The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 229: Tao Literary Examination of the Old Operator
Leaving Taihe Building, Pan Mei, who was full of wine and food, burped, mounted her horse and hummed a little song, walking leisurely on the street.

Zhu Xiu and Xu Xuan were riding in the same carriage, chatting between them.

It was already night, and the street was deserted, and occasionally a pedestrian hurried home, passed by Pan Mei, smelled the strong smell of alcohol, and hurriedly avoided it, for fear that this drunk man riding a tall horse would go crazy with alcohol.

Xu Xuan looked at Pan Mei who was walking forward through the car window, smiled bitterly and whispered: "Shopkeeper Chu is different from what I imagined."

In Xu Xuan's imagination, although Chu Xun and Chu Shaolang were young, they were quite mature in their words and deeds, and very decent in dealing with others. With a son like this, the Chu family must have a very strict family tradition.

The large Shenghe residence is also well maintained, and the head waiter Hu Guangyue is also a very knowledgeable person.

Running such a huge industry, and having a junior like Chu Xun in the family, in Xu Xuan's imagination, shopkeeper Chu should be a calm, heroic but shrewd wealthy man from the northwest.

But when I saw it with my own eyes, Shopkeeper Chu didn't seem to be very old, but he had a good-looking face, strong and powerful, and had quite a bit of the demeanor of a Jingyuan warrior.

It's just that his temperament is a little careless, babbling, and too enthusiastic and unrestrained.
Xu Xuan thought about the wine table just now. Shopkeeper Chu put his arm around his shoulders and called him brother. He drank most of a jar of good wine by himself. With his red drunk eyes open and the strong smell of alcohol coming out of his mouth, he slapped his chest and shouted loudly, "Three men" Tennei promised to help him rescue his clan members from the rehabilitation center
Xu Xuan would certainly be happy if he could see Xu Biao and others as soon as possible.

But how credible is what Shopkeeper Chu said when he was drunk?

When he thought of Shopkeeper Chu's thunderous voice, his shouts that could be heard in the whole restaurant, and his arrogant attitude, Xu Xuan felt that this person was not very reliable.

Zhu Xiu looked at Xu Xuan and immediately understood what he was thinking, and said with a smile: "Mr. Xu, you don't believe that my second uncle can help you save your people from trouble?"

Xu Xuan gave a wry smile, and said hesitantly: "The shopkeeper Chu agreed to help Xu find a way out, and Xu is naturally very grateful. It's just that this matter is extremely difficult, and even County Magistrate Wen dare not express his opinion lightly. What you say when you are drunk and beat your chest."

Xu Xuan did not continue to speak, the meaning of the words was already clear. He felt that what Chu Mei said when she was drunk was not credible. It was extremely difficult to recruit people from the rehabilitation center, but Chu Mei agreed very happily, which made him Have doubts.

Zhu Xiu smiled, but in her heart she scolded Pan Mei.

I had long warned this guy not to use too much force in his acting, but this guy was too involved in his acting and was bent on deceiving Xu Xuan, which aroused the other party's suspicion.

"Mr. Xu, don't worry. This second uncle, who was born later, is usually unsmiling, calm and serious. Everyone who knows him in Anding County knows that whatever he promises, he will definitely do it properly and will never talk nonsense." Zhu Xiu comforted.

"Why is it that when I look at it today, Shopkeeper Chu is hospitable, talkative, and extremely talkative, which is completely different from what Chu Shaolang described?" Xu Xuan's face was full of doubts.

Zhu Xiu's expression did not change, and she continued: "I am not afraid of Mr. Xu's jokes. Although my Chu family started out as a martial artist, my second uncle is quite good at literary matters and respects truly knowledgeable people. The second uncle asks himself how much literary talent he has. He has a high self-esteem, and there are very few scribes in the county who can make him think highly of him.

The second uncle was very happy to meet Mr. Xu today. Although he didn't say it, Wan Sheng knew that he was somewhat seeking advice in his heart and wanted to become friends with Mr. Xu and have further exchanges in the future.

Alas~~ The second uncle has a good face and is considered a figure in Jingzhou. On the surface, he needs to be serious and dignified, but in private he is approachable and approachable. Mr. Xu doesn’t need to think too much.”

Xu Xuan laughed in surprise: "So, what is Shopkeeper Chu's true temperament shown at the wine table tonight?"

"That's right! As the saying goes, 'When you drink with a close friend, a thousand cups are too little.' If you don't like it, then I'm afraid my second uncle won't say a word more." Zhu Xiu said in a serious tone.

Xu Xuan nodded with a heart in his stomach.

He was afraid that shopkeeper Chu would be full of big talk, but in the end he would not be able to get things done, wasting time and money.

At night, the sound of banging was heard on the street, and a group of people came to Yacheng.

Pan Mei turned over and dismounted, and the guards at the Youya City Gate came forward to check. Pan Mei whispered a few words to the team leader, and the Yacheng City Gate opened and the group entered the city smoothly.

Seeing this, Xu Xuan no longer doubted the identity and energy of shopkeeper Chu.

Yacheng is a city within a city, where the Changyi Army's tooth soldiers are stationed. It is also the seat of Jiedu Mansion and the residence of important staff under his command.

During the day, anyone who wanted to enter Yacheng had to go through various checks. At night, the city gates were locked. Unless there was a military order, or someone with power within the Changyi Army, it would be impossible to open the city gates.

Shopkeeper Chu allowed the tooth soldiers guarding the city to pass with just a few words. The energy behind it should not be underestimated.

After entering Yacheng, Pan Mei led the way forward on horseback, followed by Zhu Xiu and Xu Xuan in cars. They made many twists and turns and stopped in front of a small house.

The door of the house was opened a crack, and a servant with a lantern stuck his head out to take a look.

Pan Mei dismounted, clasped her fists and said, "If you have anything to report to Staff Officer Tao, tell Chu Mei to visit."

That servant was Qiu Shoucai, Tao Wenju's attendant. He had received Tao Wenju's instructions long ago and made a special trip to wait here.

Qiu Shoucai knew Pan Mei's true identity, but did not know Zhu Xiu. He glanced at a few people and deliberately snorted with his nostrils: "It turns out to be shopkeeper Chu, wait a moment."

As he said that, Qiu Shoucai closed the door of his house with a bang, blocking several people out.

Xu Xuan was secretly surprised. It is often said that the prime minister's concierge is a third-grade officer. Tao Wenju was the marching staff officer of the Zhangyi Army and also the director of the salt factory. He was also a servant in the house.

Pan Mei lowered her voice and said, "Mr. Xu, don't be surprised. This Tao Wenju is a villain, and the servants around him are naturally those who look down on others."

Xu Xuan smiled bitterly, already having a hunch that it would not be easy to ask this Staff Tao to do something.

After a while, the door of the house opened, and Qiu Shoucai held up a lantern and invited: "My master, please come in and talk."

The house is not big, and is no different from an ordinary house. The lights are on in the main room, and a man in a scarlet robe can be vaguely seen sitting high in the middle.

Xu Xuan lowered his head and followed Pan Mei quickly. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart: "In troubled times, etiquette has collapsed, and even the officials in the feudal town dare to openly wear the fifth-grade court clothes."

Tao Wenju sat upright on the Taishi chair, holding a book of Spring and Autumn and looking through it, looking out of the corner of his eyes.

Seeing Zhu Xiu trailing behind like a servant, Tao Wenju subconsciously wanted to get up to greet him, but Zhu Xiu secretly gestured for him not to pass through.

Tao Wenju coughed dryly and twisted unnaturally, as if his butt was pricked by needles several times.

"Master, they are here." Qiu Shoucai brought the person there, and Tao Wenju waved him to go down and make tea.

Pan Mei cupped her fists and said with a smile: "Meet Staff Tao." Tao Wenju put down his book and said in an official tone: "Pan ahem ~ Brother Chu is here late at night, what's the important matter?"

Pan Mei hurriedly introduced: "This Chu Xun is Mr. and Mrs.'s nephew. The last incident at Jingzhou Academy was all helped by Staff Tao. Mr. and Mrs. made a special trip to express his gratitude to Staff Tao this time."

Zhu Xiu bowed his head to the ground with interest, and said loudly: "Chu Xun thanks Counselor Tao!"

Tao Wenju was startled, as if there was a spring under his buttocks and almost bounced up, but Zhu Xiu forced him to sit down with a stern look.

Tao Wenju felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, smiling bitterly in his heart, how could he bear the great gift from the young envoy!

"Master Chu is a talented man. The Zhang Yi Army recruits talents. It needs outstanding young people like Master Chu as a reserve talent reserve so that they can serve the Zhang Yi Army in the future." Tao Wenju took a few deep breaths and tried his best to play the role of a Zhang Yi Army. The role of powerful people inside.

"Young students must always remember Staff Tao's teachings and study hard at Jingzhou Academy so that they can contribute to the great cause of our Changyi Army in the future." Zhu Xiu said loudly and bowed in salute meticulously.

Pan Mei added: "This Mr. Xu Maocai is a celebrity who has become famous recently. I believe that Staff Tao has also heard of his name."

Tao Wenju glanced arrogantly, his smile a bit sinister: "So you are Xu Maocai."

Xu Xuan hurriedly bowed and said, "I've met Staff Officer Tao."

Tao Wenju stood up, shook the hem of his official robe, walked into the hall with eight-character steps, walked around Xu Xuan, and said slowly:
"Xu Maocai is the person who has published the most signed articles on the front page of Jingzhou daily life tabloids recently. After passing through various selections, he was personally awarded the post of mayor of the Nong Reclamation District by the Wen County Magistrate and is about to take office.

When I saw him today, he was truly a talented person! "

Xu Xuan bowed and saluted repeatedly: "I feel ashamed to hold the post of mayor. I only hope that I can live up to the great trust of Magistrate Wen."

Tao Wenju laughed strangely and pointed at the chair: "Everyone, please sit down."

Tao Wenju returned to the main seat and sat down. Qiu Shoucai brought hot tea. After pretending to sip the tea, he said leisurely: "Although Mr. Xu and I will both serve for the Chang Yi Army in the future, we are not actually under each other, and I am not. Mr. Xu’s boss, I wonder why Mr. Xu is here today?”

Pan Mei briefly told Xu Xuan's reason for coming.

Tao Wenju nodded after hearing this, picked up the tea cup and pretended to be deep in thought, secretly looking at Zhu Xiu who was sitting at the end of the hall.

It's a pity that Zhu Xiu still maintains the respectful posture of a junior, lowering his eyebrows and not giving any instructions with his eyes.

Tao Wenju smiled bitterly, "Young Master is allowing them to freely display their acting skills."

After clearing his throat, Tao Wen made an excuse and said, "This matter is not easy to handle."

Xu Xuan hurriedly saluted and said: "Staff Tao is highly valued in the Zhangyi Army and has a wide network of contacts. I implore Staff Tao to help me think of a way."

Tao Wenju stared at him for a while and smiled strangely: "Mr. Xu misunderstood. When I said it was difficult, I didn't mean rescuing your people from the rehabilitation site, but..."

Tao Wen stopped mid-sentence and gave Xu Xuan a meaningful look: "Mr. Xu is from the south. He traveled all the way to Jingzhou, presumably not just to see the scenery, right?"

Zhu Xiu and Pan Mei kept winking at Xu Xuan. Xu Xuan suddenly understood and said hurriedly: "To be honest, Xu and his tribe came here to do a business with Zhang Yijun. The Xu family is willing to finance the purchase of Zhang Yijun." Mastered rock salt production method."

Tao Wenju touched the short beard that had recently grown on his chin and said with a smile, "I wonder how much Mr. Xu is willing to pay?"

Xu Xuan hesitated and said cautiously: "This matter is important. Does Staff Tao need to report it to Commander Shi?"

Tao Wenju waved his hand and said: "No need, the affairs of the salt factory have always been under the control of the Young Envoy. As the director of the factory, Tao will report directly to the Young Envoy. After Mr. Xu has reached an agreement with Tao, he can just report to the Young Envoy for approval. "

Xu Xuan was still a little worried and said, "Would Xu have the honor to meet the young envoy? Discuss this matter with him personally."

Tao Wenju's expression immediately changed, and he snorted angrily: "Mr. Xu, does he think that Tao's official position is low and he can't make the decision? In that case, why bother to visit late at night? Huh~ Come on, let's see you off!"

Qiu Shoucai ran into the main room, stretched out his hand to invite, and said jokingly: "You three, please!"

Pan Mei hurriedly explained: "Counsel Tao, please calm down. Mr. Xu is cautious and has no other intentions!"

Pan Mei pretended to reprimand Xu Xuan and winked at him secretly: "Mr. Xu, don't worry, Counselor Tao is the confidant of the young envoy, taking care of the affairs of the salt factory. These matters do not require the young envoy's labor. You only need to discuss them with the young envoy Tao." good.

Besides, you are so busy with your affairs, how can you have time to care about such trivial matters?
Not to mention you, in such a big Ya city, not many people can see the young ambassador even once in a month. "

Xu Xuan knew that he had made a mistake, so he cupped his hands and said, "It was Xu who spoke inappropriately and offended Staff Tao. Please forgive me!"

Tao Wenju snorted and said in a strange tone: "Mr. Xu, don't worry, the laws of the Changyi Army are strict and strict, especially the salt factory, which has a special status and no one dares to touch it. Any transaction made by Tao and Mr. It must be approved by the emperor to take effect."

Xu Xuan thought for a while and said with a wry smile: "I never interfere in business matters. When Staff Officer Tao asked me how much I was willing to pay, I was really not sure in the next moment."

Tao Wenju said: "Mr. Xu, you want me to help you rescue the clan members first, and then discuss business matters?"

Xu Xuan hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Forgive me, Staff Tao. I'm not trying to make a deal. It's just that the family business has always been in charge of those clan members. I don't know the truth."

Tao Wenju rubbed his chin and pretended to think about it, then secretly glanced at Zhu Xiu.

Zhu Xiu picked up the tea cup and nodded calmly.

Tao Wenju had some calculations in his mind and said slowly: "It's not impossible to save your tribe first. I'll send someone to the rehabilitation center overnight with a handwritten letter. You can see them as soon as tomorrow afternoon."

Xu Xuan said happily: "Thank you, Counselor Tao, for helping me."

Tao Wenju waved his hand: "Don't be too busy thanking me for now. Mr. Xu should think about it first. In addition to funding the purchase of rock salt production methods, there are other things that you haven't explained clearly during your trip north to Jingzhou."

There was something in Tao Wenju's words, and Xu Xuan naturally understood it. He was shocked and forced a smile: "I don't quite understand what Staff Officer Tao said."

Tao Wenju smiled sadly, and said quietly: "For example, what are the identities of Mr. Xu and your nephew Li Jia?"

(End of this chapter)