Northern Dynasties Imperial Industry

"Brother, you really don't blame me for this! I have always been diligent and frugal since I settled in the countryside and managed my family. I am not willing to throw away even those old wastes. You know..."

In the wall of Shijiawu, Shi Jing received another heavy punch from his brother Shi Gong. This time, although no one was watching, Shi Gong didn't hold back at all. The beating made Shi Jing burst into tears and scream.

"If I don't blame you, who should I blame? Do you want to blame the cows, horses, pigs and dogs in the stable?"

Shi Gong's face was furious. He was too tired to punch, so he still asked his servant to hold Shi Jing's head and neck to prevent him from raising his head: "Do you know how hard it was for me to get 5,000 dan of miscellaneous grains from the master's house? Now there is no harvest of new grains. I still don’t know where to collect the rest. But you wasted money at home, and things have ended like this! This loss of rewards is a good opportunity for my hometown to win. If it is stolen by others, no matter how rich the family fortune is, it will be robbed. !”

"I, I'm really working hard, and I always keep my brother's advice in mind. But... but those thieves in the county, if it were normal, they would naturally not be worthy of competing with my family. But the Li family has a deep wealth, and everyone in the county knows it. As long as I can get access to his oil products, I have a chance to beat me, so I am deliberately raising the price of oil..."

Shi Jing's face was pressed tightly to the ground, and he was filled with sadness when talking about this matter.

There are only a dozen or so large households in the county. They have lived in their respective villages for many years, and they know each other well. The reward system promulgated by Daxingtai is based on the experience of each family, so some people are excluded in advance. Some families who think they can't compete naturally have no choice but to give up.

However, a variable like Li Tai suddenly appeared and stocked up a large amount of ointment in advance. Rich people in various villages saw the opportunity to follow this convenient method, and they all enthusiastically joined in the competition.

The price of oil was relatively stable, otherwise Shi Jing would not have sold the goods stored at home and even next season's harvest to Li Tai because he was greedy for the 20% profit.

With so many rural households participating in the rush to grab the surplus goods on the market in Zuojin Township, it would be strange if the oil price did not soar. It is not something Shi Jing can control at all. Even though he was reluctant to spend a large amount of money, he saw other rural households enthusiastically buying up the property, and he had to join in to prevent others from overtaking him in a corner.

"This guy is really cruel. He obviously has sufficient reserves, but he still wants to show weakness by telling the villagers that the reserves are insufficient and urging them to raise prices. Not only does he want to make as much money as he can now, he even has flax in the budget for the autumn period! Brother, I was wrong, I was really wrong... I had guessed that there would be a food shortage this year, so the amount of flax planted was small. I originally intended to take advantage of the low price of flax after autumn and buy enough, but the current price is too high, and it will be even bigger after autumn. deficit……"

When Shi Gong heard this, he was so angry that he almost vomited blood. At present, the reward was undecided, and his family's fortune was about to suffer a huge loss. All because of his brother's stupidity, he was actually manipulated by a foreigner from Dongzhou in his hometown. Once this matter spreads out, his family will become a local laughing stock.

The more Shi Gong thought about it, the angrier he became. He stood up from the table again and raised his leg to kick Shi Jing.

"Brother, wait a minute, wait a minute, I have a way, I have a way!"

Shi Jing heard the news and hurriedly shouted: "Although that boy has enough goods, he still doesn't dare to lose an official position and receive a reward. It shows that he is still afraid of the strong power of our country. I have already found out that the boy had received nearly two tons of flax in advance. Thousands of dendrobium, buy more from nearby big houses. Prices are so good now. Who doesn’t feel sad? We contacted the villagers and refused to pay. What can he do?”

"You are still being stupid, and you are still stupid! Are you afraid that my family will not be ruined?"

When Shi Gong heard this, he became even more furious and kicked Shi Jing on the shoulder: "Didn't you listen to that guy before that he wanted to resell the goods to others when the current price was just right? Who could he sell to? Isn't it necessary to go through the process? Master Heba, if you resell those distant military tycoons! If you incite nostalgia and refuse to pay the current goods, will your family be in trouble? Will there still be a place for my family in Huazhou?"

After venting his anger on his brother's body, Shi Gong returned to the table angrily and sat down. He pointed at Shi Jing and said fiercely: "Immediately lead the carriages and horses to the direction of Jingzhao, and turn back halfway to pack earth or rocks." , Be sure to fill up the car! If the villagers want to fight, I don’t think they can fight with my rich family!"

"Didn't the master say that he wanted to help? Why are you still pretending..."

"Jingzhao lost the reward to the Eighth Governor. Don't the masters have a plan? First, use the huge goods to suppress the aspirations of the villagers so that they dare not fight with me. After that, I visited several brave villagers and collected their materials. Defeat me as a loser!"

Shi Gong said in a deep voice: "As for the payment of flax after the autumn, there are still a few months left, so there is no need to rush now. When I get the position of governor of the township, it will not be too late to discuss it with that Shuzi!"

At this time, another visitor arrived at Li Tai's Manor in Shangyuan, and he was the party leader surnamed Zhao from Yuanxi.

Party leader Zhao, named Zhao Lijie, was in his fifties and looked very old. He was accompanied by a rather heroic-looking young man who looked to be his nephew.

"When the wise elders from the countryside come to visit, they are greeted from afar."

Li Tai stood in front of the central hall door of the manor, looking at Party Leader Zhao who was tremblingly walking down from the ox cart and said with a smile.

Although the manors and fields of each other are not far apart, this is the first time for Li Tai to see Party Leader Zhao. He had visited before to buy sesame and raw hemp materials, but Party Leader Zhao was ill and only allowed to be received by his tribe.

During the past period of time, many large families in the county came to visit, but no one from the Zhao family came here. Li Tai was also a little curious as to why Party Leader Zhao came to visit today.

"Linzhi has come to the country, so he should come to see you. He is old, sick and disabled, so please forgive him, Li Lang. He is a dog who looks like a man, and he is a talented man in the countryside. If he taints his sight and hearing, I will punish him with my rod!"

Party leader Zhao bowed slightly to Li Tai and pointed to the young man beside him who was supporting him.

Li Tai invited the father and son to sit down in the hall. Before he could speak, party leader Zhao looked at Li Tai and sighed: "The Han family and the Li Lang family came from Longyou at the same time, so General Zuo and Duke Xunyang are both here." To pay homage to our ancestors. Now that I see Li Lang, a scholar standing tall, and a descendant of an old and famous family, I feel even more ashamed to see my ancestors!"

Li Tai was stunned when he heard this. It wasn't until Li Zhusheng beside him came in and whispered an explanation that he realized that he was from the Tianshui Zhao family of the Chen family.

He asked Zheng Man about the details of the Zhao family before, but he didn't hear Zheng Man mention this. Regardless of whether it was true or false, Li Tai was wary because he had offended Zhao Gui, who was also from the Tianshui Zhao family. Is this old man threatening him?

But Li Tai soon felt relieved, because this party leader Zhao continued: "Li Lang's blind date, Grand Master Heba, and Zhao Qiaoqi, a strong official in my family, are both friendly ministers of the country. I visited the government a few days ago. I heard many hussars praising Lang Jun’s demeanor.”

Li Tai smiled after hearing this and didn't respond. Although he offended Zhao Gui, only a few people in a small circle knew about it, far from being known to everyone.

Seeing that Li Tai just smiled and said nothing, Party Leader Zhao couldn't help but feel guilty, and then said: "Li Lang's brilliant plan is really impressive in the countryside. The old clan members are mediocre, and they are all under Li Lang's control. But I Don’t be upset. If someone with strong intelligence can’t control others, who will be willing to do business with their heart?”

"The party leader is open-minded and admirable."

Li Tai said calmly, "I have met a lot of people from the countryside recently, and I have seen all kinds of styles." Although Party Leader Zhao is the current governor of Juxiang, he has little interest in it.

"Dahangtai announced the reward quota, and the countryside was in commotion. In the morning, Shi County Wei sent an official to tell me that I must be in the county position, and persuaded my family to send thousands of dendrobium to help. The Han family is a small family, even if they have a little savings , I won’t help him, why is Li Langzhi?”

Party leader Zhao made a pass, but when he saw that Li Tai was just smiling at the table and had no intention of cooperating with him, he said slightly: "It's just because the county captain Shi said that once the county situation is determined, Li Tai will be expelled." Sir, you are not allowed to set foot in this village and use this garden to benefit me! Although I am old and foolish, I don’t think the county captain’s words are a good idea. A handful of loess can bury me, but my descendants will be talented. Guangye, how can you enrich yourself by taking away people? Besides, Li Lang lives here and the countryside is glorious..."

"Thank you, Party Leader Ren Nian, for keeping me safe, but I have an appointment with someone today..."

Li Tai no longer had the patience to continue talking, so he stood up and thanked the guest.

"Li Lang is shrewd in his business and can be regarded as a model, but he has little knowledge of local affairs! The Shixian Lieutenant is bound to gain power in the county, not only because of his seniority, but also because he is his wife by marriage. Once he gains power, he will definitely I will not tolerate Li Lang living in peace in the countryside. Although Grand Master He Ba has great power, the high eaves cannot cover the grass, and the wind in the hall will break down in a moment!"

Party leader Zhao saw Li Tai's attitude and his tone suddenly became high-pitched. He was obviously well prepared for this trip: "Although my family owes money to the township, its influence in the township is not inferior to that of Shi. Li Lang only needs a small house. For supplies, I will talk to Zhao Qiuqi and communicate with the superiors and subordinates. Although the Shi family is strong, there is nothing to be afraid of! But once our family is established in this country, we will not allow local evil to harm Li Lang..."

When Li Tai heard this, he laughed happily. He is really old and smart. During this period of time, he saw many villagers, some threatening and some trying to please him, but Party Leader Zhao was the first to think that he would be left with nothing in his hands.

"Party Leader Zhao's kind words are indeed thought-provoking. Because I am a new visitor from another state, you and other countrymen are sure that I cannot compete for the power in this town. But before, I could let you give me your town capital. There is no lesson learned from the past. Yuan, why are you so conceited and insulting your guests now?"

Li Tai looked at Party Leader Zhao and sneered. Before he could give the order to expel the guests, Li Xiaoyong, his disciple, came in a hurry and said, "Alang, the Zhou garrison leader has arrived outside the village, and several neighbors are also arriving one after another."

When Party Leader Zhao heard this, his expression suddenly changed. After a brief pause, he swung his staff and struck his son's knee: "You bad son, why don't you pay homage to your lord? Have you forgotten what I told you at home?"

"Aye, this..."

The young man Zhao Jingzhi was caught off guard and was knocked to the ground by his father's stick, with a look of surprise and confusion on his face.

Party leader Zhao ignored his son, stepped forward and grabbed Li Tai's hand, with a smile on his old face: "Li Lang misunderstood me. That historian has always been ruthless and angry in the countryside. What I meant was that I would give up this stupid son to him." Li Lang was a slave, so he asked Li Lang to give him rice to support him. From then on, he refused to be a bully in the village!"