A thick wall separates two very different worlds. Beyond the walls were the cracked earth and bleak countryside, all now hidden in boundless darkness; Inside the city wall, it is full of flowers, red lights, and a group of paper fans and drunken urban style.

At the beginning of the lanterns, wandering along the streets of Xi'an along the bustling flow of people, Zhu Youzhen couldn't help but have an illusion: this is not a barren and backward Shaanxi with frequent people's changes, but like a prosperous Beijing.

Seeing that Zhu Youzhen was fascinated, Li Zicheng explained to him with a smile: "Xi'an was known as Chang'an in ancient times, and it has a history of more than 2,000 years since King Wen of Zhou led his troops to move here from Qishan. This place is bordered by the Wei River in the north, the Qinling Mountains in the south, the Qinchuan River in 800 miles, the shape is the best in the world, and the king is full of spirit since ancient times. Beginning with Zhou, there have been Qin, Western Han, Xinmang, Chimei, Gengshi, Emperor Xian of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Chu of the Western Jin Dynasty, Emperor Qianzhao, Qianqin, Houqin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Qi Huangchao built the capital here, where the sixteen dynasties, up and down more than 1,000 years.

"Especially when the Tang Dynasty was at its peak, Chang'an was divided into three layers: palace, city and Guo, with a population of more than one million and a radius of no less than 100 miles, far better than today. It's a pity that it gradually declined after that, and it was demolished by Houliang Zhu Wen. Although it is now singing and dancing, it is no longer the scale of the past! ”

Zhu Youzhen was silent when he heard this, secretly thinking that Xi'an was located inland, and when the ancient agricultural civilization was dominant, it naturally took advantage of the geographical advantage. But now in the seventeenth century, the great geographical discoveries of the West have basically ended, and the whole world has been connected.

In this era of the sea, the decline of Xi'an is certainly inevitable. In fact, the entire Ming Empire is falling from glory to the bottom, and this Xi'an is just one of the microcosms.

Despite this, the wealthy merchants in the city were unaware. At nightfall, the bustling chessboard street is even more lively, especially the restaurants and brothels, which are full of people.

The destination of Zhu Youzhen's trip is Tianwaitian, which is the largest restaurant on Qipan Street.

From afar, the four-storey building stands out from the crowd and is brightly lit. The noisy clinking of glasses, the sound of drinking, the singing of the singers, and the unbridled laughter of the guests mingled to form a powerful wave of sound that radiated out wave after wave to the high night sky.

When you enter the building, it is even more of a warm scene. All the seats are full, and the seats are staggered, and dozens of men who run the hall shuttle between the tables, singing the name of the dish from time to time: "Steamed anchovies, braised sea cucumbers, roasted venison, bird's nest and ginseng soup..."

Zhu Youzhen's Xie Sheng and several other Tuan Yong were all farmers facing the loess with their backs to the sky before, and they had never seen such a scene. For a while, a few people suddenly felt like a fairyland, and everywhere was beautiful, and even their eyes were straight.

Zhu Youzhen frowned slightly, and muttered in a low voice: "Zhumen's wine and meat stink, and there are frozen bones on the road!" Even if 10% of the silver used to eat and drink can be taken out, the people's lives will be much better! ”

Li Zicheng smiled bitterly and whispered: "Don't say one percent, it's just one or two pieces of silver, and people may not be willing to take it out!" Lord Wang, the county lord has not yet arrived at this moment, our Huanghai Merchant Gang has already booked a private room on the fourth floor, how about going to rest for a while? ”

Zhu Youzhen nodded, and a few people were led by Xiao Er and went straight to the fourth floor.

As soon as I went up to the fourth floor, I bumped into a person head-on, who was only seventeen or eighteen years old, and his demeanor was very frivolous, and his two eyes also had black circles, which was caused by excessive wine. He hurriedly said to Li Zicheng: "Second brother, why did you come, the old man is in a hurry!" Why don't you go to Jade Pavilion yet! ”

Li Zicheng hurriedly said to Zhu Youzhen: "You Gongzi, this is the villain's brother Li Zijie. Self-admonishment, this is You Jianyou, the leader of the Huanghai Merchant Gang, and he is not polite! ”

Li Zijie didn't look at Zhu Youzhen squarely, but just snorted from his nostrils, and said lukewarmly: "I still have to go and say hello to the people of the Jinzhong Merchant Gang and the Yulin Merchant Gang, you go to see the old man!" ”

After Li Zijie left, Li Zicheng smiled awkwardly: "My younger brother is the youngest son of my father, and I have been spoiled since I was a child. My father also really wants to see the prince, I don't know what the prince thinks? ”

Zhu Youzhen hurriedly said: "I want to pay homage to the venerable man, just don't reveal your identity." ”

So the two first came to a private room called "Jade Xuan", which was the box of the Shaanxi merchant gang. Zhu Youzhen stepped into the house and saw an old man in his sixties sitting on the main seat, with white hair and a solemn expression, not smiling.

Seeing Li Zicheng come in, Lao Suo said colorfully: "Zicheng, what are you busy with these days, and how much has the affairs of the gang been delayed!" Don't think that just because you're a few years old, you can do whatever you want. Both of you brothers are concubines, who will inherit the Shaanxi Business Gang, and you haven't thought about it yet! ”

Li Zicheng hurriedly smiled and said, "Father, I'll introduce you." This is You Jianyou, the leader of the Yellow Sea Merchant Gang; You Gongzi, this is my father. ”

Lao Suo turned to Zhu Youzhen with a little arrogance, but his mouth was extremely polite: "It turned out to be Gongzi You, disrespectful and disrespectful!" Sure enough, it is a hero from ancient times who came out of a young man, and the old and decrepit Li Henian is so polite! ”

Zhu Youzhen hurriedly bowed in return, and after a few greetings, Li Henian forcibly invited him to the table. After saying a few words, he waved his subordinates back, stared at Zhu Youzhen's eyes and said: "The old man is old, and the affairs of the Shaanxi Merchant Gang have been entrusted to Zicheng to take care of." But I heard that he recently partnered with You Gongzi to set up the Yellow Sea Business Gang, and the old man is afraid that the dog will not be able to handle it and delay You Gongzi's business! ”

Zhu Youzhen naturally heard Li Henian's voice, and said with a slight smile: "Gang Leader Li is too modest, Gongzi is a wizard in the business world, and he is very important to Gang Leader You. Of course, Li Gongzi has always been a member of the Shaanxi Business Gang, and we are just a cooperative relationship. Since the establishment of the Huanghai Merchant Gang, antique shops and Tibetan specialties have been operating well, and Li Gongzi has also taken a lot of shares, which should be beneficial and harmless to the Shaanxi Merchant Gang. ”

"That's nature." Li Henian hurriedly smiled and said, "You Gongzi has a keen eye, in a word, there is nothing to worry about if he is so old." But the Yellow Sea merchant gang is a rising star, there is a saying that 'the wood is beautiful in the forest, the wind will destroy it', and now the major merchant gangs in Xi'an have a lot of complaints about the dogs, and they think that they are instigated by the old decay..."

"It was my negligence." Zhu Youzhen said with a smile, "When I see the leaders of the merchant gangs for a while, You will explain by himself, and no one will misunderstand the Shaanxi merchant gang in the future." ”

Li Henian saw that Zhu Youzhen was talking and laughing freely, and he didn't seem to take those big business gangs to heart, and he couldn't help but feel dissatisfied, but he said quietly: "You Gongzi has not been in Xi'an for a long time, and he may not know much about the strength of those business gangs. If these companies join forces, I'm afraid that a century-old gang like our Shaanxi Business Gang will not be able to withstand it. You Gongzi still don't make the relationship too stiff, otherwise everyone will not look good. ”

"Looks like I didn't do anything!" Zhu Youzhen still smiled disapprecitatively.

"You Gongzi doesn't have to ask knowingly." Li Henian said in a deep voice, "Old man might as well make it clear that now the major merchant gangs are raising the price of rice, but the Huanghai merchant gang is doing the opposite, on the one hand, buying a large number of people, and on the other hand, giving alms to the people.

"You have given so much here, but to whom do you sell their rice? Therefore, the Jinzhong Merchant Gang, the Yulin Merchant Gang and the Tiger Roar Merchant Gang have privately made an alliance to bring down the Huanghai Merchant Gang! If it weren't for the thin face of the decay, I'm afraid that these families would already be fighting! ”

"So that's it." Zhu Youzhen also restrained his smile and said seriously, "It is natural for businessmen to pursue profits, but if they take advantage of the catastrophe to raise the price of rice, they will inevitably lose their conscience." You Mou is not a free charity, but a work-for-relief, not to mention that it does not involve counties other than Jingyang. If they don't let that, it's a bit too lenient. ”

This was a bit heavy, Li Henian's face couldn't hold back, and he coughed and said, "You Gongzi has great ambitions, and he admires him." However, the old man is really old, timid and afraid, in case the dog is not careful, it will affect the Shaanxi business gang, and the old man will not be able to explain to his ancestors. Therefore, the old man wants to discuss with You Gongzi and let Zicheng withdraw from the Yellow Sea Business Gang, what does You Gongzi think? ”

Zhu Youzhen chuckled in his heart, secretly thinking that this Li Zicheng is his right-hand man, if he really withdraws, who can stand up to his own mess?

When he was in a dilemma, Li Zicheng smiled and said: "My son consciously acts cautiously, and after so many years in the business community in Xi'an, there should still be a little thin noodles." After a while, I will compensate a few helpers, and then persuade them to reduce the price of rice a little. The son remembers that his father had taught him long ago: business is humanity, business is life, and you should not do anything to make money..."

"Shut up!" Li Henian suddenly slapped the case and said angrily, "My father told you for a long time, and you should be on the sidelines!" Even so, you don't want to stay in the Shaanxi Merchant Gang, and I don't have your son! ”

Li Zicheng was so frightened that he quickly knelt down and said, "Father, stop being angry!" ”

Zhu You listened for a long time, and he already understood the ** point in his heart. This Li Henian actually has some conscience, but several other merchant gangs plan to raise the price of rice and make huge profits.

And in the Shaanxi business gang, Li Zicheng's position is also a little delicate. Li Henian obviously prefers his youngest son Li Zijie, don't look at Li Zicheng's young helper for so many years, but it is very likely that Li Zijie will be the successor to the helper in the future.

Of course, this kind of situation is what Zhu Youzhen does not want to see. He had secretly made up his mind to completely turn Li Henian's Shaanxi merchant gang into an ally of the Yellow Sea merchant gang. And to do this, we must first crack down on the arrogance of several other merchant gangs, so as to dispel Li Henian's concerns.

Thinking of this, Zhu Youzhen hurriedly said: "Gang Leader Li, why bother, let's discuss this matter in the long run." ”

Li Henian snorted heavily at this time: "Get up!" ”

Li Zicheng was like being amnestied, and he left the private room with a cigarette.

Zhu Youzhen looked at Li Henian, whose face was sinking like water, and was thinking about what method to use to open the situation, but suddenly heard a burst of warm applause outside. Li Zicheng immediately came in excitedly and said, "The county lord is here!" ”