The county magistrate and Wu Sijing discussed for a long time, and finally discussed a feasible plan. First, Wu Sijing instructed a few shopkeepers to sell the shops, and then the government came forward to buy these shops on the grounds of 'poor management of many industries', and sent special personnel to manage them - and these so-called special people were the henchmen who obeyed Wu Sijing's orders, and they naturally took over this burden at this time.

In the months that followed, under Wu Sijing's step-by-step strategy, the few shops he still held in his hands had all changed hands, and the current situation could finally make him breathe a sigh of relief; The magistrate was also very happy, and he could also use Wu Sijing's shop under his jurisdiction to grab more benefits, and all in all, this cooperation was very successful.

Ye Yongjia and Cai Xianqing were obviously busier than them, dealing with the merchants all day long, so that they had no time to pay attention to every move in the county office. Fortunately, after they used various means such as price reduction and hard persuasion, the construction of this firearms factory in Beitang was completed, and it was about two days after tomorrow that it was ready to start construction.

In the face of this new situation, Ye Yongjia could not make the decision, so he had to play the situation in Beitang one by one, hoping that the imperial court could show it. Niu Yuan was overjoyed when he received this, and immediately came to Zhongshu Province, summoned all the officials and said: "This matter has progressed to this point, and there needs to be a person to go to Beitang on behalf of the government to conspire with the Fanren to cast the matter, and you can't deceive it." I don't know if you have a candidate in mind? ”

Everyone looked at each other, and they didn't want to go through this hard work, but Li Wenshou was at a loss, so they all promoted him.

Hong Lishen, deputy chief of political staff, also said: "Brother Li once purchased artillery for Bien Fu, and the number of foreign roads is very clear. At that time, I learned some gunpowder techniques from their mouths, and I thought it was only fitting to send him on this trip! ”

"Vice Li is participating in politics, are you willing to go?"

Li Wenshou only understood their intentions at this time, but now, how could he shirk the blame, so he had to scold Hong Lishen fiercely in his heart, and replied helplessly: "The lower officials are willing to go." ”

Flags suddenly appeared faintly from the horizon, and several huge ships propped up their masts, taking advantage of the calm current, and gradually approached the dock.

The people on the port screamed a few times and dodged in all directions, but it was not because of these merchant ships, but because of two court officials who came behind them: Ye Yongjia, the secretary of the military department, and Li Wenshou, deputy chief of staff of Zhongshu Province.

"Don't be rude!" Ye Yongjia looked at the soldiers who dispersed the people, and stopped him sharply, "Won't you speak well?" ”

Only then did the soldiers restrain their temper and let the people go on their own.

"Those people are Fanshang, right?" Li Wenshou saw that on the wooden plank in the distance, there were still four people standing, motionless.

"Yes, their cargo ship has arrived, and there it is standing ready to unload." As he spoke, the two followed.

"Alright, stop, stop!" The beard roared loudly, and the big ships quickly dropped anchor, and the waves crashed on one of his shoes, and they docked tightly on the dock.

The boat put down the gangplank, and I saw several bare-chested strong men walking out of the cabin, carrying wooden boxes and barrels back and forth.

The bearded man was busy directing the crew, but the other three found out about Ye Yongjia's arrival, and hurriedly turned around and made a deep bow: "Lord Ye......"

"Ladies and gentlemen, the imperial court heard that the factory has been built, and specially sent officials to come to ask," Ye Yongjia pointed to Li Wenshou with a smile, "Let me introduce, this is Li Wenshou, deputy political counselor of Zhongshu Province." ”

The merchants were stunned for a moment, and then responded: "Fortunately, fortunately." ”

"Who's this next?" He wiped his hands with a cloth and approached.

"This official is a deputy to participate in politics," Li Wenshou was quite annoyed when he saw his casual attitude, "Maybe you Westerners don't understand the official position of the Celestial Empire, then I will make it clear to you that this official is Niu Fengxiang's deputy!" ”

Everyone's smiles froze, and there was a brief silence on the dock, except for the sound of moving things.

"Oops," Ye Yongjia had to play the role of a peacemaker, "It's all because Ye failed to explain clearly, which made Master Li lose a little temper." But he was a peaceful man, as you will know by his countenance. Shotguns are originally fire-bearing things, and a little fire is also in line with today's situation! Let's go to the church and rest. ”

The expressions of the crowd became more natural, and they immediately went to move all the raw materials to the shore, and then left the port.

Wu Sijing saw the guests coming, smiled, and after meeting Li Wenshou, he personally invited a few people to the living room and asked the little maid to simmer tea.

"Lord Ye, why didn't Cai Shilang follow?" Wu Sijing carried a pot and asked while pouring him tea.

Before he could reply, Li Wenshou preemptively said: "Cai Xianqing is just a waiter, since the imperial court sent me to discuss, there is nothing to do with him, let him rest in Ninghe with peace of mind." ”

"I see." After hearing this, Wu Sijing involuntarily let out a long breath.

"Dare to ask you how many years have you been doing business along the coast of our country?" Li Wenshou asked leisurely as he blew on the hot tea.

"As you know, we Westerners don't like to beat around the bush," said the bearded man with resentment, "If there is something, I want to get straight to the point." ”

Li Wenshou's eyebrows moved twice, his face instantly became unsightly, and he said with a wry smile: "It seems that you have opinions about me, and you don't want to talk to this official, so forget it." Then ask this missionary gentleman to go out first. ”

Wu Sijing's eyes wandered, and the hand carrying the pot did not move: "My lord, you will be thirsty when you speak, I will serve tea to you." ”

"Get out." Li Wenshou's face sank, "You little bishop, how can you interfere in the affairs of your own officials?" If you are a fan, can you do such a thing and not obey orders? ”

"This ......" Wu Sijing lowered his head, gritted his teeth, and stopped talking; And the merchants felt uncomfortable when they heard it, and their beards even lowered their voices and scolded: "This guy is really an old bastard, he doesn't treat us as human ......."

Ye Yongjia hurriedly persuaded: "This Bishop Wu Sijing Wu is a benefactor who helps me contact the merchants, and he is not an outsider, so it doesn't hurt for him to listen." ”

"I said it twice," Li Wenshou still ignored it, and continued, "dare to ask this ...... What is it called? Oh, the bishop wants me to say it again? ”

"Don't dare, don't dare," Wu Sijing's tone was already a little dissatisfied, "The villain just walks away." With that, he slowly put down the pot, Gu Zi laughed twice, and walked down the hall.

"It's been fucking delayed for so long...... You can finally say it, right? The beard whined in his native Chinese.

"What did he say?"

"Nothing ......," the fat merchant replied with a smile.

"Then I'll talk to you about the price of shotguns."