Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 449 Qualified Arms Dealer
Looking back, the Zhen family was very wealthy and powerful in the past, and the emperor never treated the Zhen family badly.

Back then, the Zhen family also made many bets, and the White Lotus Sect also had an idle piece. It was really a good move, but the only thing was that they were blind and missed the current Emperor Chenghui.

The Zhen family did struggle in the later period, and they struggled very hard. However, the more they struggled, the more the Zhen family became like a mountain in the south of the Yangtze River.

After the emperor passed away, it’s hard to say about other families, but the Zhen family will definitely be eliminated.

Now that the entire Zhen family has been exiled to a new province, no one knows how many of them will be left alive along the way.

Although Zhen Huan tried very hard, it was a pity that the world was becoming increasingly difficult for a society dedicated to rebellion.

Since the Jining uprising, the power of the Divine Religion has been scattered, and the only group Zhen Huan could contact was from Liaodong. It was because of the latest news from Liaodong that Zhen Huan returned to Beijing.

"Because of the shipping issue, the Cao Gang has had a hard time. Now they work as lackeys for the court, and they are not as hardworking as before." The trusted leader lurking in the capital received Zhen Huan. He was inevitably in a low mood when he gave the report, but he did not seem to be as energetic until he mentioned the Cao Gang.

Hearing this, Zhen Huan was shocked. The Cao Gang had a large number of people. Once there was chaos, it would be another opportunity. Unfortunately, the Qinghong Gang in Guangdong and Guangxi and the southeast coast were now busy making money. Many people also joined the court's army to fight for wealth in other places.

Suddenly, there was the sound of stringed instruments outside the window. Zhen Huan frowned and said, "Business is coming so early?"

The helmsman of the capital was a beautiful middle-aged woman. She glanced at the direction of the voice and explained, "The prince of Xining came to Beijing and booked two courtyards. He was eating, drinking, and entertaining guests every day. The princes of the two princes of the east and west came one after another and booked courtyards here. They held banquets every day and spent a lot of money."

"Tell me about it in detail." Zhen Huan felt that there was potential to be tapped here, so he quickly asked.

"After the prince of Xining came to Beijing, he often entertained the writers who wrote for various newspapers every day, asking them to write articles in the newspapers, boasting that the Northwest Hu Ji did not charge money and even paid for it. He also welcomed all the heroes who did not have wives to go to the Northwest. You know what, there must be people who are interested. Recently, someone is arranging for us to go to the Northwest together to give it a try."

Zhen Huan was a little discouraged when he heard this. Why go to the northwest? The Divine Religion was a professional rebel. Who were they rebelling against in the northwest?

"By the way, is there any news from the leader?" Zhen Huan thought of this again. She had left in such a hurry that she hadn't paid attention to it. Jia Lian, that damn bastard, was obviously wary of her.

"That's not true. The leader was in poor health at the time, so he let the Saint take the lead and lead the major events in Jining. I have a single line of contact with the Saint, so I can only get information through hearsay."

Zhen Huan suddenly lost his energy and waved his hand: "I'm going to take a rest!"

The development of the White Lotus Sect in the south was obviously not as good as that in the north, and the way of preaching was all the secret societies and mysticism. In the south, the White Lotus Sect could not compete with the Green and Red Gangs, mainly due to economic problems.

Now that the world is at peace and all the rebels have stopped, Zhen Huan sees no hope and can only lie dormant for the time being.

She called the maid next to her and gave her some instructions. The maid looked at her with disdain and said, "Okay, I'll go ask around and see how that bastard is doing."

Facing the visiting card in front of him, Jia Lian frowned and asked the pillar in front of him: "Who sent the visiting card for the prince of Xining?"

"He's a close follower of his. He looks tough and is a good horseman." When Zhuzi talked about this, he felt like he had met a similar kind of person.

"Go there and tell them what I said. I have something to discuss at the government office. This is a troublesome matter considering the relationship between our two families. Just say that I'm busy lately and I can't come to visit you until I have time. Wait for me to write a reply!"

The invitation from the Prince of Xining was to be held at Jumei Pavilion, the most prosperous brothel in the capital. Jia Lian would definitely not go to a place like a brothel. The character he has always built up is that he would not go to such a place.

In this era of lack of entertainment, if Jia Lian wanted to go, he would have gone long ago. Why bother waiting for others to invite him?

When Li Dong and Lin Ping tried to invite him to go, Jia Lian refused.

Officially, it is illegal for an official to go to a brothel, and the Dragon Guard relies on this to generate income. Other government offices don't want to make this money, but they can't afford to offend both sides, right?
Even a government as powerful as the Wucheng Bingmasi did not dare to go to the brothel to arrest people and fine them.

The next day, Jia Lian went to work as usual. Before leaving get off work, someone came to report that the Prince of Xining was here to visit.

I really didn't expect this guy to be so persistent. Jia Lian had to go out to greet him. Speaking of friendship, there is still some between the two families. The four kings back then were headed by the King of Beijing. The emperor took the opportunity of the old King of Beijing's departure to severely suppress him. The young King of Beijing is now hiding and rarely comes out to seek a sense of existence. The Prince of Nan'an took the initiative to give up a lot. Although he is still rich, his descendants have also restrained themselves. They no longer have real power and the capital for arrogance.

My two princes, the emperor wants you to live a quiet life behind closed doors. I will not cause you any trouble.

I can only say that these two families did a pretty good job. When the Li Ni case happened on New Year's Eve, the doors of these two families were tightly closed and not even a fly flew out.

Standing in the middle courtyard, looking at the Prince of Xining appearing from behind the door, Jia Lian's mind was filled with memories of the funeral of Prince Beijing and the night watch.

The former interest ties of the four kings and eight dukes were torn into pieces by the emperor. Now, only the Jia family and the Niu family are still strong. The situation of the Shi family is relatively better, but no one in the capital serves as an official anymore.

The Shi brothers are both officials of the fourth or fifth rank, which is not as good as before.

As for the Wang family, because they did not get the support of the Jia family, after further seeing the declining nature of the alliance of four kings and eight dukes, Wang Ziteng listened to Jia Lian's advice and opened up a new world for himself.

It can be seen that everything depends on human beings, and the key still depends on people.

"Greetings, Prince!" Jia Lian took the lead in greeting, and the Prince of Xining quickly returned the greeting, saying with a smile, "I heard that when Mu Ying was in Beijing, he didn't even bother to invite you for a drink and fun. That bastard just looked down on you. I'm different. I've never neglected you in terms of etiquette."

This may seem like a joke, but it actually has a bit of a questioning meaning, and it's not excessive, just a slight one.

Jia Lian gestured to invite him in, and as he walked, he said, "Things are different now, he has to avoid suspicion. On the eve of the Chinese New Year, I led the Shenji Camp to confront him outside Dongzhimen, and we almost came to blows. This year I also went to Luanzhou and Shanhaiguan, and we almost fought then. If it were me, I wouldn't have the nerve to do that."

Jia Lian's words made it very clear that he was not trying to give you face, but to avoid suspicion. There is no problem at all for you to come to the government office to discuss official business with me.

After the Prince of Xining followed him in and sat down, he sighed and said, "I have no choice but to come." Jia Lian smiled and said, "Don't be polite. There is no problem at all to talk about official business. Your Majesty and the cabinet all support the Prince of Xining to restore the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Naturally, I will not put up any obstacles here."

The prince of Xining sighed and said, "You didn't set up any obstacles, but you're selling them at a high price. You're asking fifty yuan for a flintlock rifle, and that doesn't even include ammunition. The Xining army needs at least fifty thousand flintlock rifles, one thousand rapid-fire cannons, and three hundred six-jin field cannons. Just think about it, how much money is this? The Northwest is so poor, where can we get it?"

Jia Lian was not moved at all when he heard him complain about being poor. The so-called friendship was a matter of the previous generation. What did it have to do with me? If you want me to do business at a loss, it's impossible.

But Jia Lian couldn't say anything too harsh, so he gave a reasonable explanation: "Go and ask around, what did I do when Wang Taiwei needed equipment?"

Prince Xining understood that there was no room for negotiation, so he had to settle for the next best thing: "I have heard about General Wang's affairs. So, I heard that the Shenji Camp is now a town and needs to replace its equipment. How about selling the old equipment to me at a low price? I don't want new ones, but you can't ask for an exorbitant price, right?"

"Why don't you go discuss this with the commander of the Shenji Camp? Why are you looking for me?" Jia Lian was still trying to shirk his responsibility. This time, the Prince of Xining did not give up and said with a look of disdain, "You can fool ghosts with your words. Everyone knows that in the Shenji Camp, your words are more effective than Yue Qi's. So, I will pay 300,000 and buy all the equipment that the Shenji Camp has eliminated."

"Don't talk nonsense. I never touch military power! Be careful or I will sue you for slander!" Jia Lian naturally wanted to distance himself from it. Even when facing the Prince of Xining, he could admit this.

"Okay, okay, I've spoken nonsense, I've spoken out of turn, I'm guilty, just tell me if this is okay or not." The Prince of Xining looked helpless, thinking to himself, "How could the Jia family produce such a monster?"

"I have no problem helping you with the deal, but the price is not right!" As a qualified arms dealer, Jia Lian was of course operating with the idea of ​​bleeding his clients.

No matter whether it is physical or financial, bloodletting is necessary.

"I say, you have the nerve to ask for a high price for the equipment that you have used for many years? You are an official appointed by the court, not a profiteer. Is it worth it for us to have such a close relationship between our two families?" The Prince of Xining began to use moral blackmail.

Jia Lian still refused to give in: "I can arrange for you to sit down and talk, but I will not be responsible for the outcome. In the end, you will have to go and make connections with the Ministry of War yourself."

When the Prince of Xining heard this, he knew there was no room for maneuver. This was Jia Lian now. He was really difficult to deal with.

"Okay, you help me recruit someone. I sent invitations several times, but Commander Yang didn't reply. Speaking of which, he is now a second-rank general, and you brought him up. Please help me say a few good words for him."

This is how you ask someone to do something for you. This is considered relatively smooth, as you can see the person. If it is not smooth, you can't even find the temple gate even if you are carrying a pig's head.

How to say this, the Prince of Xining originally intended to give benefits to Jia Lian, but judging from his expression, even if he wanted to accept it, he would not accept it himself, and needed someone else to pass it on to him.

Let’s not ask for now. I’ll wait until I see Commander Yang and see what he says.

Jia Lian picked up a pen and wrote a letter, explaining clearly what the Prince of Xining wanted to discuss. He then put it in an envelope and handed it to the Prince, saying, "Take this and you will see him when you go to Shenji Town."

The prince of Xining took the letter, thanked him again and again, and then confirmed: "Jumei Pavilion, the most popular brothel in the capital, you really don't want to go? I guarantee that all the prostitutes will serve you. Don't say I didn't tell you, that place, whether you want black or white, I can arrange it for you."

Jia Lian was a little tempted, mainly because he had never been involved in any shady business, but he still waved his hand firmly: "No, I won't go. I have nothing in common with prostitution, gambling and drugs!"

The Prince of Xining then stood up and said goodbye with regret, and took Jia Lian's letter to find General Yang. This time it really went smoothly. After receiving the letter, General Yang met with the Prince of Xining and said, "In principle, we can talk, but we need the Ministry of War to nod. I'll be behind you."

"Okay, I'll go to the Ministry of War." Since it was official business and the other party had made it very clear, there was naturally no need to get entangled and he just left.

Before leaving, the Prince of Xining tried again: "I am hosting a banquet at Jumei Pavilion, would you please do me the honor, General?"

Commander Yang did not refuse. He thought for a moment and said, "At night!"

The Prince of Xining was immediately overjoyed. He really didn't expect that he would agree. He thought it was the same as Jia Lian.

"Then I'll send someone to pick you up later?"

"No need, I know the place, I can go there myself at night."

After the Prince of Xining left, Commander Yang quickly changed into plain clothes and headed straight to the R&D Department.

As expected, Jia Lian delayed his get off work time and was waiting for him.

"Sir, what price do you want?" Commander Yang knew Jia Lian's character and got straight to the point.

"Let him go and make connections with the Ministry of War. You discuss with the people below and see how to do it. The New Year is coming soon. Let's try to have a good year. There is no war this year, and it's not easy for everyone to live on their salaries. You can talk to your brothers later and ask each family to send a few people to sell winter vegetables. I estimate that after a season, each family can get a few thousand taels of silver, which is better than nothing."

Jia Lian said it casually, but Yang Tongzhi didn't dare to accept this benefit, so he quickly declined: "No, everyone knows about this deal. You are using this to send money to His Majesty. What's the point of us following you in?"

Jia Lian laughed and said, "You know nothing. Your Majesty can earn a lot of money, and I think you can't eat alone. Just listen to my instructions and do it. Later, find Ni Er to contact him. He will be responsible for the specific matters. Brothers of the Shenjiying, your family can earn some hard-earned money with you. This is all I can do for you."

Yang Tongzhi no longer refused, and after he stood up to say goodbye, he knew very well that this was Jia Lian seeking benefits for the generals. Originally, the Ministry of War needed a sum of money to get through the relationship, and now that the Prince of Xining has come out, wouldn't it be saved? Lord Jia doesn't eat alone, and he can't eat alone either, so he will take his brothers with him. The generals can take more, and the brothers below can also share a few.

The battles in the Shenji Camp are the result of the common interests between the top and the bottom. Jia Lian, as the boss, never eats alone, and there is no market for him to eat alone in the Shenji Camp.

In the evening, Commander Yang went to the appointment, and the Prince of Xining gave him a warm reception, which alarmed Zhen Huan in the next courtyard. He learned that the Prince of Xining was inviting Commander of Shenji Town to a banquet, so he quickly sent someone to find out.

During the banquet, the Prince of Xining once again brought up Jia Lian, saying something about the friendship between the four kings and eight dukes in the past. In short, he asked General Yang not to be too ruthless.

The final price was 300,000 silver dollars, not counting the ammunition. Even this price did not include the field artillery.

(End of this chapter)