The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

The first year of Zhaowu, the second day of the third month.

The spring rain from the south of the Yangtze River swept over the city of Hangzhou with moisture. The bluestone roads were shimmering with water, and the rain curtains hanging from the eaves shrouded the entire city in haze.

The vermilion lacquered gate of the Zhang family villa in the west of the city was particularly eye-catching in the rain. The gilded animal head on the door knocker was wiped clean and spotless. The door nails were plump and shiny, each as big as a child's fist, and they glowed brightly in the rain.

Two white marble lions stand on both sides, and the luminous pearls under their claws emit a faint glow even in the daytime, attracting passers-by to stop and take a look.

Passing through the triple-layered hanging flower gate, the cobblestone path winds to the main courtyard. The Taihu rocks on both sides of the path are taller than a person's head, with natural holes all over the surface. There are hidden mechanisms in the holes. Every sunset, fragrant oil seeps out. When it is ignited, the flames shine through the holes, making the strange rocks look like ghost faces.

The moon-shaped gate at the end of the path is carved from a whole piece of Xiuyan rock. The gate is engraved with "Merchants on the Silk Road". The camels, Hu merchants, and pagodas are lifelike, and even the patterns of the silk carried on the camels' backs are clearly visible.

Under the winding corridor in the center of the main courtyard, eight singing girls dressed in thin gauze were dancing on the water stage. The stage was paved with a whole piece of nanmu wood, and the surface was inlaid with countless diamonds, shining brightly under the refraction of raindrops. The singing girls walked barefoot on the carved wooden board inlaid with pearls, their stockings were embroidered with golden thread and lotus patterns, and their hairpins were decorated with luminous beads from the South China Sea, swaying with their dance steps.

The leading singer had a flower ornament on her forehead that was a tribute from the Western Regions, and the corners of her eyes were painted with dark green malachite rouge. When her sleeves fluttered, the eighteen-beaded pearl bracelet on her wrist made a crackling sound, which startled the golden-scaled koi swimming in the pond and caused them to scatter.

The pond not only houses common koi, but also color-changing fish imported from Siam. These fish turn red when it's hot and turn green when it's cold. They are now swimming in the water as the temperature changes, stirring up a pool of spring water into a riot of colour.

The bronze incense burner in front of the main hall is two people tall, and the body of the incense burner is cast with "Hundreds of Sons and Thousands of Grandchildren". What is burned in the incense burner is not ordinary spices, but ambergris cakes produced in Jiaozhi. The incense smoke slowly spits out from the mouths of the beasts on the top of the incense burner, condensing into a light white mist in the rain, mixed with the aroma of wine and meat wafting from the hall, lingering in the air above the courtyard for a long time.

Two rows of Kunlun slaves in front of the hall were wearing golden chain mail and holding gilded halberds. The sheepskin lanterns on the tips of the halberds did not move at all in the rain. The candles in the lanterns were wrapped in beeswax and never went out despite being washed by the rain.

Entering the main hall, there are four giant palace lanterns hanging high between the beams. Each lantern is made of ninety-nine night-shining pearls, shining brightly as if it were daytime. The floor is covered with wool carpets tributed from Persia, and stepping on them feels like walking on clouds.

The long sandalwood table is three meters long, and the tabletop is inlaid with ivory and tortoise shells to depict the entire scroll of Along the River During the Qingming Festival, with even the eyebrows and eyes of the characters in the painting clearly visible. The table is filled with delicacies: iced grouper from the South China Sea is served in a jade plate, with saffron and crushed ice sprinkled on the fish body; Jinling osmanthus candied lotus root is cut as thin as a cicada's wing and drizzled with crystal clear honey; next to the whale sashimi tributed by Japan, there are fresh green wasabi and gilded chopsticks. There are also rare orangutan lips, camel humps, and bear paws, served in pure gold vessels, with the seal characters "Zhang Fu Yu Yong" engraved on the bottom of the vessel.

The beams and pillars in the hall are all wrapped in gold foil. The bronze chimes standing in the corners are ten stories high, and the bells are engraved with tadpole characters. When they are struck, the sound can be heard for miles. The calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls are all authentic works of famous artists. Tang Yin's "A Solitary Wild Goose in the Sunset Clouds" and Qiu Ying's "Spring Dawn in the Han Palace" are hung side by side, and the jade scroll heads at both ends of the scrolls are carved with dragons and phoenixes. What is even more astonishing is that there is a running water system in the hall. The clear spring introduced from the back mountain winds into a channel in the hall. The bottom of the channel is covered with colorful pebbles, and the side of the channel is planted with exotic flowers and plants that bloom all year round. Lotus lanterns carved from agarwood float in the water, drifting with the waves, with a faint fragrance floating in the air.

The servants of the Zhang family all wore shorts made of Shu brocade, with Hetian jade plates tied around their waists, on which their numbers were engraved. The kitchen servants shuttled back and forth, with silver plates in their hands filled with either delicacies or fine wine. There were also maids who were specifically responsible for fanning and repelling mosquitoes. They stood in the four corners of the hall holding peacock feather fans and would come forward to serve their masters as soon as they saw them move.

The entire villa is like a miniature city, revealing everywhere the Zhang family's wealth that rivals that of a country and their extravagant lifestyle.

...............

"Clang clang clang!"

The gong sounds at midnight penetrated the wet spring fog and echoed over the city of Hangzhou.

The three eaves in Zhang's courtyard are like the wings of a giant beast, and the bronze bells hanging from the eaves tinkle with the night wind. The eyes of the crouching wind-riding beast on the eaves are inlaid with pigeon blood stones. Under the reflection of the lanterns under the corridor, the scarlet light is like dripping blood beads, slowly flowing along the lines carved on the beast head.

Shen Wanjin lifted the curtain of the sandalwood sedan chair carried by eight people, and his black boots embroidered with gold thread and cloud patterns happened to step on a petal of the weeping crabapple. The thick cowhide sole of the shoe crushed the petal into a fine rouge color, and the juice seeped into the cracks in the blue bricks.

He subconsciously twirled the three strands of long beard under his chin and glanced at the ground. This blue brick was not an ordinary thing, but a "rainy sky blue" brick fired in Suzhou Imperial Kiln. Each brick went through 72 processes and required special personnel to watch during firing. If there was any mistake, the kiln had to be restarted.

"Mr. Shen is late."

Before he finished speaking, a wealthy man came out of the door. He was wearing a gold-embroidered robe, and the silk rustled as he walked. The jade belt buckle on his waist was carved from a whole piece of Hetian yellow jade, and the eyes of the Pixiu were inlaid with obsidian, which moved slightly with his movements. His cheeks trembled as he spoke, revealing his gold-rimmed teeth: "The dancer brought by Miyamoto-sama has performed three parts of the Heavenly Demon Dance."

Shen Wanjin recognized Zhao Bancheng, the owner of Jinyunji. Ten years ago, he was just a small broker collecting cocoons on the Qiantang River, but now he controls 70% of the raw silk trade in Hangzhou. His eyes fell on the jade ring on the other's thumb. The rich imperial green glowed coldly under the lantern. This ring alone could be worth the annual output of half a tea mountain in southern Zhejiang.

After exchanging pleasantries, Shen Wanjin and Zhao Bancheng walked side by side through the hanging flower gate, the sound of stringed instruments and warm fragrance wafting towards them.

Entering the main hall, eight red sandalwood armchairs were arranged in a half-moon shape. The chairs were covered with brocade cushions imported from Persia, and every inch of the fabric was embroidered with lotus patterns in gold thread, with stitches so fine that they were almost invisible.

Shen Wangangang sat down, and two maids with double-ringed buns came forward with a gilded copper basin. There were more than a dozen pieces of gold foil floating in the clear water in the basin, and as the water swayed, the faces of the people were reflected in light and darkness.

"This is the hand-cleansing gift that Lord Miyamoto brought from Sakai Port."

A hoarse voice came from the side. A tall and thin man in a black robe was picking his nails with a silver pick. He wore three silver rings of different shapes on his little finger.

Shen Wanjin recognized him as Sun Jiuxiao, the "Sea Dragon King", a giant on the sea. He had half of his left little finger missing. This was when he was caught by the Maritime Customs for smuggling Siamese rice last year. He bit off his little finger in front of the officers and soldiers.

When his eyes swept over Miyamoto Musashi who was sitting in the main seat, Shen Wanjin nodded slightly and nodded to Miyamoto Musashi.

Miyamoto Musashi was wearing a black hunting robe, and the demon sword Muramasa on his knees was trembling slightly, making a low humming sound. The eyes of the Shura demon carved on the hilt were inlaid with rubies, and under the candlelight, they seemed to be trying to break free from the blade.

Shen Wanjin noticed that the Japanese leader's left hand was always pressed three inches away from the hilt of the sword. That was the muscle memory formed by years of holding the sword. He could draw the sword out of the sheath in just an instant.

The rain outside was getting heavier, and the big raindrops hit the glazed tiles, making a dense and crisp sound. The candlelight in the hall was swaying, casting shadows of people.

Suddenly, music started from behind the screen.

Eight dancers entered the room to the beat of drums, their waists swaying and their skirts fluttering. They stepped barefoot on the golden carpet, and the silver bells tied to their ankles tinkled as they danced, and every step seemed to touch people's hearts.

The leading dancer had picturesque eyebrows and eyes, a dot of cinnabar on her forehead, and her lips were stained with bright rouge. Her arms were stretched out, her sleeves were wide like clouds, and she turned around and bent her waist. The pearls on the tip of her embroidered shoes could be vaguely seen between her flying skirts. Her skin was radiant in the candlelight, and a trace of sweat slowly slid down her collarbone and sank into her chest covered by the veil.

The dancing postures of the women were extremely gentle, yet fierce. Their fingertips were like orchids, sometimes brushing against the gilded incense burner; sometimes they suddenly flicked their sleeves. Their waists were as soft as willows, swaying with the rise and fall of the music. A scarlet silk ribbon was tied around their slender waists, and at the end of the ribbon was a small copper bell, which made a crisp sound with their movements.

The music became faster and faster, and the lead dancer's steps became bolder and bolder. Her wide sleeves fluttered, and she suddenly turned around, her skirt bloomed like a flower, revealing her slender legs. Her toes touched the ground, silver bells rang suddenly, her waist suddenly bent, and her whole body almost touched the ground, her wide sleeves spread out like butterfly wings, revealing a section of her snow-white arms. Her fingertips gently brushed across her lips, and her eyes moved with a hint of teasing.

When the song ended, the dancers prostrated themselves on the ground, their chests still heaving.

Miyamoto Musashi looked deep in his eyes, tapped his fingers lightly on the scabbard, and waved his hand. The dancers quietly withdrew, leaving only a faint fragrance lingering in the hall.

The rain outside the window was getting heavier, hitting the banana leaves in the courtyard, making a rustling sound, making the hall even quieter.

Shen Wanjin stood up slowly, playing with a mutton-fat jade ring in his hand. He glanced at everyone present, stood up and walked to the center of the hall. He reached out and touched the ambergris in the bronze crane incense burner. Curls of green smoke rose up, casting a strange shadow under the glass lamp.

"Everyone, I invited you here today because I have something important to discuss." Shen Wanjin said in a low voice: "The new emperor just ascended the throne and he can't wait to shake up the foundation of Jiangsu and Zhejiang."

Zhao Bancheng tapped the table with his thick fingers, the jade ring hitting the red sandalwood, making a dull sound. "Mr. Shen, is this about the 'clearing the acres and measuring the fields'?"

Shen Wanjin sneered: "That's right."

He turned around and looked at everyone, then took out a secret letter from his sleeve. The edges of the letter were slightly yellowed, obviously having passed through many hands. He slowly unfolded it, lightly scratched the paper with his fingertips, and said in a cold voice:

"Imperial envoy Yang Lian will arrive in Hangzhou in three days."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall suddenly became quiet.

The walnut that Song Yanzhai was turning suddenly stopped. Sun Jiuxiao narrowed his eyes, and his left hand, which was missing a little finger, unconsciously rubbed the dagger at his waist. Chen Yushu, who was originally lazily leaning on the back of the chair, leaned forward slightly, and a hint of sinisterness flashed in his eyes.

"Yang Lian?" Zhao Bancheng's voice tightened. "The Yang Lian who confiscated the Chen family salt factory in Fujian?"

"That's him."

Shen Wanjin nodded slowly: "This man is ruthless. Last year in Fujian, he raided thirteen salt merchants with a memorial, and even the prefect of Fuzhou lost his head. Because of this, he caught the eye of the new emperor."

Sun Jiuxiao sneered: "A mere seventh-rank imperial censor dares to come to Hangzhou and act wildly?"

"Seventh grade?"

Shen Wanjin shook his head and said, "He now holds the Imperial Sword and patrols the country on behalf of the Emperor. Wherever he goes, all officials from the three departments must obey his orders."

Song Yanzhai finally spoke in a hoarse voice: "Mr. Shen means...he is coming this time to touch our fields?"

"more than."

Shen Wanjin's eyes darkened, and he walked to the Eight Immortals Table in the middle of the hall. He dipped his finger into the wine in the glass, leaving a water mark on the table.

"Yang Lian's trip was ostensibly to survey the land, but in reality it was aimed at the merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang."

His fingertips traced the water marks. "The court is short of money. After the new emperor ascended the throne, the treasury was empty. However, Jiangnan is rich, and merchants have hoarded countless farmlands, but they hide it and do not report it."

Chen Yushu sneered: "What a joke! We all have deeds for our land, how can we hide it?"

Shen Wanjin glanced at him coldly and said, "Mr. Chen, you have 3,000 hectares of land under the name of Yongchang, but the actual tax paid is only 500 hectares, right?"

Chen Yushu's face changed slightly.

"Not just you."

Shen Wanjin looked around at everyone: "Everyone here, whose land register doesn't have any tricks? Whose accounts can withstand a thorough investigation?"

The hall was dead silent, with only the sound of rain outside the window.

After a long pause, Zhao Bancheng gritted his teeth and said, "Then according to Mr. Shen's opinion, how should we respond?"

Before Shen Wanjin could answer, Miyamoto Musashi, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke:
"kill him."

Everyone was startled and looked at him.

Miyamoto Musashi slowly stroked the demon sword Muramasa on his knees. The Shura pattern on the scabbard glowed bloody in the candlelight.

"If Yang Lian dies, the court will be in a state of panic."

He said calmly: "In the midst of chaos, you will have a chance to breathe."

Sun Jiuxiao narrowed his eyes and said, "Lord Miyamoto, assassinating the imperial envoy is a serious crime punishable by the execution of nine generations of the clan."

Miyamoto Musashi raised his lips slightly: "What does it have to do with me?"

Shen Wanjin pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "Mr. Gongben's words are not without reason."

He looked around at everyone and said slowly, "If Yang Lian dies, the court will have to send a new imperial envoy, and the new imperial envoy... may not be as difficult to deal with as him."

Song Yanzhai frowned: "But if the truth is revealed..."

"It won't be exposed."

Miyamoto Musashi interrupted coldly: "My people never fail."

Shen Wanjin nodded: "The ninjas under Lord Miyamoto's command are elusive. Even if Yang Lian has the Jinyiwei guards, it is difficult to prevent the hidden arrows."

Chen Yushu suddenly laughed: "Interesting."

He picked up the wine glass and shook it gently: "However, once Yang Lian died, the court was furious and investigated thoroughly. How can we escape?"

Shen Wanjin was well prepared: "Yang Lian must check the land register before this trip. And the land register..."

He looked at Song Yanzhai meaningfully: "Mr. Song, the accountant in your house is an expert at copying handwriting."

Song Yanzhai's eyes gleamed: "Mr. Shen means... to forge the land register?"

"good."

Shen Wanjin smiled and said, "If Yang Lian dies, the court will check the documents he read during his lifetime. If he 'accidentally' discovered that the land register was correct, but still insisted on making things difficult for the merchants, then his death..."

"It's all your own fault."

Zhao Bancheng answered, a hint of cruelty flashing in his eyes.

Sun Jiuxiao clapped his hands and laughed: "Great! In this way, not only will the court not doubt us, but they will think that Yang Lian is stubborn and self-righteous, and is seeking his own death!"

Miyamoto Musashi slowly stood up, and the Muramasa scabbard touched the floor, making a harsh friction sound.

"Three days later, in West Lake... Yang Lian will die."

Shen Wanjin raised his glass, his eyes flashing coldly: "Then... I look forward to hearing your good news."

Outside the window, a flash of lightning streaked across the night sky, illuminating the gloomy faces of everyone in the hall.

“Hahahahahaha~~”

A burst of wild laughter tore through the rain curtain, shaking the dust from the beams. The twelve glazed palace lanterns suddenly shook violently, and the candlelight in the lanterns strangely turned into a dark green.

The bronze wine cup in Shen Wanjin's hand cracked, and the wine dripped through his fingers onto the gilded carpet, leaving dark marks.

"who?!"

Miyamoto Musashi shouted, and soared up on his toes, his black hunting robe swelled in the air like a sail. (End of this chapter)