Zhu Qing followed Chen Jiujin into the secret passage. Like most secret passages, the second secret passage in Chen Jiujin's study also had a downward stone staircase.

Zigong is located in the Sichuan Basin, with high sides and low middle. Whenever it rains heavily, it is inevitable that water will accumulate in some places. Although the terrain of Chen's Mansion is not low, Chen Jiujin is a shrewd person, and he still knows how to prevent trouble before it happens.

"Be careful, there's some standing water in this place." Chen Jiujin said, squatting next to a low-lying field, picking up a wooden spoon on the edge of the depression and shaking the water in the depression to water some nearby potted plants.

These flowers don't like to be watered, but they need to be watered once in a while. It also just happened to eliminate the water in this pit. This is seeping from elsewhere, but it's okay now, every rainy season, this pit needs to be cleaned up for a long time......" Chen Jiujin said to Zhu Qing while scooping water and watering the flowers.

"No wonder you've designed this secret door so cleverly. I'm afraid it's not just you who have flowers and plants in this, right? Zhu Qing smiled tentatively.

"Don't underestimate them, these are all famous Chinese herbal medicines......" Chen Jiujin said proudly.

"You businessmen are good at making their heads, and you can always adapt measures to local conditions and turn waste into treasure......" Listening to Chen Jiujin introduce his Chinese herbal medicine, Zhu Qing said with admiration.

"However, as you just said, I didn't dig this secret passage just to plant these flowers and plants...... Chen Jiujin said, and couldn't help but smile at the corner of his mouth, it seems that there is a lot of doorway inside.

"Oh?"

"Come, I'll take you in and you'll understand." Chen Jiujin put down the spoon and stood up, and continued to walk inside with Zhu Qing.

The two walked to a corner, Chen Jiujin skillfully touched the stone wall, then grabbed a tree vine and pulled it down, and a candle flame suddenly popped up on the stone wall. The candle flame lit up along the secret passage all the way inside. Chen Jiujin also extinguished the candle flame in his hand.

Zhu Qing looked at the secret passage that suddenly lit up with a candle flame, and couldn't help but exclaim, "This is not a good kung fu, right?" ”

Chen Jiujin didn't answer, just smiled and took Zhu Qing to continue walking in, and walked to a corner, there were no vines in this corner, but there were ferns growing well on the stone wall, Chen Jiujin reached into a dense place and twisted it, and the stone wall on the left side suddenly tore a hole, obviously this is a secret door in the secret passage. But when the secret door opened, it suddenly shot out a dazzling brilliance.

Chen Jiujin asked for instructions to let Zhu Qing walk in, Zhu Qing hesitated, turned around and walked into the secret room. As soon as he entered the door, Zhu Qing was suddenly stunned by the scene in front of him: This is a vault! Inside, all kinds of gold, silver and jewelry are piled up randomly, shining brightly in the light of the lamp. Zhu Qing couldn't help but feel blind.

At this time, Chen Jiujin walked in with a smile and said nothing, looking at the wealth accumulated by the Chen family for several generations, and suddenly sighed in his heart, "I'm really worried that the foundation of the Chen family for several generations will not be inherited......

After Zhu Qing heard this, he couldn't help but be shocked, "Why did Brother Chen say this?" ”

"Don't hide it from Brother Qinglong, although I, Chen Jiujin, am a rich man, I don't have three wives and four concubines like the children of other rich families. I loved a woman before, but for various reasons I couldn't help each other. My mother later found one, although she was also quite virtuous and dignified, but so far she only has the name of husband and wife and has no husband and wife...... "Chen Jiujin really regarded Zhu Qing as his brother, otherwise he would not have brought him into the secret passage of the treasury, and told him these heartfelt words."

"Brother Chen is a man of temperament, single-minded, and Qinglong admires him." Zhu Qing thought about it for a while, but let's not talk about Xiaoqi and Chen Jiujin first. After all, although Chen Jiujin and Xiaoqi are separated, they still have trysts from time to time, even if something happens to Xiaoqi's family later, the two are only a few months apart. This is not a big test for real feelings. Thinking like this, Zhu Qing couldn't help asking, "Since Brother Chen misses his old friend so much, why don't you go to her?" ”

"Brother said lightly, this may have been okay a year ago, but just a few years ago, my Chen Mansion was stared at by Xu Dingguo, and I didn't even feel at ease with a flying insect entering and leaving. How to get there? "Chen Jiujin is very sincere.

"Since I can't see the old man, and the family has recruited a new person for Zhang, it is understandable that Brother Chen should take a concubine and renew the incense for the Chen family." Zhu Qing said that in ancient times, taking a concubine was not a thing that went against human morality, let alone a big family like Chen Jiujin, in other words, the son, the young master and even the master of other families had three wives and four concubines.

"Having said that, brother, I don't want to delay the new one, but whenever I think of the old man still wandering outside, how can my brother bear to steal joy alone? And ......" Chen Jiujin wanted to say something, but he still hesitated.

"Besides, the old man is still dragging a child, isn't he?" Zhu Qing saw that Chen Jiujin was so affectionate, and Xiaoqi also dragged her daughter thousands of miles to find a husband, and then pretended not to know, I am afraid that I will be sorry for Chen Jiujin for taking her as a brother.

"How do you know?" Chen Jiujin was shocked when he heard this, and hurriedly asked.

Zhu Qing sighed lightly, and took out two jade pendants from his waist, which were actually Chen Jiujin's confidant jade!

"This ......" Chen Jiujin looked at the two pieces of confidant jade in surprise and was stunned, "I have only given confidant jade to two people, why are they all on you?" ”

"This piece was given to me by you in Kaifeng before, and this other piece is...... It's Xiaoqi......" Zhu Qing said.

"Xiaoqi! Have you seen her? Where is she? How are their mother and daughter doing? Chen Jiujin suddenly asked excitedly.

Zhu Qing put away the jade pendant, turned his back and sighed softly, "To be honest, they haven't had a good time these days...... Zhu Qing paused, turned around and smiled faintly, "But you can rest assured, they are safe now." ”

"You saved them, didn't you?" Chen Jiujin began to be a little excited.

Zhu Qing didn't admit it, he just smiled faintly, for him, no matter whether it was Xiaoqi who fainted or not, whether it was Chen Jiujin's woman or not, he would save it, and he also wanted to save more people and save more refugees......

"You must have saved them! Brother Qinglong, I Chen Jiujin crisscrossed the rivers and lakes, and it can be said that I am a rich party, but there are few friends who are really worthy of friendship, they are either greedy for my money, or greedy for my business, or they are trying to get my relationship...... Take it as an example, they know that I was caught between Chen Wuyong and Xu Dingguo, but no one dared to come to help, and even wished that I would be ruined in this encounter! Chen Jiujin said with both sadness and indignation, and after calming down, he continued, "Only Qinglong is different. Although I gave you a confidant jade, I just saw that your feelings of worrying about the country and serving the people were slightly the same as Chen's, and even sending you a letter asking for help a few days ago should be a fight...... However, when I saw my brother in the study, I almost didn't cry, you are finally here! You're the only one who dares to come to me! So I just decided, I must let you come in and have a look, take a look at this vault, I didn't expect that you not only came to save me, but also saved Xiaoqi and their mother and daughter! What a grace! Chen Jiujin said, and knelt in front of Zhu Qing.

Zhu Qinggang wanted to help, but saw Chen Jiujin's knees really kneeling on the gold! He hesitated.

"It's really a man's knees with gold...... Zhu Qing couldn't help but smile bitterly and asked, "So, you brought me here to show off your wealth with me?" ”

Chen Jiujin was suddenly startled, he hurriedly looked around to see where he offended Zhu Qing! When he found himself kneeling on top of the gold, he immediately moved his knee, "Brother, I didn't mean that, don't get me wrong!" ”

Zhu Qing smiled loudly and stretched out his hand to help Chen Jiujin up, "Okay, I'll be kidding you, do you know?" Some of us have people who see showing off their wealth as a form of respect. But seeing you sitting on Jinshan, and thinking about those refugees outside the city, I don't feel good in my heart, I won't tell you that Xiaoqi and Liujin followed the refugees to find you, and now they are with Miss Chen outside the West City. It should be fine. ”

When Chen Jiujin heard this, he really sighed, and his voice even trembled a little, "It's really hard for their mother and daughter." But then again, I still have to thank my brothers, without you, they would be in danger. I know Xiaoqi's body and bones, and it is not easy to walk from Huguang to Xicheng...... If it weren't for the six catties, I'm afraid I'd ...... halfway," Chen Jiujin said, suddenly speechless.

Zhu Qing saw that Chen Jiujin knew Xiaoqi like this, and knew that they were deeply in love at that time.

Zhu Qing gently patted Chen Jiujin's shoulder, "If you are lucky enough to escape this catastrophe, you must treat their mother and daughter well." ”

Chen Jiujin nodded, and couldn't help sighing, "But this time it's really a catastrophe." ”

"Actually, you were targeted by Xu Dingguo and Chen Wuyong, to a large extent, it was my fault, if I hadn't asked you to promote land reform, you wouldn't have become a thorn in their side......" Zhu Qing knew that the reason why the land reform in Zigong and even the entire Sichuan region was implemented was largely due to the promotion of patriotic businessmen like Chen Jiujin. But obviously, after the gun hit the first bird, and Xu Dingguo and Dongying would join forces to control Sichuandi, Chen Jiujin became the target of public criticism.

"Brother, don't say this, if it weren't for my brother's enthusiasm, I wouldn't have dealt with you Jinyiwei. It was you who made me change my opinion of Jinyiwei and even the imperial court. Not only do I not blame my brother, but I also have to thank my brother, let me know that even if the past dynasties value agriculture over business, but businessmen can also save the country and save the people! Chen Jiujin said with a righteous face.

Zhu Qing couldn't help but nodded, "Okay!" With your words, my Qinglong will not be in vain! ”

"So, you didn't just enter Sichuan this time to save me?" This time, it was Chen Jiujin's turn to cancel Zhu Qing.

When Zhu Qing heard this, the two looked at each other and were stunned, and couldn't help laughing.

After laughing, Chen Jiujin grabbed the gold, silver and jewelry scattered all over the ground, and sighed lightly, "Actually, I opened the vault tonight, firstly, to let you understand the brotherly affection, and secondly, it is also for the refugees outside the city......

"Oh? How so? "Since Chen Jiujin can't get out of the gate, how can his pile of gold, silver and jewelry help the people outside? Zhu Qing was a little puzzled.

Chen Jiujin paced a few steps and responded, "Chen Wuyong came to me just now." We talked for a long time, but in fact, he couldn't get used to Xu Dingguo's style, but he couldn't go head-to-head with him, so this bad guy did it half-pushing, half-on-the-spot. ”

"Isn't it for yourself?" Zhu Qing sneered.

Chen Jiujin nodded, "But he only gave me one way, if I agreed, I would be able to avoid a head-on conflict with Xu Dingguo, and Xu Dingguo would not move me openly." ”

"Will you be in charge of the food and lodging of the laborers and refugees?" Zhu Qing asked.

Chen Jiujin's face was shocked, "How do you know?" ”

"Hmph......" Zhu Qing chuckled, "Jin Yiwei has already followed Chen Wuyong into Xu Dingguo's general's mansion. Xu Dingguo is tempted through this matter, once you don't agree, he will have a reason to move you! Moreover, at that time, the laborers and refugees only knew that you Chen Jiujin had money and food, but did not take it out to help the victims. Then you're really going to ruin your reputation......"

"Therefore, I agreed to Chen Wuyong's request and was willing to be responsible for the food and housing of those laborers and refugees until the fortifications of the city wall were completed." Chen Jiujin nodded.

"Whoever leaves, the workers and refugees have to eat. Xu Dingguo and Chen Wuyong originally wanted to blackmail you, but they didn't expect that although you lost your wealth, you gained the hearts of the people. So don't worry, I will help you keep an eye on the relief funds, and I will never allow Chen Wuyong to eat any more of you. However, since you have such a big mountain of gold and silver, I don't want to see someone starving inside and outside the city like Xiaoqi and Liujin. You can't help them all the time, but you have to help them through this! Because all the grain in Zigong County is now being used by Xu Dingguo to replenish the army! Zhu Qing said, and couldn't help but squeeze his fist hatefully.

"Brother, don't worry, I open the door of the vault in front of you, these gold and silver are for your disaster relief and war, you must drive Xu Dingguo away, so that the people can live a peaceful life!" Chen Jiujin said, waving his big hand towards the gold and silver mountains, as if Zhu Qing took it casually.

"Chase away? drove out Xu Dingguo, the people of Zigong are better, and I am afraid that the people in other places will suffer again. So, this sortie is to uproot! Zhu Qing said, with unshakable faith in his eyes!

"Uprooted? This ......" Chen Jiujin seemed to think of something, and suddenly it was difficult to speak, and his face was instantly frightened from Fang Cai's confidence.

"What's wrong?" Zhu Qing asked with a look of observation.

"I'm afraid this root is not easy to pull. To tell you the truth, this root is deep and wide, and almost the entire Sichuan land can be stretched! Chen Jiujin said a little out of temper.

Zhu Qing smiled faintly, "Are you talking about the Dongying Club?" ”

When Chen Jiujin heard the words "Dongying Club", he was so shocked that he threw away a big ingots in his hand and looked at Zhu Qing with incredible eyes.

Without waiting for Chen Jiujin to ask, Zhu Qing continued with a smile, "We have divided two groups of people this time, in fact, it should be four groups of people to be exact." The three departments of Xuanwu, Heisha and Zheng Chenggong gathered in Chengdu to make the East Win Club. And I'll take another group of people to save you. Zhu Qing said, smiling and lightly pointing at Chen Jiujin.

Chen Jiujin still didn't have the heart to joke, and asked eagerly, "How many people are there in the three of them?" ”

Zhu Qing hesitated for a moment, and responded, "Fifty thousand, this is a secret of the military division, if I let me know that it leaked out of your mouth, let alone brother, it is you and the people related to you, of course, these piles of gold and silver no longer belong to you." ”

Brothers to brothers, battlefield to battlefield. Zhu Qing can fight for his brother on the battlefield, but he will never allow his brother to betray his battlefield. This may be a major factor in his ability to not only serve the public but also win the morale of the military since he took office.

After hearing this, Chen Jiujin hurriedly explained, "No, absolutely not, I, Chen Jiujin, dare to take these bunches of guarantees, and I will definitely not leak any military information." I'm just worried that you won't bring enough people to fight! ”

Listening to Chen Jiujin's last sentence, Zhu Qing was a little surprised, Jinyiwei was not enough to fight, this was the first time he had heard of it. Although he can imagine that Dongying will be difficult to deal with, but Jinyiwei is not enough to fight, right?

"Are they really that good at it?" Zhu Qing couldn't help asking.

Chen Jiujin shook his head, "It's not because they're better than Jinyiwei, it's just that there are a lot of people, it is said that they have been entrenched in Sichuan for ten years, but no one has really seen them make a move, but many things happen very bizarrely, as if they are everywhere."

"Everywhere......" Zhu Qing couldn't help but ponder these words, the words originally used to describe Jinyiwei turned out to be used to describe the person of Dongyinghui from Chen Jiujin's mouth! What kind of person would it be? Zhu Qing's thoughts were quickly interrupted by Chen Jiujin.

"But I heard you say that the three of them brought 50,000 people, so you shouldn't worry too much......" Chen Jiujin breathed a sigh of relief to himself, but he quickly asked Zhu Qing again, "By the way, then you brought tens of thousands of soldiers and horses from Gong this time?" ”

Zhu Qing came back to his senses, pretending to be calm and gestured at Chen Jiujin with a figure of eight fingers.

"Eighty thousand?" Chen Jiujin asked with a smile, this is a figure worth looking forward to, it can completely crush all the rebels in Zigongli.

But Zhu Qing shook his head.

Chen Jiujin's smile gradually disappeared, and he asked again, "Eight thousand?" ”

At this time, Zhu Qing did not answer, nor did he shake his head, but just looked at Chen Jiujin steadily.

"Don't scare me, how can 8,000 people fight? Xu Dingguo has more than 30,000 people, plus the rebels in Zigong, they are no less than 40,000 people, almost five times as many as Jinyiwei! Chen Jiujin said that his palms began to sweat. Who knew that an even more embarrassing answer was still waiting for him.

"It's eight hundred......," Zhu Qing said quietly.

With a "boom", Chen Jiujin suddenly collapsed in his gold and silver mountains and fainted!

"Huh? Hey, Brother Chen? Zhu Qing pushed it gently, and Chen Jiujin really fainted.

It is said that shopping malls are like battlefields, but I didn't expect the big businessman Chen Jiujin to faint like this! Zhu Qing hurriedly inserted him in the middle of the person, it was useless!

"Presumably, I have been frightened and depressed in the past few days, and I have better bumped into ......" Zhu Qing shook his head, stood up and walked out of the vault secret room, came to the depression outside, scooped up a scoop of water and returned to the secret room, picked up another gold bar, held the water scoop in one hand and flicked it towards Chen Jiujin's face, and smashed it on the gold mountain with the other hand, and the crisp metal hit and the sound of water splashing echoed in the secret room......

"Woo ......" Chen Jiujin woke up with an exclamation.

"It seems that these things can wake you up......" Zhu Qing helped Chen Jiujin up tremblingly, and said with a slight smile.

"Ouch, I said Qinglong, you only brought eight hundred people and you just came from tribute, I advise you to go back quickly, brother, I don't blame you...... How do you fight with 800 people? Chen Jiujin took out a handkerchief and wiped his face with a dejected face, he felt that there was no way, 800 people could not do 40,000 people!

"Brother Chen?" Zhu Qing suddenly held up Chen Jiujin, who was still a little confused, and said seriously, "Brother Chen, listen to me......"

Chen Jiujin shook his head vigorously in a daze.

Zhu Qing suddenly increased his strength, grabbed Chen Jiujin's shoulder and shook it violently, "Brother Chen! Listen to me, that's why I've come to you in the middle of the night! ”

Chen Jiujin was suddenly woken up by Zhu Qing, looked at Zhu Qing's resolute eyes in a daze, and nodded......