weaving

Chapter 586 At a critical moment, it is of great use
Zhang Cheng, Chen Jiugao and others rode fast, and the closer to the capital, the flow of people gradually increased. Even those who shouldered the burden of goods and pushed the wheelbarrow were also on the road, and there were even rows of horse-drawn carriages walking in groups.

Although it was also ravaged by captive cavalry, the agglomeration effect of the capital is far from comparable to other places. The high-ranking officials and dignitaries here are relatively concentrated, not only the demand for various materials is great, but also the demand for Dingkou is also very large.

People from all walks of life have things to do here, from the necessities of daily life to entertainment activities such as circus, juggling, singing, etc. The Great Capital, where dozens or millions of people gather, is even more expensive than others to beg for food. Take it easy.

After crossing the Marco Polo Bridge in the southwest of the capital, they left immediately. Although Chen Jiugao strongly invited Zhang Cheng to stay in the capital for a few days, he would like to entertain him a little bit, and introduce a few nobles from Beijing to Zhang Cheng. declined on grounds.

After leaving Chen Jiugao, Zhang Cheng ordered Zhang Guangda to lead the army back to Yongning first, while Lin Fangping camped outside Juyong Pass in the west of Changping, and he led the boy camp to the west gate of the capital on horseback.

Niu Sheng had already brought people to greet him outside Xiguan, and when he saw Zhang Cheng galloping towards him, he rushed to meet him. First, he paid a visit to his new wife, Yang Liying, and then led the way back to Yuan Longchang's chariot and horse dealership.

Although it is outside the city, Xiguan is also very large-scale. The streets are not as prosperous as the city, but there are carriage shops, warehouses, and tea stalls everywhere, and occasionally there are one or two small wine shops.

The Longchang Chariot and Horse Shop in Yuan Longchang has expanded again, adding two warehouses and a cart shop. There are three stables in the compound where the cars are parked, which can store hundreds of carts and hundreds of mules and horses. The largest chariot and horse dealership in the capital.

Now the car and horse shop occupies a wider area. As soon as you enter Xiguan, the north side of the street is the front of the car and horse shop, which occupies almost a quarter of Xiguan. In front of the door is a small square with a few big trees. Some thatched sheds are used to rest the passing pedestrians.

And behind the huge front are guest rooms, warehouses, carports, stables, etc., all of which are classified buildings, and there are aisles connecting them together in the middle. Because it occupies a huge area, there are warehouses that need to be guarded. There are 500 guys in the car and horse shop. many people.

Of course, this was just for the outside world. In fact, most of these people were sent from Xuanzhen, and they were all loyal men selected by Zhang Cheng from his subordinate army.

Today, there is no merchant in Xiguan who does not know that the backstage of Yuan Longchang is Xuanzhen Zhang Cheng, and most of the rich merchants and officials in the city know about it.

The commercial competition of the Great Ming Capital is extremely fierce. It is difficult to open a shop without any background. It is nothing more than making a living in the cracks.

As it is now, he has already achieved the number one position in the entire capital. If he had no background, he would have been given to Huo Huohuang by those honorable relatives in the city.

What's more, Yuan Longchang is still contracting the business of escorting and escorting. Zhang Cheng's brand in Xuanzhen is still bright enough, and those escorting guards are all tall and strong, with broad arms and round waists. Expensive, even the royal family often ask them to escort the goods.

There are not many shops in Xiguan, and basically they only serve pedestrians and merchants who are too late to enter the city, or they are like Yuan Longchang, which stores goods for passing merchants and does not provide food and lodging services for accompanying personnel.

Although it is not as prosperous as in the city, it is still full of people. Most of the merchants here are stable. When they go to the city to discuss business, the buddies and coachmen they bring stay here. Because they are familiar with each other, they often After dinner, we will get together, chatting all over the place.

Accompanied by Niu Sheng, Zhang Cheng and Yang Liying entered Xiguan on foot. He said with a smile, "President Niu, you are getting richer now!"

When Niu Sheng was called out like this by Zhang Cheng, his face turned red, and he said in a low voice: "Marshal, everyone here likes to be called the shopkeeper, but I dare not call the president, it sounds like an official, it's weird of 嚒."

"Hahaha……"

Zhang Cheng let out a wild laugh, causing Yang Liying to look sideways at him, and he said, "It's a shame. Let me tell you, when you beg me to be the president of the bank in the future, you may not have another chance." what!"

Niu Sheng's face became more and more red, and he said with a little embarrassment: "Let's listen to the commander-in-chief. The commander-in-chief said that he is the president, so we will be the president."

Amidst a burst of chatter and laughter, everyone entered the west courtyard of the chariots and horses through the west door. This is a new independent courtyard with four main rooms, four east and west rooms, and the middle one. A relatively spacious yard.

There are also three gatehouses in the front, a row of stables behind the yard, and a wicket leading to the yard, and a row of four barns behind.

Niu Sheng then invited Zhang Cheng and Yang Liying into the guest room, and introduced the current situation of the car dealership: "...now there are more than [-] shi of grain and more than [-] pieces of cloth in stock, and there is also a grain store in the city. There are three other houses near Miyagi and the west and south gates..."

He finally said: "Marshal, just in this way, we will spend a lot of money here, I'm afraid it will be difficult to earn it back!"

Zhang Cheng and Yang Liying sat down on the heated kang, first he touched the temperature of the kang with his hands, and said, "Yes, this kang is quite hot, it is worthy of praise."

He went on to say: "Your side is a wedge placed by the commander in the capital. Whether you make money or not is not the main thing. It is good to be sure of the property here. At critical moments, the commander will be of great use."

Upon hearing this, Niu Sheng said with a serious face, "Here. Niu Sheng will remember the Commander's orders, and never dare to miss the Commander's military affairs."

Zhang Cheng looked at him, and said very seriously: "This commander has been ordered to lead the army into Liao, and go with Governor Hong to rescue the siege of Jinzhou. This time, he enters Liao to fight against the captives. I don't know how long it will take before he can return to the army.

You should try your best to raise grain, and if necessary, you can send it to Liao to relieve the difficulties of our army. Now that the imperial court is weak, you can't just wait for the imperial court's support for everything, otherwise, if things go against your wishes, you will be at a loss. "

Niu Sheng hurriedly replied: "Commander, please don't worry, we will try our best to raise food and grain, and we will not let the army starve and kill the Tartars."

He paused and then said: "We have also had some contact with the grain farms opened by several masters in the city these days. At that time, we can use the shop as a mortgage and credit some grains for urgent needs."

Zhang Cheng nodded, and said again: "How are the food and wine prepared? I haven't had a good hot meal after traveling for a few days."

Niu Sheng slapped his forehead quickly, and said anxiously: "Look at me, I just forgot about this when I was too busy replying to the commander in chief. Commander, don't worry, madam, let's go and remind you."

As he spoke, he turned and walked out the door, and went straight to the kitchen in front.

(End of this chapter)