Tao Qian thought for a while before remembering who Ji Ling was.

Ji Ling is a native of Le'an, Qingzhou, and came to Xuzhou not long ago, and was recommended by Lu Zhu to serve as a soldier. He didn't read much, but he had good martial arts and was very brave in battle. He had merit in capturing Nancheng and Feixian, and he was the first to ascend when capturing Nanwuyang.

In terms of meritorious deeds, it is a good choice to let Ji Ling serve as Lu Xiang. With his ability, he may be able to block Yuan Tan, at least not let Yuan Tan appear in front of him without warning. Lu Guo is too dangerous, and he will not let his son Tao Ying take risks. Although Tao Ying has made a lot of progress, he still needs to be experienced.

Tao Qian agreed. He also knew that after Chen Yi was a famous minister, he would not take him, a low-born Xuzhou assassin, in his eyes, and it was almost inevitable to abandon the official. Such a person should let him go back and toss Sun Ce.

The suggestion was agreed to by Tao Qian, and Lu Zhu immediately discussed with Tao Qian to strengthen cooperation with Sun Ce. Sun Ce wants to implement the monopoly of salt and iron in Runan, and Xuzhou can also follow suit, which is a good way to increase taxes and strengthen control. In addition to this, he suggested buying some ordnance from Sun Ce to strengthen his strength, especially the elite directly controlled by Tao Qian. The battle with Yuan Tan is imminent, and he should ensure that he has a well-equipped army at hand. The Battle of Junyi proved that the quality of the ordnance produced in Nanyang has jumped to the top of the world, although it is slightly more expensive, but it is worth the money.

Elfang also told Tao Qian that although Yuan Tan was an enemy of Sun Ce, he was also planning to buy Nanyang's ordnance, but Sun Ce had refused to let go.

Tao Qian secretly smiled bitterly. This is just after the gift is given, the Lord came to blackmail. Just like having to take over the Lu State, this deal had to be made, otherwise Sun Ce would have turned to a deal with Yuan Tan, and he would soon have learned the power of those weapons.

Tao Qian said earnestly: "Zizhong, leave this matter to you at your discretion." After the implementation of the monopoly on salt and iron, if the tax increases significantly, you may wish to buy more. Before that, it is not advisable to buy more, so as not to affect people's livelihood, so as to buy equipment for 500 people first. ”

Elk Zhu comprehended and bowed down to receive the order. He had long expected that Tao Qian would not be restrained and would definitely fight back. But this is not harmful to his elk family, he can take the opportunity to take the salt monopoly into his hands. With the two big customers of Yuzhou and Xuzhou, the wealth of the elk family will usher in a leapfrog growth.

What the envoy said is very true, Xuzhou's recent expenses are indeed very large, and it should not be too extravagant. If you don't mind, my elk family can buy some and give them to you to see if it's an exaggeration. ”

Tao Qian is in the middle of it. The elk family has earned so much money, it is long overdue to let some blood.

Tao Qian smiled and said: "Zizhong, come, sit in the hall, let me also listen to Zifang talk about the achievements of the rebellious general." Although the rebellious general is young, his record is impressive, and Sun Wentai has a good child, which makes me so envious. ”

Elfang smiled and bowed. "The rebellious general is also full of praise when he talks about the envoy, and often asks the general Zhengdong for your deeds when you went west."

Tao Qian laughed and warmly invited the Elk brothers to take a seat.

——

Lu Zhu and Lu Fang were full of wine and food, got out of the Thorn Mansion, got into the car together, went out of the east gate, and galloped along the avenue.

Lu Zhu asked Tao Qian for leave and went back to his hometown in Qu County. Sun Ce wants to implement a monopoly on salt and iron in Runan, and Tao Qian will also follow up, and the production of salt will be under official ownership, and private salt will either be banned or taken under official control. If it weren't for that, why would he take the initiative to offer to Tao Qian, the equipment of a thousand people is not a small amount.

The elk family is a businessman, and a businessman puts interests first in everything, and he will not do anything without interests.

"Zifang, General Sun really plans to take Jiangnan?"

"It's true. Originally, General Sun planned to let Sun Yuzhou sit in Runan, but Sun Yuzhou had no talent for governance and liked to fight on the battlefield, so he had to let him take Lujiang and Jiujiang, and Zhou Yu took Nanjun and Jiangxia, and after he succeeded, he would inevitably advance into Jiangnan. Once Jingzhou fell into the hands of General Sun, how could Yangzhou stay out of the matter? It must be in General Sun's pocket. ”

"Yangzhou is a good place, especially since the Sun family is from Wu County." Elk Zhu sighed faintly. "Have you ever thought that after he takes Yangzhou, we will not be able to monopolize the salt industry?"

"Brother, I thought about this, that's why I hurried back."

"Is there anything you can do?"

"Yes, yes, I just don't know if my brother can agree."

Lu Zhu turned his head to look at Lu Fang and chuckled: "You're not afraid that I won't agree, but you're afraid that my little sister won't agree, right?" ”

Elfang raised her eyebrows, but did not refute, which was considered a tacit acquiescence. The Elk family is a businessman, Qilu is a prosperous place of Confucianism, businessmen are easy to get rich but difficult to get expensive, if you want to improve the family, the best way is to attach to a power, or to make a marquis with military merits. This is the reason why the Elk family chose Sun Ce. Although Tao Qian is strong, Tao Qian is too old, and the two sons are not talented in fighting for hegemony, so their rule over Xuzhou will not last long. Sun Ce is different, he is not yet weak, he has a lot of room for development, and his future is far beyond Tao Qian.

But Sun Ce is surrounded by many talents, and it is difficult for Elfang to get ahead completely by virtue of his military exploits. Now Sun Ce still needs the help of the Elk family to give him the false title of Captain of the Cavalry. When Sun Ce takes Yangzhou and controls the production of salt himself, the role of the Elk family will be greatly weakened. At that time, he will become an ordinary general under Sun Ce's account.

If you want to hold on to Sun Ce's big tree, the best way is to invest enough capital when he needs help and seize the opportunity. The little sister Ellan has a talent for business, and she is at a good age, Sun Ce is lustful, and there are many women around her, but she lacks a person who understands economics. If the little sister can marry Sun Ce, with Sun Ce's temper, it is entirely possible to hand over the business to her. Even if he takes Wu County in the future, the salt industry is still in the hands of the Elk family. The little sister is reused by Sun Ce, and the wealth of the elk family can be expected.

As for the identity of the concubine, it is not a big problem for the Elk family. Even Yuan Heng and Feng Wan can be concubines, and letting Xiaomei be Sun Ce's concubine is not a grievance against her. Moreover, Sun Ce is outstanding, uses soldiers like a god, and has an unlimited future, and he is the ideal husband in the minds of countless girls.

Elfang himself thought this plan was wonderful, but he was not the head of the family, and he had to ask for the consent of his brother Elk. They are very fond of Ellan, and this matter must also be agreed by Ellan herself, and she must not be forced to do so. Although, in his opinion, the likelihood of Ellan's opposition is very small.

Lu Zhu's idea is similar to Lu Fang, he thinks this is a good idea, and it is better to discuss it with Xiaomei in person, and respect her own opinion. He specially asked for leave to go home for this reason. In addition, once Xiaomei marries Sun Ce, he also needs to arrange another person to take over the affairs that Xiaomei is currently taking care of. There are many things involved in changing private salt to official salt, and he must deal with it personally.

"Zizhong, you tell me about your experience in the past six months, the more detailed the better. If the little sister doesn't object, my family and General Sun will marry, and they will really be tied together in the future. ”

Elfang smiled. "Brother, you've also met General Sun, and you don't know what kind of person he is?"

"It's always good to know more."

"Okay, I'll tell you what happened in the past six months, and you will know that I am not on a whim."