The Xi family is a wealthy family that rose during the period of Guangwu Zhongxing, although it has declined badly in recent years, but it is not comparable to ordinary people after all. The favorable conditions allow the people of the Xi family to have a good growth environment, and the family education is very strict, so there are many talents.

A few days after Xi Zhen went back, the younger generation of the Xi family took the initiative to serve. Of course, for most of them, they were handed over to Fu Zhu and Tian Feng for assessment, and according to their actual talents, they were arranged to serve as officials in various parts of Jingzhou. Among them, the most outstanding Xi Chengye and Xi Zhen entered the General's Mansion as Peng's subordinates. Only Xi Zhen had the highest official rank and was promoted to lieutenant Cao Peng, while Chen Deng took over as Dong He's soldier Cao.

Subsequently, the Xi family also took the initiative and quickly dismissed the family's private soldiers in just a few days, leaving only the necessary guards, and also took the lead in encouraging those who were dismissed to join the army. At the same time, he also sold a lot of land and property, and turned to build workshops and invest in business, showing his strong support for Jingzhou's decree.

This move can really satisfy Wang Xu, these big families have tens of thousands of private soldiers in their hands, and the fertile land is at least a thousand hectares, which is simply a time bomb. The devil only knows when he will stab him in the back. When Cao Wei, Eastern Wu, and Shu Han were fighting for the world, the rear always rebelled one after another, and they repeatedly hindered their progress, which was indirectly caused by the excessive strength of local forces.

Cao Cao and others all chose to block the way to control these wealthy families, to put it simply, "Either follow me, or I will destroy you". But in reality, the effect is not good, and rebellions are frequent, just because the problem is not fundamentally solved. Except for the loyal subordinates, there is no way to guarantee everyone's loyalty, if the other party is given enough strength, and the general trend of the world gives the other party a chance, isn't it a naked temptation? I'm afraid that people who don't want to rebel will be stimulated by the aroused desire.

Wang Xu has the experience of countless feudal emperors to learn from, of course, it is impossible to go around the bend, to reduce the threat of the gate lord and the wealthy family, the best way is to strengthen the centralization of power, step by step to guide the entire economy and political direction. As long as it does not offend the fundamental ideas and ideas of this era. The change of direction ensures the proper distribution of benefits. Naturally, a solid rule can be gathered the fastest.

And the facts proved that his idea was correct, although the Xi family lost land and cut soldiers, its reputation did not diminish at all, and in other aspects such as commerce, it received strong support from the general's government. In just ten days, the results were immediate. Many large and small families and gentry have been affected, and the voices supporting Wang Xu are getting louder and louder.

More than a month later, on the eve of the Chinese New Year. The Pang family, one of the major clans in Jingzhou, also followed suit, although Pang Degong did not come to visit the general's mansion, nor did he go out. I still enjoy farming and reading. But he also began to sell his land, cut off his family's private soldiers, and tried to let his people run a business.

Although he had never met Pang Degong, Wang Xu understood the other party's meaning very well, and expressed his promise in action. For example, he praised Pang Degong in public as a famous man in the world, gave a certain degree of convenience and preferential treatment to the other party in business, and expressed his optimism about the talents of the Pang family......

As soon as both sides tacitly agreed, they quietly looked for a point of convergence. Wang Xutong guò alternative means. Satisfy the desire of these families to prosper and last. And they gave Wang Xu the greatest support......

The cold winter is still going on, even though the Chinese New Year is approaching. But there is still no sign of warming, and the howling cold wind is still so cold that walking on the street will make people's cheeks hurt.

However, Wang Xu's mood is very good, the Xi family and the Pang family have expressed their attitudes, which means that the Huang family and the Ma family will not be too far away, and when these major families are done, the rest will inevitably be attached to each other. Even if there are a few stubborn people, it is insignificant, and after further stabilization, you can always find an opportunity to start.

"Husband, what are you laughing at?" Dressed in coarse cloth plainclothes, Xu Shu, who was following closely beside her, saw the smile on Wang Xu's face and couldn't help but ask strangely.

Wang Xu rubbed his hands and said with a smile: "It's been smooth sailing recently, of course you have to laugh, why are you crying with a sad face!" ”

"Yes, it's your time to be proud, okay!"

"It was meant to be!"

Wang Xu was talking, but there was a sudden sound of horses' hooves in front of him, interrupting the conversation between the two.

"Drive! Drive! Drive! ”

I saw a richly decorated carriage galloping towards me, and it was indeed very luxurious, because there was even gold thread inlaid on the edge. There are also two black horses pulling the cart in front, and they are tall and god-like, so you can see at a glance that they are excellent war horses. Even the driver who drove the car was well-dressed and made of extraordinary materials.

Because the weather is relatively cold, this street is not particularly prosperous, so there are few pedestrians at the moment. The coachman saw Wang Xu and Xu Shu looking at him curiously from a distance, and couldn't help shouting, "What are you looking at?" Diao Min don't get out of the way quickly, I'm not responsible for hitting you! ”

As he spoke, the carriage was already galloping towards him.

Wang Xu and Xu Shu didn't bother to pay attention to him at all, and took a step to the left without hurrying, just enough to avoid it. Zhao Yu, who was following closely behind, also had no energy because of a recent cold, so he rarely said a word and retreated.

It's a pity that the horseman was obviously not satisfied with the effect, and when he saw that the three of them did not run away, he was immediately furious. "Are you waiting for Diao Ming to die? You deserve to be killed. ”

As he spoke, the carriage was approaching, but at this time he realized that he just couldn't hit the three people, and he was immediately annoyed and angry, raised the whip in his hand, and waved his hand towards Wang Xu.

Wang Xu reacted so quickly, calmly took a step back sideways, and avoided the past.

Just listen to "Smack!" With a slam of the earth, the whip struck the ground hard.

In an instant, Xu Shu and Zhao Yu were both angry, and their eyes suddenly turned over, but it was a pity that the carriage was very fast, and it had already run out of two or three meters, and only a little back of the horseman could be seen.

Zhao Yu suddenly muttered dissatisfied. "Brother Xu, who is this! Why are you so arrogant and beat people indiscriminately? If he goes down with this whip, ordinary people will probably hurt for many days. If it were a weekday, I would definitely take him down and beat him. ”

Although Wang Xu disdained and cared about these things, he couldn't help frowning: "Wife, except for important military matters, do ordinary people not limit the speed of horses in the city?" ”

"This ......" Xu Shu thought for a while and said, "It seems that there is a limit, I was in a hurry to go to the workshop that time, and I urged the coachman to hurry up, but he said that no matter how fast he is, he will exceed the limit, so he asked me if I insisted on speeding up." I thought I couldn't break the rules first, so I didn't. ”

"Hmm!" Wang Xu turned his head to look at the carriage that was gradually moving away, nodded and said, "I said!" This kind of thing, Wang Mastiff should not be negligent. Running at such a speed. If there are many pedestrians, I am afraid that it will really kill people. ”

"yes!" Hearing this, Zhao Yu couldn't help but take over and said: "If everyone is riding horses and galloping in the city, it won't be messed up!" And this person is really arrogant, violated the law, and even beat people. ”

"It's a bit arrogant indeed." Wang Xu's eyes narrowed, but then he smiled slightly: "Forget it." When I get back, I'll let Wang Mastiff focus on rectifying this aspect of things. Let's go shopping for ours! ”

Zhao Yu's anger came and went quickly, and he was quickly diverted. "Still shopping! Where to go! ”

"Who told you to come out with you, isn't it good to stay at home with Cicada and Yan'er? I knew that I was unwell, but I insisted on following. Wang Xu said.

"You're not here, I can't stay at home!" Zhao Yu pouted and said aggrievedly.

"Hey!" sighed. Wang Xu still felt very sorry for Zhao Yu after all, and couldn't help asking: "Then are you uncomfortable or not uncomfortable now?" If it's really uncomfortable, go back! ”

Zhao Yu shook his head suddenly. "It's okay, I'll just complain a few words, I just don't think it's interesting to go around like this!"

"Huh!" Xu Shu smiled slightly, and then said: "This time I came out in civilian clothes, but not just to play, but also to investigate the people's situation, if you stay in the general's mansion forever." The ears and eyes will only get more and more closed! ”

Zhao Yu said coquettishly: "Got it! Sister. I'll just talk about it! ”

Seeing that Zhao Yu didn't look like there was anything serious, Wang Xu didn't want to waste any more time in the same place. He smiled, then interjected, "Okay, don't stay here." In short, if you feel uncomfortable, just say, we will send you back, if you don't feel uncomfortable, just leave! ”

"Oh!"

As the three of them took another step, Wang Xu chatted with Xu Shu and Zhao Yu one after another, and his eyes observed the lives of the people around him. On the white snow, there were three deep footprints......

Time passed little by little, and it didn't feel like it was long, it was already noon, and the street could occasionally smell the smell of cooking coming from people's homes.

"Hehe, it's already noon, wife, why don't you find a place to eat! Take a break and visit again. ”

With Wang Xu's faint words, Zhao Yu's little belly also remembered the cooing sound out of time, and looked at Wang Xu with some embarrassment, a flush rose on his cheeks, and he lowered his head.

Xu Shu smiled and forgot about her, and also nodded: "Hmm!" Okay, I'm a little hungry too, but where do I go to eat? ”

Wang Xu thought for a while and said, "I heard Zhou Zhi say that there seems to be a Xiaoxiang Building on Xiangyang East Street, the environment and taste are good, go try it!" ”

"Oh? East Street ......" Xu Shu turned her head to look around, and then pointed to a road on the right: "If I'm not mistaken, cross this street and turn around to East Street." Then go now! ”

"Hmm!"

Fortunately, the location at this time was not far from East Street, and less than a quarter of an hour later, the three of them had already arrived in front of Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

This Xiaoxiang Pavilion has a lot of history, located in Xiangyang has a history of decades, can be described as a weathered time-honored brand. Outside the door hung a plaque full of ancient style and atmosphere, Wang Xu looked at it for a moment, but also nodded secretly, the person who made the mold for this plaque must be a calligrapher, the pen is vigorous and powerful, the backbone is deep and implies a kind of indifference and tranquility, I am afraid that even this plaque is worth some money.

The busy shopkeeper happened to catch a glimpse of Wang Xu and the three of them standing in front of the door, and they also quickly responded. "Distinguished guests, I wonder if the three of you want to dine?"

The tone of the shopkeeper was very polite, and he didn't slack off because of the coarse linen clothes of the three people.

Wang Xu smiled slightly, and couldn't help nodding and said, "Hmm! Yes, I don't know if there is a seat? ”

"This ......" Hearing this, the store suddenly hesitated. There is another private seat, but the best in this store, and the price is a bit ......"

"Hehe, it's okay! You just have to arrange it. Of course, Wang Xu understood what the other party meant, waved his hand disapprovingly, and walked straight into the store.

When the shopkeeper saw Wang Xu's demeanor and temperament, he didn't dare to slack off, and immediately ran to the front to lead the way, and said loudly: "Okay, a few people here, please!" ”

Following the store through the lobby and turning up to the fourth floor along the wooden ladder on the right, Wang Xu's eyes really lit up. Because the delicacy here is really good, looking out from afar, you can see almost half of Xiangyang, and even the General's Mansion is looming. It's very condescending. And the snow hasn't melted yet. The surrounding antique buildings seem to be covered with a layer of white silver, which makes people feel refreshed.

"Hehe, shopkeeper, you have a good environment here!"

"You're right." Hearing Wang Xu's praise, the shopkeeper was also a little proud, and said with a smile: "Our Xiaoxiang Building has a history of more than 60 years. A total of five times of renovation, from the seat to look out, you can see most of Xiangyang, speaking of which, all the inns and restaurants in the city, only we have the best terrain here. ”

Wang Xu smiled. didn't refute, looked at the situation on the fourth floor, and took Xu Shu and Zhao Yu to the only chapter of the table. "Shop! Is there just such a table on the fourth floor? ”

"Yes! The entire fourth floor is a separate private seat, as long as the guests click here, then there will be absolutely no one else, and there can be a very quiet environment. As he spoke, the shopkeeper looked at Wang Xu's face and looked at Xu Shu and Zhao Yu again. He continued: "The reason why there is a round table in the middle. It's because this way of sitting around has been popular in Jingzhou recently, if you don't like it. We can replace it with a table for you. ”

"Forget it, no. I just love this! Wang Xu waved his hand and sat down on a comfortable chair. You go down first, and serve a few dishes for the three of us, just enough to eat, but it must be your specialty here. ”

"Okay! The three of them waited a little and came soon. Hearing this, the shopkeeper shouted happily, bowed and walked away quickly.

Seeing that the shopkeeper went downstairs, Xu Shucai pulled Zhao Yu to sit down, and said with a smile: "Husband, the environment here is really good, Zhou Zhi and they will really enjoy it!" ”

"That's for sure, when they're fine, they're thinking about where to spend their time all day long!" Smiling, Wang Xu didn't want to say more about this, so he quickly changed the topic and said: "Wife, have you gained anything from going around all morning today, and what do you feel is missing?" ”

"Nothing is missing! Everybody's doing well! Zhao Yu immediately rushed to say.

Wang Xu glanced at the lovely Zhao Yu angrily, and said, "I didn't ask you, you, even if you go shopping for ten days and a half months, you can't see the reason, you are not good at this." ”

Zhao Yuqiong's nose wrinkled, and she said coquettishly: "Hmph! What's so remarkable, I'm not unfamiliar with it! ”

Xu Shu pursed her lips and smiled, ignored Zhao Yu, and took over the words: "I think there is nothing missing." It's just that I feel like I've been idle for many years, some of them are okay and will help the family with their work, and some of them are simply playing in front of the door and looking like they are more than ten years old, which is really not good. ”

"Oh?" Wang Xu's eyes lit up, and he asked with great interest: "Then what do you think!" ”

"I think we should build a school so that poor teenagers can also have the opportunity to study, because it is not good to be monopolized by scholars." Xu Shu frowned.

"Hahaha! Sure enough, it's my wife, I really know a little bit about it! Wang Xu laughed instantly, and agreed: "Yes, I came up with this idea this morning, it is not easy for ordinary people to achieve fame, only a few literati or heroes in the world only teach a few words, which greatly reduces the source of talents." ”

"And when are you going to do it? Can Jingzhou's finances support it now? ”

"Hey!" Hearing this realistic question, Wang Xu couldn't help but sigh again. "If it's not a full spread, just a gradual and small amount of construction in various places, it should be bearable. But that's not the crux of the matter, it's the impact of this universal education. ”

"Impact? How so? Xu Shuqi said.

Wang Xu took a deep breath, looked at Xu Shu's eyes, and said word by word: "I'm worried that I will encounter resistance from some people, so now is not the time!" ”

Xu Shu was so little understood, nodded and said no more.

However, Zhao Yu was half-understood when he heard it, and couldn't help asking, "Brother Xu, what are you talking about?" It's good to set up a school, who wants to resist it? ”

Of course, Wang Xu would not explain this to Zhao Yu, smiled, and was about to prevaricate, but was interrupted by an abrupt reprimand.

"What? How dare an unknown person sit in the best seat? I really ate the gall of the king and leopard, I want to see who this person is? ”

With this arrogant voice, the voice of the shopkeeper embarrassed also came quickly. "Wang Gongzi, please look at my always obedient face, forget it this time, okay?"

"Forget it? So where do I go to eat? You're not going to let me sit in a place lower than a nobody! Could it be that my Wang family is in Jingzhou, and they are still one level lower than others? ”

"This ......"

"I don't care, it doesn't matter who he is, today I want to see who is so bold, and the unknown person actually dominates the best seat, doesn't this lower our status?" As he spoke, the man took a vulgar spit, and was already scolding and striding upward, and the footsteps were unusually hurried. "It's really bad luck today, I met a guy who stood in the way in the morning, I had a meal and encountered strange things that I had never met before, my son really doesn't believe in evil, look which bastard is so bold!"

After a while, this person went up to the fourth floor angrily, quickly glanced at the clothes of Wang Xu and the others, couldn't stop laughing, and pointed arrogantly: "You also receive such a vulgar grass people?" Aren't you afraid that they won't be able to pay for food? (To be continued.) )