendants of the royal family who despised everything was given away. The guest was as calm as still water, and said with a faint smile: "I have admired you for a long time, but I can't respect you, so I specially present the Chi You Tianyue Sword collected by my ancestors to you." "Wait, wait! You, do you have the Chi You Sword?" Young Master Ang restrained his smile, showing a cold expression.He finds the absurdity ridiculous. He has always come from a famous sword collector who is regarded as the world, and he dislikes people blatantly showing off in front of him.Even if a businessman is rich, even if he is from a family of sword collectors, it is not so miraculous that he actually made a Chi You sword, it is simply unimaginable!He glanced at the door, and couldn't help but give the order to evict the guests. "Master Xiao, open the Tianyue Sword and ask your master to judge it." The guest still smiled faintly. The young master was startled, but finally didn't speak.He wanted to see what this high-flyer, who was famous in Anyi, was going to use to prevaricate him.Looking intently, what the handsome servant held in his hand turned out to be a strangely shaped bamboo stick!At this moment, the handsome servant pulled the two ends of the bamboo stick, and with a sound of "Tap!", a dark crescent moon appeared, and he held it in front of Young Master Ang with both hands. Out of habit, Young Master Ang held it up with one hand, only to feel that it was so heavy and cold!Inexplicably, following the cold feeling, his heart trembled involuntarily. He hurriedly supported it with both hands, and found that the black thing was a piece of the whole body, as if it was born with a piece of pig iron!Upon closer inspection, it was quite confusing.Usually, even if it is a precious sword, the scabbard and sword body are absolutely distinct.Most of the scabbards are made of wood, and those who pay attention to them are nothing more than wrapped with a layer of leather and inlaid with a few pearls, but the skin must be supported by a wooden shell in order to have a gap for the sword body.Because of this, the shape of the scabbard and blade can be clearly felt once any sword is used.But this heavy and cold thing in front of him - Mr. Yang can't think of it as a sword at the moment - is very strange!The shape of an ordinary scabbard always has a more or less decorative effect on the sword body.For example, the top of the scabbard may be square, but the tip of the sword will definitely not be square.This thing is called a "sword", but it doesn't feel like a scabbard at all when you hold it in your hand. It's like a piece of cold pig iron wrapped in a layer of leather, revealing the weird arc of that thing realistically!Looking at the leather, it is fine in texture and shiny black, but you can't tell what kind of leather it is?The thick end should be the sword guard and the hilt, which is the common sense of the shape of the sword.But this thing is weird, there is almost no difference in the whole body, and it is difficult to see the difference between the hilt and the body three feet away!Only when you get started, you will feel that there is a round protrusion with a width of more than an inch at the slightly smaller end of the arc, and then there is a section of garden pillars.Is this the "sword hilt"?It almost forms a black and heavy thing with the body of the sword, which makes people feel that there is a kind of might and mystery in the weirdness. Rao is young master Ang, who is well-informed and knowledgeable, and dare not open his mouth about this matter easily.After being silent for a while, I still couldn't believe it in my heart, so I couldn't help holding up the sword and said: "Mr. said it was Chi You sword, how can I prove it?" Yi Yuan smiled and said, "Have you ever used this Gongbu sword in real life, my lord?" "I have tried it many times, and it is as sharp as mud." Yi Yuan pondered and said: "It's just a pity..." Young Master Ang suddenly smiled and said, "Sir, you mean to have a try with my Gongbu sword?" "The Gongbu sword is the best in the world, if it is damaged, it will be a waste of money." Young Master Ang laughed proudly, "If the Chi You Sword was really born, then the Gongbu Sword is nothing!" Handing the black thing to Yi Yuan, he bowed deeply to the sword stand, and stepped forward to hold the Gongbu Sword with both hands. "Being respectful is worse than obeying orders." Yi Yuan crossed his arms and said, "Master, please start to spread the sword." Young Master Ang slowly drew out the ancient Gongbu sword, but when he heard a faint vibrating sound, a cold faint light diffused under the lamp.Yi Yuan put the Tianyue sword on the long table, bowed deeply three times, then held the sword in his right hand, and with a touch of his left hand, he leisurely tore off the dark "scabbard".Under the bright light, the thing looked gray and black, about three feet long, shaped like a crescent moon, completely without the sound of the dragon's chant and green light when the Gongbu sword was unsheathed, it was indifferent and indifferent.But what is surprising is that the moment Chi You's sword was unsheathed, the Gongbu sword's radiance was exhausted, as if it had just been unearthed!Young Master Ang rubbed his eyes, looked at the sword carefully, he was very surprised, how could there be no glaring chill at all!Usually when Gong cloth sword is out of its sheath, the eyes can't look directly at all, but today it is very strange.After pondering for a while, he stretched out his sword edge, "Come on, you will know once you try it." Yi Yuan solemnly placed the Tianyue sword on the Gongbu sword slowly.As soon as the two swords clash, the Tianyue Sword emits a long clear vibrating sound, just like horses screaming in front of the two armies. The blade of the sword emits brilliance, like a flash of lightning in the sky, and the bright candlelight in the hall suddenly dims!The Gongbu sword trembled like a sound of gold and iron. Young Master Ang forced himself to be calm, "Come on, it's better to have the sword's edge against each other." In his memory, this Gongbu sword is invincible, and it is easier to cut gold and jade than melons and vegetables. Yi Yuan nodded with a smile and said: "I hold my sword still, but you can cut it at will, my lord." Young Master Ang raised his sword slowly, and suddenly exerted force, swiping at the edge of the Tianyue Sword—there was no sound of gold and iron clashing, but with a light touch in his hand, the Gongbu Sword was cut into two without a sound!The broken gold touched the ground, and sank into the white jade brick with a "poof".The famous Gongbu sword turned into a sword root in an instant. Young Master Ang turned pale with shock, staring blankly at the sword root in his hand.Is the Gongbu sword not sharp?The half-cut sword can still be submerged into the jade brick, so it can be seen that it is still sharp.Finally, he bowed deeply and said, "How dare Wei Ang accept such a heavenly weapon?" The guest had already put the Tianyue sword on the black sheath, stretched out his hand to support the young master, and said solemnly: "In the age of swords and soldiers, this heavenly weapon is hidden in the family treasury. How can it be used in the world? I have heard about the high righteousness of the son, and urged the king of Wei to stop the army." War. The heavenly weapon is given to you, and I hope you will make great achievements and be immortal in history." After speaking, he held up the Tianyue sword with both hands respectfully. Young Master Ang was extremely pleasantly surprised, hurriedly took over the black and heavy Tianyue sword, and bowed again, "Sir is so virtuous, how can Wei Ang repay you?" He turned around and ordered loudly, "Master, serve wine. I want to have a drink with Mr. !" The old man had been standing in the hall, and when he heard the words, he was even more excited than the master, he answered his orders loudly, and left in a hurry. During the small banquet for the host and guest, Young Master An frequently persuaded him to drink, and his face turned red from drinking too.He repeatedly asked the guests if there was anything for him to do in return.The guests repeatedly laughed and said no, and would definitely come to ask the young master when something happened.The young master pondered for a while, and suddenly asked, "Sir, are you from the state of Xue?" The guest replied, "Exactly." The young master laughed loudly, "Okay! You will not be rewarded for any merit, and Mr. Wei Ang will ensure that Mr. Wei's country will be safe and sound for ten years." Unexpectedly, the guest smiled indifferently, "Young Master, although I am a native of Xue State, I left home when I was young and traveled around the world to do business in various countries. In recent years, the wealth and goods are mainly in Qin State." "Oh, sir, why did you go to Qin to do business? It's a dangerous country there." "How? Is Qin State in danger?" The guest was very surprised and couldn't help telling, "Young Master, I don't know that rich merchants stationed in poor countries. This is my father's business secret. Qin is poor and weak, so it needs merchants more and it is easier to make profits. In the past ten years, I have made a lot of profit from Qin. How can you say that Qin is a dangerous state?" "Why are you so confused, sir? Right now, the Six Great Wars are going to raise troops to destroy Qin." Young Master Ang immediately warned the guests with a look of concern. "Six kingdoms destroy Qin? Well, what should I do?" The guest was so startled that he started to sweat, stood up and bowed, "My lord, please teach me." Young Master Ang pondered for a long while and said, "How long will it take, sir, to escape from the state of Qin?" The guest thought, "Get away too quickly, and the Qin people will become suspicious, seize wealth and kill people. If you walk too slowly, you will be destroyed by swords and soldiers. What should I do?" After thinking about it, he said: "Don't mention this again. , I can’t share my worries for the young master, how can I add more troubles? Let me think about a way out.” The young master smiled and said: "Except for me, who can help you with such a big matter? Hugh is too modest, I'll figure out a way." After a moment of pondering, he said decisively: "Well, I promise you first, within two months , Qin is fine. If it’s not enough, I’ll try again.” The guest said with a hearty smile: "The benefits of the property are actually embarrassing for the young master. However, if the young master can preserve the benefits of the property, I will share it with the young master for the rest of my life." "Oh, that's great! I like heroic guests the most. But, how can I repay you?" "If you can transfer Wei Guo's weapon trade to the princes, you and I will share wealth and wealth. How can we repay you?" Young Master Ang laughed loudly, "Sir, you are so sweet! You are quick to talk but still a businessman. If you have something to do in the future, I will send an old man to make an appointment with you. If you have something to do, I will send this little old man to my house. How about it?" The two laughed loudly together and drank again until midnight.The young master wanted to stay with the guests, but the guests insisted not to cause trouble for the young master.Young Master Ang was about to send a guest out, and the guest smiled and said, "Everyone knows how you treat guests, Young Master, and he never sees off guests. Making an exception and sending a businessman, the rumors are not good for you and me." Young Master Ang suddenly realized that Mr. Lian Zan was brilliant, so he Also did not send. The elder led the guests out, came to the shade of the tree and whispered: "Sir, wait a moment, Madam has a few words to say." After speaking, she coughed, and a tall woman with a gauze skirt dragging the floor turned out from the shade of the tree.The luxurious guest hurriedly bowed deeply and said, "Xue Guoyi sees Madam." The woman smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for the kindness of Mr. and my concubine. I will try my best to do what Mr. Concubine said. If there is good news, The elders will report it to Mr. immediately." After speaking, he gave another slight salute, and then drifted away! The luxurious guest looked at his wife's back and bowed deeply.The old man said in a low voice: "Don't worry, Mr. Mrs. is the great-great-granddaughter of Marshal Xi Ke of the old Jin Dynasty. She has more supernatural powers than you. She never sees any guests. Mr. is really a lucky star." "Thank you for your care, Yiyuan, I'm leaving." After speaking, the guest and Jun servant boarded the car and left. The rumbling car was driving on the dim yellow and dark King Street, and the handsome servant driving the car suddenly sobbed. The luxurious master scolded in a low voice: "What kind of place is this? Don't cry!" Jun Pu's sobbing stopped abruptly, he whipped the horse, and the four horses flew into the air, and the cart rumbled out of Wang Street.