A towering Western-style building stands majestically, with iron windows wide open. The verdant lawn is enclosed by a dark green iron fence and dotted with colorful flowers, creating an elegant, tranquil atmosphere.

Sitting on the Western-style wooden chair under the parasol, Storm Yushan felt a little uneasy. When he met the political envoy, he was neatly dressed, wearing official robes, boots, and burning incense to show respect. However, in the face of this royal prince, a nobleman from a famous family, Storm Yushan couldn't help but admire it deeply. Who would have thought that the political envoy would set up a temporary residence in the concession? Not long ago, he himself was kicked out of the concession under the banner of "neutrality".

In response, he soon set up a temporary tax collection ship in Lujiazui and was even driven to Suzhou Creek. Moreover, since France announced that French merchants could enter and leave the country duty-free, Britain and the United States immediately followed suit and abolished the consular tax system. British and American merchants were now free to enter and leave the Shanghai docks, and no longer had to collect any taxes.

Storm Jade Mountain was anxious about this matter. He had dealt with Westerners a lot and was well aware of their arrogance and invincibility. A few days ago, he received an urgent report from the capital appointing a member of the royal family, Jing Xiang, to handle the customs affairs in Shanghai. He knew very little about this young nobleman, except that he was the only son of Prince Yong, who had recently been promoted to the rank of first-class general.

Originally, Storm Jade Mountain was quite worried. Having an immature member of the royal family deal with Westerners can lead to chaos. If the mission fails, the blame falls on him. He is a hereditary official in an iron hat, and the culprit will eventually fall on his shoulders. Isn't that grossly unfair?

In the past few days, Storm Yushan has been in a rather depressed mood, racking his brains to think about how to stay away from this situation. Unexpectedly, the political envoy took the initiative to attack, and as soon as he arrived in Shanghai, he broke the ban on foreigners and boldly set up camp in the concession.

In this regard, Storm Jade Mountain couldn't help but admire. He also believes that Westerners seem to be provoking the weaker side. Why didn't they banish the prince from the world?

In his meeting with the chief envoy, he highlighted the major events that had taken place after the uprising of the Wind Sword Society and the occupation of Shanghai. He also told about the attitude of the consuls of the three Western countries towards the Qing Dynasty. For example, Americans are the most reasonable; Despite the loss of customs revenue, they voluntarily imposed consular taxes and actively assisted the Qing Dynasty in collecting taxes from their compatriots. The British followed, and only the French were the most daring. French merchants led a rebellion against taxes, which influenced British and American merchants to follow suit.

Gu Yongyuan listened quietly, occasionally taking a sip of tea. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Dealing with Westerners on a regular basis has really opened his eyes. Storm Yushan's remarks show a certain talent, but unfortunately, in the current situation, dealing too much with Westerners is extremely dangerous for one's career. The Taoist priest may remember that a few years later, during the Second Opium War in which Britain, France, and China were embroiled, he would be dismissed on charges of "colluding with the Yiren."

However, it is not surprising that a businessman, a comprador born in Tyranny Mountain, and even engaged in the opium trade, suffered such a fate. Although there are many reasons, it can be said that he did damage the interests of customs.

"Official, are your words completely accurate?" Gu Yongyuan gently put down the teacup.

Storm Yushan was stunned for a moment, and hurriedly said: "Little prince, how dare I deceive you?" I don't dare to bully the minister. ”

Gu Yongyuan smiled slightly and continued: "Official, you're not very bold, aren't you?" You've been caught by bandits once, right? ”

Storm Jade Mountain was at a loss again. Not many people know about it. He did encounter bandits during his escape, but after less than half an hour of captivity, he managed to escape. The robbers did not know who he was.

"This, this ......" Storm Yushan stammered, unable to find the right words. Suddenly, he trembled, fell to his knees, and kowtowed. "Little Prince, Little Prince, please see clearly, I was trapped for a while, no one among the thieves recognized me, I escaped by myself, I definitely did not collude with the bandits, in order to survive, I handed over the official seal to save my life, please forgive the little prince!"

Gu Yongyuan was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Storm Yushan to react so strongly when he said it casually. He mentions it because he has seen it in official records. Storm Jade Mountain was once captured by the Wind Sword Society, imprisoned for seven or eight days, and almost died. He was saved by Western businessmen.

Storm Yushan's words revealed deep guilt and despair. Gu Yongyuan pondered for a moment and said, "Great official, don't be so flustered. I'm only mentioning this because it's documented in the historical literature, and it's not something you need to worry about right now. ”

Storm Yushan, who was still trembling, slowly raised his head, his face full of disbelief. "Little prince, you ...... Do you know about it? ”

Gu Yongyuan nodded and smiled reassuringly. "Of course, there are a lot of stories in the history books, and I was very impressed by that."

However, after escaping, he became more enthusiastic about advocating the elimination of the Wind Sword Society. The reason for this was that he feared that the experience of being captured would affect his career.

Could it be that in this life, he has been hiding the fact that he was arrested? But how can he explain his absence for seven or eight days? Seeing Storm Jade Mountain trembling on the ground, Gu Yongyuan frowned and said, "You are so bold!" ”

Storm Yushan kowtowed again and again with tears on his face, and said: "Grandpa Wang, I just fell into the hands of the bandits, it's just the time to drink tea, no one among the bandits recognizes me, after escaping by luck, I will avoid being implicated, little prince, please understand!" ”

Tea time? Gu Yongyuan's interest aroused slightly. Observing Storm Jade Mountain's demeanor, he felt that this didn't look like a lie. What's more, if he was really caught by the Wind Sword Society for seven or eight days, he wouldn't be able to hide it from others at all, and he wouldn't dare to hide it.

Why? Will his activities in the capital affect Shanghai? Gradually, Gu Yongyuan understood that in a person's life, there are countless choices that can affect a person's fate. Just like the Storm Jade Mountain, the alley he encountered when he escaped from the yamen may have caused him to turn left to some fate, and turn right to another fate.

Gu Yongyuan was immersed in his own thoughts, and inadvertently brought trouble to Storm Jade Mountain. He did not know the intentions and plans of the young prince.

"Get up." Gu Yongyuan suddenly smiled. He was surprised to find that he had inadvertently grasped a handle that could firmly control this Dao official. This is indeed an unexpected advantage.

"I don't dare, I don't dare." Storm Jade Mountain did not dare to move.

"I told you to get up, and you should get up. Or would you like to discuss with me about Western businessmen? Gu Yongyuan put down the teacup and smiled gently.

Slowly raising his head, Storm Jade Mountain's heart was turbulent. He didn't know what the young nobleman wanted to do.