Zuo Sili is one of the most relied on treasurers under Zuo Liangyu. On the surface, he runs a small and small silver dumping shop business in Xuzhou, but in fact, he is secretly responsible for many businesses in the south of Zuojia and the north of Chu. People can't be good-looking, Zuo Sili, who looks inconspicuous at first glance, is actually sophisticated in conversation and quick in thinking, which is indeed enough to take on the important task given by Zuo Liangyu.

A few days ago, he was entrusted to go to Dafu Mountain to explore the situation of the silver vein, and his original intention was to contact Su Zhao to discuss the matter of cooperation in mining development. Unexpectedly, the news that Zhao Ying was about to enter Zaoyang County fell from the sky, and then the news leaked out of nowhere, which aroused the attention of the Zaoyang County Yamen to the mining matter.

Zhu Yun, the magistrate of Zaoyang County, is old and weak, faint and pedantic, and everyone knows that the affairs of the county are all controlled by the warden. According to Zuo Sili's words, Chu Xidi is very unTaoist and has always been against Zuo Liangyu. As early as a year ago, Zuo Liangyu set his sights on Zaoyang and secretly gave gifts to Zhu Yuncheng, hoping to get some profit from the original two silver mines in the county. Zhu Yuncheng was afraid of Zuo Liangyu's strength, and he was supposed to accept it, but he gave Chu Xi a hindrance and forcibly pushed Zuo Liangyu's request back. Zuo Liangyu was very unhappy at that time, but at that time, he was in a hurry to suppress the thief, so he pressed this stubble down after coming and going.

At the end of last year, Zuo Liangyu sent people to Zaoyang County again, not to forcibly ask for silver mines, but to buy some of the farmland in Zaoyang County at market prices and cultivate it by self-employed tenants. It was that Chu Xi Di again, sternly refused, and even brought out the Da Ming Law to refute Zuo Liangyu's "unreasonable behavior" fiercely. Zuo Liangyu was furious, but the strong dragon did not suppress the head snake, although he was powerful and powerful, he couldn't find a good way to deal with it in the face of the powerful Chu Xidi, and the matter of buying land was also over.

In February this year, Zuo Liangyu heard from others that there was a silver mine in Dafu Mountain, and then he started thinking again. But because of the fear of being restrained, he didn't dare to go to Zhu Yuncheng with great fanfare, but asked Zuo Sili to secretly go to the Lutou store first to find Su Zhao, the inspector. Su Zhao is not stubborn, as soon as Zuo Sili raised the word "Zuo Shuai", he was immediately frightened, Zuo Sili lured him with silver ore to divide the profits, and under the combination of grace and power, Su Zhao bluntly said that as long as Zuo Liangyu needs it, he will fully cooperate in the matter of mining in Dafu Mountain.

Considering the thorn of Chu Xidi, Zuo Liangyu was determined to cook the raw rice first this time, and planned to hide Zaoyang County from Zhang Luo to Zhang Luo first, and in the future, whether Zaoyang County or the imperial court was involved, he would rely on his own connections to suppress the matter. At that time, no matter how much Chu Xi tossed, it was impossible to shake him Zuo Liangyu by half a point.

Zuo Sili adhered to this strategy, and ran back and forth in Zaoyang countless times before and after the moon came to the moon, but even though he hid in disguise every time, he was still inevitably targeted by Chu Xidi's eyeliner. Just yesterday, he planned to visit Zhao Ying with Su Zhao to test Zhao Dangshi's attitude, but he didn't expect to leave, and Chu Xidi also caught up sooner or later, so the three of them asked to see each other.

Zhao Dangshi listened to Chu Xidi's variety, remembered that he was the only one who insisted on not accepting gifts when the three of them left during the day, and sighed: "It seems that this Chu Xidi is really a bone minister, he is not greedy for money, and he sternly refuses Zuo Shuai's many requests, which is quite similar to Hai Zhongjie back then." The meaning of this statement is to compare Chu Xidi's style with Hai Rui, who is known for his integrity.

Thinking about it, Zuo Sili immediately sneered and said, "If the adults think so, then it is really a big mistake. ”

Zhao Dangshi was surprised and said, "I was wrong? Could it be that this is the ...... A hypocrite? ”

Zuo Sili said with contempt: "If that Chu Xidi is indeed a gentleman who is upright, honest and upright as an adult, then Zuo Shuai and the villain will also respect him as a person and do what they can in Zaoyang." Then the conversation changed, "It's a pity that this person has a clear and turbid speech, a honey-bellied sword, and has repeatedly blocked my Zuo family, not for the public, all because of his own selfish desires!" ”

The two continued to talk, and Zhao Dangshi realized that Chu Xi was born in a local wealthy family in Zaoyang County. In the Ming Dynasty, local officials were very mobile, but generally speaking, in addition to the accompanying guests raised by the officials themselves, most of them were local scholars. Unlike officials, the work mainly involves the basic implementation level, which is both complex and inclusive, and many of them also have direct contact with the common people and associations, so it is convenient to use indigenous people who are familiar with local customs to do things.

Chu Xidi was unfavorable in his early years, and he had no intention of re-reading, so he entrusted the relationship and worked in Zaoyang Yamen, starting from a knife and pen official, and gradually promoted to the rank of warden by virtue of his ability and family background. If the official is a strong figure, he can naturally suppress a group of indigenous officials who dare not move. However, most of the magistrates did not have the courage and means, and many of them only wanted to be safe and sound during their tenure and have a smooth transition, because very few magistrates were willing to oppose the local natives, and basically cooperated with the local wealthy gentry to consolidate their positions. Zaoyang County has no county Cheng, and Zhu Yun is a model of corpse vegetarian food and not seeking to be heard, and the power of Zaoyang County naturally fell into the hands of Chu Xidi.

Chu Xidi is in charge of the county center, no matter what kind of government affairs, it needs to be handled by him before it can be sent to Zhu Yuncheng. Zhu Yuncheng just went through the motions and signed and sealed. Therefore, under the operation of Chu Xi Di for several years, the power of the Chu family has expanded rapidly in Zaoyang County, and many local businesses have been monopolized by the Chu family, and the acres of land under the name of his family are also invincible. In addition, the original Qingshan and Loess Weir mines in Zaoyang are also controlled and operated by the Chu family, and Zuo Liangyu wants to move these two mines, which is equivalent to moving the interests of Chu Xidi, and he will naturally resist with all his might.

"It turns out that there is this relationship here." Zhao Dangshi said staggeringly, "If it weren't for Mr. Tou's outspokenness, I would still be confused by Chu Xidi's performance." ”

Zuo Sili said coldly: "This person is in Zaoyang, if you don't wait until late at night, the villain will never have the courage to come straight to find the adult." If he detects it, I am afraid that on the way home, he will send someone to intercept and kill him. At the end, he gritted his teeth and added, "My lord doesn't know, even Zuo Shuai has almost been plotted by him a few times." If it weren't for the alertness of the servants in the house, Zuo Shuai would have poisoned him and stabbed him to death a few times. ”

Zhao Dangshi shook his head and sighed: "Just a few officials dare to make waves like this, my Ming system, sad and lamentable!" As he spoke, he asked, "This land can be so lawless, presumably there must be someone behind it." ”

Zuo Sili nodded and said: "Your lord's eyes are like a torch, this person has the audacity to act as a demon and make enemies with Zuo Shuai, and it all depends on the friendship between teachers and students with the former Hubu Shangshu Hou and the Marquis of Sui. ”

Zhao Dangshi was stunned for a moment and said, "There is such a thing." Hou Sui and his people roughly knew that during the Apocalypse, he patrolled Guizhou to participate in the pacification of the rebellion of luxury and peace, and later because of the-for-tat confrontation with the eunuch party, Chongzhen favored the official fortune Shunda, successively served as the military department, the household department of Shangshu and other positions, and during the period often because of the "general" and supervised the border, is recognized as the "Julian two links" talent. Moreover, he is a senior member of the Donglin Party, with many political friends in the DPRK and China, and a rich background. Chu Xi can catch up with him, and he is empty-eyed in Zaoyang County.

Zuo Sili continued: "Although Lord Hou was imprisoned two years ago due to political disputes and has not been released, I, Zuo Shuai, remember his old kindness, and of course I will not embarrass him and his students. ”

When Zuo Liangyu's reputation was not obvious, he was repeatedly promoted by Hou Sui, and he was grateful to Dade. The military discipline of the Zuo family is not good, but every time he passes by Hou Sui's hometown Shangqiu Duqiu, he does not commit any crimes, and he himself even personally came to the door to kowtow to Hou Sui's father.

Even though Zuo Sili has repeatedly emphasized that Zuo Liangyu is a person who knows how to repay his kindness, Zhao Dangshi has seen a lot of ups and downs, and he will not believe it too much. According to what he thought, judging from Zuo Liangyu's sleek and fickle style, he respected Hou Sui and naturally had the idea of repaying his kindness, and in addition, I am afraid that he still saw the government and opposition forces behind Hou Sui, and wanted to hold on to escort his official road. For example, through Hou Sui, he successively made friends with ministers such as Li Banghua, Yuan Jixian, He Tengjiao, etc., Li Banghua was an important minister of the military department, Yuan Jixian is now the Huguang Governor of Wuchang Huangzhou Road, and He Tengjiao is the county governor of Nanyang, all of whom are the pillars of the country. With them inside and outside as the doorway, there is Zuo Liangyu's weather today.

Even though Hou Sui was impeached and imprisoned by Xue Guoguan, Wen Tiren and other political enemies two years ago, the ups and downs of the eunuch journey are normal, Chongzhen values Hou Sui, and he will be used again one day, Zuo Liangyu still has this foresight. Therefore, for Hou Sui and his peach and plum old courtesy, there is no meaning of half of the people going to tea and cool.

"Hateful Chu rhino wolf ambition, with most of the fields and mines in Zaoyang, he is still not satisfied, and he must have heard that Dafu Mountain is rich recently, so he has a sharp heart, and wants to take it for himself, so insatiable, it is really terrible and hateful." Zuo Sili's eyebrows were knotted, with a look of deep disgust, "Today, Zuo Shuai, Su Inspector and others are all tired of him, and I also hope that the adults can understand the righteousness and join hands with Zuo Shuai to fight against this fang." ”

Zhao Dangshi pondered for a while, and said: "With such treacherous people on the side, in my camp is like a hungry wolf waiting on the side of the couch, how can I sleep soundly." Sir, rest assured, I, Zhao, will never sit idly by and watch the traitor succeed. ”

Zuo Sili said happily: "With the help of adults, and Zuo Shuai and Master Su have the same hatred, no matter how treacherous and deceitful he is, there is nothing he can do!" ”

Speaking of this, the soldiers who were patrolling the night outside knocked on the four watches, Zuo Sili realized that he had discovered Zhao Dangshi's intentions, and when he saw that it was too late, he got up and said goodbye after a few words. Zhao Dangshi insisted on leaving him overnight in the middle of the night, but Zuo Sili insisted on leaving on the grounds of reporting Zuo Shuai's "good news" as soon as possible. Zhao Dangshi did not force him to stay, and then sent someone to take some gold and silver to give to Zuo Sili, and even took a high-grade Dongzhu obtained in Sichuan, and entrusted Zuo Sili to forward it to Zuo Liangyu to express his heart.

After Zuo Sili left, Zhao Dangshi went to bed, but he kept thinking about the content of Shicai's conversation in his mind, and repeatedly chewed on the deeds he described such as Chu Xidi, only to feel shocked in his heart. Tossing and turning until dawn did not feel sleepy. After breakfast, he immediately sent someone to find Chang Zeyu and tell him about the situation last night.

"Sir's clever calculation, Zuo Sili really came to the door by himself."

Zhao Dangshi briefly recounted the conversation between the two, and finally said: "Zuo Sili rushed back to Henan overnight, saying that if you get the news from Zuo Liangyu, you will pass it on to me in time." ”

Chang Zeyu didn't answer immediately, thought for a while, and said, "Lord, my subordinates have a few words, I don't know whether to say them or not." ”

Zhao Dangshi's heart moved, and said, "Sir, it's okay to say it." ”

Chang Zeyu said: "Who Zuo Liangyu is, the lord knows himself. And this Zuo Sili can become his help, and it must not be a fuel-efficient lamp. As the saying goes, 'people only speak three points, but they can't throw away all their hearts', ordinary people are like this, not to mention Zuo Liangyu. In the humble opinion of his subordinates, Zuo Sili's words are both true and false, and may not be fully believed. ”

Zhao Dangshi straightened his posture and replied: "Sir, I actually feel that although this Zuo Sili is talking loudly, I am afraid that there are many exaggerations in it. As Mr. said, the combination of virtual and real, what kind of strange things are there under the water of Zaoyang, I think it may be necessary to let Pang command them to touch it again. ”

Chang Zeyu nodded and said: "Yes, Zuo Liangyu and Chu Xidi have been around for so long, it can be seen that these two are by no means good." For my Zhao Ying, it doesn't matter which of these two people is right or wrong, which is good or evil, it just depends on whether my camp is beneficial or not. ”

Zhao Dangshi sighed: "Yes, the good and evil in this world are all black and white in people's thoughts, just as my good may be the evil of the other, it has never been difficult to define." Slowly sighed again, "A small Zaoyang, the situation is treacherous and changeable, to see the big from the small, it shows the situation in the world, for us, there is no way to fathom." ”

Chang Zeyu smiled and said: "Don't worry, the ship will naturally go straight to the bridge, and the prince and general will not be determined." There are subordinates and others who are in the same boat with the lord, and finally they can gradually cross the river and reach the vast sea. ”

When Zhao Dangshi heard this, he was relieved that he had been nervous for a night, but said: "In short, we are ready on both sides." Zuo Liangyu, I have dealt with the past, see how he moves next, see the move; Over there, I will have the Secret Service Department strictly investigate today to be in good proximity. ”

Chang Zeyu said: "What the lord said is very true, this is a safe measure. ”

After talking about it for a while, He Kewei and Wang Laixing asked to meet. Zhao Dangshi summoned the two of them, and when he asked, he learned that He Kewei had worked diligently in the past two days, in addition to personally inspecting the fields, he also visited all parts of the deer head shop, and almost at the same time as Zhao Dangshi, he got the news that there was a silver vein in Dafu Mountain. He didn't know that Zhao Dangshi had learned about this from Zuo Sili, so he came to report the relevant situation.

Zhao Ying's stability is imminent, everything is waiting to be enjoyed, and everyone else is tired, but He Kewei is extremely energetic.

With the continuous transfer of troops, although he has a talent in logistics, he has little room to play in the end. Now that Zhao Ying wants to be stationed in Zaoyang, there are many logistical matters involved, but it makes him radiant, and he feels that a hero will eventually be useful. Therefore, in the past few days, even if there was no one to supervise and no military order to appoint, he still took the initiative to carry out the preliminary arrangements for the logistics of the Zhao battalion, and enjoyed it without complaint. Dedication is so far, others are secretly ashamed in their eyes.

He was enthusiastic to explain the situation in Dafu Mountain that he was investigating, but only halfway through his words, Chang Zeyu suddenly noticed something unusual, and couldn't help but interrupt him.