"Brother Shen, is there any way?"

As soon as he heard Shen Yichen say that there was a way, Xu Fengyuan was like a drowning man, looking at a life-saving straw.

He immediately grabbed Shen Yichen's wrist, and his eyes were full of expectation.

"Sell the goods overseas."

Shen Yichen still didn't explicitly say that he would cooperate with Ye Zongliu and others, he wanted to see if Xu Fengyuan had the courage and ambition step by step.

"Overseas? But I'm forbidden to the sea. ”

Xu Fengyuan had a puzzled expression on his face, it stands to reason that Shen Yichen was born in Qi's son, and he also graduated from high school to solve the new science and technology, it is impossible that he doesn't even know the Ming Dynasty's national policy of banning the sea, right?

However, he quickly reacted, with a surprised expression on his face, and asked tentatively, "Brother Shen, do you mean smuggling?" ”

If someone else says overseas, Xu Fengyuan estimates that he can immediately think of smuggling, but Shen Yichen's son said smuggling, that feeling is the same as the government supporting you to commit crimes.

At the same time, the expressions on the faces of Canghuo and the others standing behind Shen Yichen also changed slightly, and they realized that this was matchmaking.

"How is it, does Brother Xu dare to do it?"

Shen Yichen had a playful expression on his face, having the courage to smuggle is the first step in cooperation, and he doesn't even have the guts, so don't talk about it in the future.

Faced with this inquiry, Xu Fengyuan hesitated.

Although he was born in a merchant family, he has now been promoted and jumped to the scholar class, and he is no longer the last one in the "Shinong Industry and Commerce".

If he can be admitted to the Jinshi next year, he will complete the leap again and become the ruling class with an official status. Even if you don't win, you can pass the "professional scientific examination" and wait for the officials to be selected as officials.

It can even be said that even if the family's business goes bankrupt, the impact on Xu Fengyuan will not be very great.

If you choose to smuggle, it is equivalent to walking on the road of "breaking the law and committing crimes", and once you are investigated and punished, your reputation will definitely be removed, and you will have to suffer a prison sentence in serious cases. The advantage is that it can save the family's business from its predicament, and it can obtain extremely large profits, and the family wealth is at your fingertips.

So the situation Xu Fengyuan is facing now is nothing more than choosing between "money" and "power".

But the problem is that the feudal society of the Ming Dynasty is not a capitalist country in later generations, and "money" and "power" are not in a balanced position at all, and the identity and status advantages brought by the latter are not too much to crush the former.

To put it simply, if you have money, you don't necessarily have power, but if you have power, you will have money.

Looking at Xu Fengyuan who didn't give an answer for a long time, Shen Yichen didn't feel much disappointed, because this was expected.

Because of this, Shen Yichen has been hesitant to cooperate with Xu Fengyuan before, except for all aspects of risk and trust factors, the possibility of success is not high.

Just when Shen Yichen was about to give up, Xu Fengyuan clenched his fists and gritted his teeth and replied: "Why don't you dare, I hope that Brother Shen will show you a clear way!" ”

"Oh......"

To be honest, Xu Fengyuan agreed, which was really a bit unexpected by Shen Yichen.

He didn't dare to guarantee whether the other party was on a whim, so he confirmed again: "Brother Xu, this is not a trivial matter, I hope to think about it carefully." ”

"I've thought it through!"

After that, Xu Fengyuan gave his own reasons: "Brother Shen, I am only shallow in my studies, and I will not be able to pass the Jinshi next year." Even if he is raised to participate in the scientific examination and wait for the officials to be elected as an official, it will be at least a few years later, and he will still be the last petty official in the state and county. ”

"In the current situation, my father's business will definitely not last for a few years, and it is better to go to sea to make money than to fish and meat the people for silver money at that time."

"Although the contemptible person has no great ambitions, he was born in Weimo since he was a child, and he never wants to harm one party!"

Xu Fengyuan is not even as good as the old farmer, because of his low political status, he has experienced being despised by people from all walks of life since he was a child. Even if he was lifted, he was beaten by powerful compradors like he is today.

So he hated this kind of behavior, and he didn't want to change from a dragon slayer boy to an evil dragon after he became an official.

"Okay, but I still have to remind Brother Xu that there is no turning back on the road I gave you."

"Brother Shen, I have made up my mind and will never look back!"

At this point, Shen Yichen didn't say much, there is no absolutely safe cooperation in this world, not to mention that what he is doing is "illegal" trading.

At present, both the miners and Xu Fengyuan are in a predicament, and if they want to get out of this situation, they must bear some risks. How to control this dangerous line depends on themselves.

"Brother Xu, the way out I give you is to ship to the Wa Kingdom. In this way, the goods can be shipped from Fujian nearby, avoiding the tax of banknotes along the north of the canal, and reducing the transportation loss along the way. ”

Shen Yichen thought that Xu Fengyuan would be as surprised and disgusted as Ye Zongliu when he heard the word "Wa Guo", but he didn't expect him to nod his head calmly and said: "I know that my father once had a business partner who traded with them and gained a lot. ”

"But trading with them is extremely risky, and there are not enough background channels, so it is not easy to ship in large quantities."

is worthy of being a Jiangnan businessman, and his knowledge is indeed far beyond Ye Zongliu's group of miners.

"I can help you contact the channel, but this group of people has a special identity, it depends on whether you dare to cooperate."

"Who is it?"

"A wanted criminal."

Hearing Shen Yichen's words, Xu Fengyuan's face changed a little, and even the eyes that looked at him were strange.

Even if you engage in smuggling after a relative, and now you are still colluding with the government wanted criminals, what do you want to do, do you still have the heart to rebel?

The problem is that the risk of rebellion is too high, Shen Yichen has such an identity, and he also takes Zhongzhong as Xinke Jieyuan, why do this kind of thing is really puzzling.

"Brother Xu, whether you agree or not, I don't want a third party to know about today's matter, otherwise the consequences will be very serious."

Since some secret things have been exposed, Shen Yichen naturally has to be prepared to let Xu Fengyuan understand the seriousness of this matter.

Of course, because this matter is too outrageous, even if Xu Fengyuan leaks it or reports it to the official, it is estimated that no one will believe that Cheng Guogong's son and Xinke Xie Yuan will participate in smuggling with the wanted criminal.

But Shen Yichen didn't dare to guarantee that Canghuo and the others would not kill Xu Fengyuan, so it was better to give a warning in advance.

"I understand below."

Xu Fengyuan nodded solemnly, he was born as a businessman and raised people in high school, so his mind naturally had nothing to say.

"I had met a miner in Zhejiang who was wanted because of a conflict between the mining tax and the government. However, he is currently in Fujian, where there is a trade route with overseas Japanese slaves, and there is a shortage of high-value goods. ”

"If Brother Xu can cooperate with him, you only need to provide the source of goods, and you don't have to worry about anything else."

After saying that, Shen Yichen pointed to the Canghuo head and others behind him and continued: "These are all miners from Fujian, if Brother Xu decides to cooperate, he can directly discuss the follow-up matters with them. ”

"Brother Shen, I'm afraid you're not just getting acquainted......

Xu Fengyuan originally thought that these people were the guards arranged by Cheng Guogong beside Shen Yichen, but he didn't expect them to be miners from Fujian.

From this point of view, the so-called coastal smuggling trade, Shen Yichen may be deeply involved. It is a fantasy that a talented man from Jiangnan will be mixed with smuggling miners.

Shen Yichen smiled, and didn't want to say anything about his relationship with Ye Zongliu, but just looked at Xu Fengyuan with deep eyes, waiting for his final reply.

At this point, Xu Fengyuan is also a smart person, and he understands that when Shen Yichen said that the court wanted criminal, he had no room to refuse.

Although he admires Shen Yichen very much, and also thinks that the other party has the demeanor of a humble gentleman, what he heard today made Xu Fengyuan see another side of Shen Yichen. He didn't dare to bet on whether this kind of bottomless Xun Qi disciple would choose to kill after he refused.

"Brother Shen's help today, I will remember it in my heart, don't dare to forget!"

A smart person is sensible, not only agreed, but also clearly accepted a favor from Shen Yichen, indicating that there will be rewards in the future.

To be honest, Shen Yichen was really not as scheming and ruthless as Xu Feng originally thought.

What he is doing today is more worthy of his heart and the hundreds of thousands of miners and people in the southeast who died tragically in history.

"Brother Xu is polite."

Shen Yichen stood up and said to Zheng Xiang behind him: "For specific matters, you can stay and negotiate with Xu Gongzi, remember the principle of fairness." ”

Zheng Xiang had studied private school, and his business ability was stronger than the other two, and Shen Yichen also knew that this was a group of ruthless people, and he was worried that he would scare Xu Fengyuan.

In business, only by ensuring the interests of both parties can the cooperation be carried out for a long time.

"Shen Gongzi, don't worry, I understand."

"Hmm."

Shen Yichen nodded, and said to Xu Fengyuan: "Brother Xu, then you will negotiate with this Zheng Xiang, and you will leave first." ”

"Brother Shen walks slowly, I can't send it far away."

Turning around and walking out of this teahouse, Shen Yichen did not go back to the house directly, but said to Wang Neng: "You find a hidden place to guard, and after Zheng Xiang finishes talking, follow Xu Fengyuan and observe his movements in the past few days." ”

"Shen Gongzi, are you not at ease?"

Wang Neng was a little surprised, this was the person introduced by Shen Yichen himself, and the brothers didn't dare to question it, but they didn't expect this order.

"Prevention is better than prevention."

Shen Yichen replied lightly, and then strode forward, not paying much attention to Wang Neng's surprise.

It may be that the people who have come into contact with him during this period of time have far surpassed the acting skills of the more "simple" second-generation officials in Ying Tianfu, and Shen Yichen's city government has gradually deepened, at least he will not easily trust anyone.

It was almost late at night when he returned to the mansion, and Ah Niu waited anxiously in front of the mansion, until he saw Shen Yichen's figure appear, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Brother Chen, if you want to go out next night, take me with you, otherwise you will always feel relieved ......"

The words came to an abrupt end here, because Ah Niu discovered that in the darkness behind Shen Yichen, there was a burly and strong man, exuding a dangerous aura on his body, which made him instantly alert.

However, when he saw clearly who was coming with the help of the faint light of the lantern in front of the mansion, Ah Niu's face showed a look of surprise.

"Didn't you go to Fujian? How did it end up here? ”

On that day, Ah Niu also met with this group of miners, and naturally recognized Canghuotou.

"Ah Niu, your duty to protect Shen Gongzi is not conscientious enough."

Canghuotou laughed and teased, he also remembered Ah Niu's performance that day, this kid was always in front of Shen Yichen at the moment of crisis, and he said loyally and righteously.

People in the rivers and lakes value these two points the most.

"What's wrong?"

Ah Niu was a little confused, so he asked rhetorically.

"Nothing."

Shen Yichen didn't want to let Ah Niu know about today's events, after all, he was just physically strong and proficient in fist and foot kung fu, and he was essentially a farmer. Unlike Canghuotou, a miner who has participated in weapon fights all year round and fought against officers and soldiers, he cannot be required of the standard of a professional guard.

"Canghuotou, it's getting late now, you can go back to the inn to rest first."

"Yes, Shen Gongzi."

For Shen Yichen's orders, Canghuotou was still very obedient, and without saying a word, he retreated into the darkness and went to the inn to rest.

"Brother Chen, what's going on?"

Ah Niu looked confused at the moment, feeling as if he had missed a lot of important things.

"It's not a big deal, it's just that the first few people from Canghuo came to Jingshi to thank me."

"It's that simple?"

Even if Ah Niu is more upright, he feels that something is not quite right at the moment.

"That's right, it's as simple as that."

Shen Yichen smiled and patted Ah Niu's shoulder, then turned around and walked into the mansion.

As the higher the level of contact in the Ming Dynasty, the greater the risks he faced, he felt that even he was inevitably going in the direction of scheming.

Keeping Ah Niu from getting involved in these intrigues is also a kind of protection for him.

The night passed, and after Shen Yichen finished breakfast on the second day, he went directly to the inn, wanting to know how Zheng Xiang talked to Xu Fengyuan last night.

After all, this matter is related to the life and death of miners in Zhejiang and Fujian, and it is even exaggerated to say that even farmers and furnace workers in the two places may be included.

Because Shen Yichen still remembered one thing, that is, in the winter of the ninth year of orthodoxy, heavy snow fell in Songjiang Mansion for seven days and nights, and the snow depth was as high as one or two zhang, and the surrounding people froze to death and starved to death countless times, which objectively provided the basis for the detonation of the peasant uprising.

You must know that Songjiang Mansion is the Shanghai area in the later generations, and it is not easy to see a little snow under normal circumstances, and the scene of goose feather heavy snow for seven days and seven nights is even more unheard of.

However, during the Xiaoice River period of the Ming Dynasty, the entire southern region generally experienced low snowfall, and the people survived very hard.

It can be said that the Ming Dynasty fell at the end of the Ming Dynasty, and even the Mandate of Heaven was not on the side of the Ming Dynasty.

If you can start trading with the Japanese slaves as soon as possible, you can at least save some money to buy food, and survive the cold winter of the ninth year of orthodoxy. Even if the profit is large enough, there is still room to help the surrounding farmers and furnace cooks.

Shen Yichen doesn't want to make taking the world as his own responsibility become an empty word, so he has to change step by step within the scope of his ability!

After inquiry, Shen Yichen learned that Zheng Xiang and Xu Fengyuan's negotiations were very smooth, after all, they were both in a predicament, and cooperation was a win-win situation for each to get what they needed.

As for the distribution of profits, it is roughly agreed that it will be divided into 55 shares, and as for whether it will be changed in the future, it will be decided according to the actual trade situation. However, the two of them reached a premise, that is, to share 20% of the profits to Shen Yichen, and each side to give 10%.

Regarding this matter, Shen Yichen did not refuse, and he didn't even bother to say polite words. He knows very well that he will operate in Beijing in the future, and it will be impossible to do it without money, so it is impossible to ask Chengguo Gong for it, right?

"Shen Gongzi, the matter has been negotiated, I will take the sea route back to Fujian to inform Boss Ye. In addition, the Xu family's warehouse in Jiangxi is also seriously overstocked, and it needs to be shipped out as soon as possible, otherwise the silk will be damaged. ”

"Well, this matter as soon as possible, after selling it to the Japanese slaves to earn silver, buy more grain from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Huguang and hoard it, this year will be a cold winter."

Shen Yichen reminded Zheng Xiang that fortunately, it is more convenient to buy grain in the Jiangnan area.

"The little one understands."

Zheng Xiang didn't even ask the reason, and now Shen Yichen has the aura of a wise man in their eyes.

"Shen Gongzi, after I leave, it is better for Canghuo Tou and Wang Neng to stay to prevent the group of people in Xueling Pavilion from retaliating."

"Hmm."

Shen Yichen did not refuse this, it is true that he needs some force around him, and it is not enough to rely on a bull.

After the matter was explained, there was nothing else to say, so Shen Yichen returned to the house to study. After the township test autumn festival, five months later, there will be next year's spring test, and during this time, I was so busy that even my studies were temporarily put aside.

It's just that this kind of quiet reading day didn't last for a few days, and before dawn on the tenth day of the first month of September, Shen Yichen had already dressed neatly and walked out of the room, because today was the day when the Son of Heaven of Dingguo Dynasty sacrificed to the grain altar.

The major affairs of the country are in worship and Rong.

The source of legitimacy of ancient regimes basically emphasized the inheritance of the Mandate of Heaven, and even the emperor claimed to be the Son of Heaven. Therefore, sacrificing to the gods has become a very important ritual activity, and all aspects dare not slack off.

When he came to the main hall, Cheng Guogong was already waiting here, and Zhu Ji was still standing beside him.

Seeing Shen Yichen coming, Zhu Yong glanced at him and said expressionlessly: "Get ready to go, today is a sacrificial ceremony, you two must remember to be cautious in your words and deeds." ”

Although this is not the emperor's personal sacrifice, the sacrificial ceremony is still strictly disciplined, and there is no room for mistakes, and violators will be severely punished.

Take the sacrifice in the Qianlong period as an example, the font on the altar is not neat enough, the clothes and mattresses are not neat enough and other small problems, the two departments of work and etiquette are all dismissed, and the main responsible for the Ministry of Labor is also exiled to the frontier.

It can be seen from this that the rigor and importance of ancient sacrifices.

Shen Yichen and Zhu Ji both participated in this kind of sacrificial activity for the first time, and Cheng Guogong naturally had to give a warning, otherwise when the time came, even the emperor would be furious if he poked out the basket.

"Follow the teachings of my grandfather and father."

When the words fell, a faint bell rang from a distance, which was the Taihe bell of the Zhai Palace in the Temple of Heaven ringing, signaling the emperor to get up.

Of course, this ringing was not the emperor himself, but by Xu Xianzhong, the Duke of Dingguo, who set off on behalf of the Son of Heaven. At the same time, the other ministers who participated in the sacrifice also set off to meet at the prayer altar.

If it is the emperor's personal sacrifice or the heavenly sacrifice ceremony, then you have to rush to the Forbidden City earlier and follow the emperor to go together.

"Let's go."

Chengguo Gong Zhu Yong still didn't talk much nonsense as always, and after hearing the Taihe bell ringing, he strode out of the main hall.

Shen Yichen was originally following behind Cheng Guogong, but at this time, Zhu Ji deliberately quickened his pace and walked in front of him.

And glanced at Shen Yichen with a straight face, his eyes were full of dissatisfaction.

For Zhu Ji's careful thinking about the elders and children, Shen Yichen didn't bother to take care of it, turned a blind eye and continued to walk on his own.

The so-called prayer altar is actually the prayer hall of the main building of the Temple of Heaven in later generations. However, in the Ming Dynasty, the Temple of Heaven was called the mound, which was specially used to hold the ceremony of worshiping the heavens, and the altar of praying for the valley was held for the Mengchun Prayer Valley ceremony, and the two functions were not the same.

If there is a natural disaster and a poor harvest, such as the flood in the south of the Yangtze River in the ninth year of orthodoxy, the drought in Shaanxi, etc., the emperor will issue an order to sacrifice the prayer grain altar and pray that God will bless the harvest of the five grains, which is the cause of today's sacrifice.

When Shen Yichen and the others came to the prayer altar, it was already full of candles and decorated with various ritual utensils. Some of the officials have also been present, mainly officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Industry.

Everyone stood quietly according to the divided position, no one dared to talk to each other on such an occasion, Shen Yichen and the others naturally went to the funeral area of the honorable relatives.

But in the sacrificial crowd, Shen Yichen suddenly found a familiar face, he was Chen Ying, Marquis of Taining!

Taining Hou came to Jingshi?

Shen Yichen was full of surprise, and at the same time couldn't help but feel an inexplicable throbbing, does that mean that Chen Qingtong has also come to Jingshi?