Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Chapter 104 Salt Merchant’s Banquet
  In the evening, Jia Cong called Jia Lian, took his soldiers, steward Lin Zhong and a team of salt men, and went to Qihe Tower for the banquet.

It's still the same place, the room with the name "He".

The shopkeeper had been waiting at the door for a long time. When he saw the guests coming, he hurriedly came up to lead his horse and whip and said, "Masters, please come upstairs. Our boss and several other masters have been waiting for a long time."

Lin Nan explained on the side: "Qihe Tower is opened by the Jiang family, the head of the salt merchants."

Jia Cong nodded and led Jia Lian upstairs.

Now Jia Lian has completely understood his position. As long as he follows Jia Cong in everything, he can be safe.

Today, the building has been emptied out, and there is only one table of them eating, which is quite clean. It is obvious that the salt merchants take today's matter very seriously.

At the stairway on the third floor, talkers from the eight families were already waiting. Seeing Jia Cong and others coming up, they hurriedly gathered around to greet them. Jia Cong and Jia Lian responded with smiles.

Lin Nan helped introduce them, while Jia Cong secretly remembered everyone's details.

"Third Master, please, let's sit down and talk." Jiang Chuan said with a smile, leading the important people to take their seats, leaving the table to the two brothers Jia Cong.

Jia Cong smiled slightly and was not humble, so he naturally took the first seat. How could Jia Lian dare to compete with him, so he willingly took the second seat.

Everyone's pupils shrank slightly, and they had an idea in their minds. It seems that this time when the Rongfu brothers went to Yangzhou, it was their concubine Jia Cong who was the main one, followed by his brother Jia Lian. It's no wonder that Jia Cong is now bearing the honor of the emperor. His title and cousin's name, what kind of brother dares to compete with him.

As soon as everyone was seated, all kinds of delicacies were immediately served like water. The waiter who served the dishes was already well-trained, and his hands and feet kept moving. He served the dishes neatly and clearly, and announced the names of the dishes with a clear and powerful mouth. Just listening to this The sound whets your appetite.

"Songjiang seabass, squirrel mandarin fish, Farewell My Concubine, Liangxi crispy eel, Dengying beef, camphor tea duck, nine-turn large intestine, sweet and sour Yellow River carp, crispy roasted suckling pig, dragon-tiger fight, Buddha jumping over the wall, five-yuan fairy chicken , Turtle and Sheep Soup, Braised Civet Civet, Political Bamboo Shoots, Fried Xi Shi Tongue..."

A large table was filled in an instant.

Jia Lian was secretly stunned. He could eat all the famous dishes in the world in one meal. The rich salt merchant was indeed extraordinary.

Jia Cong chuckled. He once read a story about a fight between salt merchants. Two salt merchants invited each other to host and ate all the delicacies in the world. Neither of them could offer anything more expensive than the other, so one of them gave up. A peerless thin horse first performed a dance in front of the banquet, stunning the guests with its unparalleled beauty, and then steamed the girl and served it to the guests.

The guest was so horrified that he had no choice but to surrender.

"It's a remote place, the banquet is simple, and the hospitality is poor. Please forgive me. Now that I'm here in Yangzhou, I can at least try the local flavor. Although it's not as good as God's capital, it may have a different flavor. Sir, please." Jiang Chuan gave way with a smile.

Jia Cong nodded slightly and glanced at Jia Lian. He didn't bother to say such polite words. Jia Lian spoke more smoothly.

"Brother Jiang is so polite. When we first arrived in your place, we two brothers received the kindness of all the virtuous people. I have no intention of repaying it, so I borrowed flowers to offer to the Buddha and toasted you with a cup to express my feelings. You drink well, sir." Jia Lian has been in Shenjing for a long time. When dealing with foreign affairs, it is natural to respond fluently in such situations.

"You're welcome, Mr. Lian, please." Everyone stood up in a hurry and raised their glasses to drink together.

Jia Cong also stood up and took a stylized sip.

After finishing a drink, several maids waiting in the corner immediately came up to fill the bowls and serve dishes for everyone.

Jia Lian looked up and saw that the girls serving tea and pouring wine were only sixteen or seventeen years old. They were all stunningly beautiful, delicate and refined, no less beautiful than the famous prostitutes in the sacred capital. Girls of this level were even more beautiful. He only dared to make tooth sacrifices occasionally because it was too expensive.

Jia Cong was also secretly surprised by the wealth of the salt merchant. Just a few girls who poured wine could match Qingwen's beauty.

After three rounds of drinking, the atmosphere gradually became warmer. All the salt merchants were experienced in the business world for many years. When it came to dealing with people, speaking and doing things, it was impossible to say that they were extremely sophisticated and mellow. With just a few words, Jia Lian was in a state of ecstasy. Like a spring breeze, I feel the value of family background for the first time.

Because Jia Cong was wary and was actually older than Jia Lian, he did not lose his sobriety.

Suddenly, Wan Chun, the head of the Wan family, asked with a worried look on his face: "I recently heard that Mr. Yanyuan's body has violated the law. Thinking that Mr. Lin is responsible for the salt affairs of the Huaihe River, we are all worried. We are restless day and night, wishing that we could risk our lives. treat each other.

I have often wanted to visit him at home, but for fear of disturbing the elder's recovery, I had to send some medicine to show my filial piety. I heard that the third master hired a miracle doctor a few days ago. I wonder if Mr. Yanyuan is feeling better now? "

Everyone echoed incessantly, their faces full of concern and worry. When it came to business, Jia Lian did not dare to speak randomly and only looked at Jia Cong.

Jia Cong smiled slightly and said: "Thanks to everyone, I am much better now. I can eat and speak, and I am energetic. I hope I will be cured soon."

Everyone was overjoyed, with smiles on their faces. They celebrated with their foreheads and hands, calling Amitabha, as if Lin Ruhai was their father.

Jia Cong sighed: "This disease is not difficult to treat. I heard from the miracle doctor that it is always caused by busy work and overwork on weekdays. It only needs to be prescribed the right medicine and rest for a few days, and it will be cured."

The head of the Hai family, Hai Dafu, hurriedly agreed: "Who says it's not the case? This salt business is the most difficult task in the world. I can't wait to worry about my own affairs, my hair has turned gray, and I am exhausted. Exhausted, not to mention that Mr. Lin has to take care of the entire Lianghuai salt matter?
  On the one hand, the court wanted to increase salt classes, on the other hand, the people wanted to eat cheap salt, and in the middle, there were all kinds of yamen trying to steal it. We also see Mr. Lin's difficulties, but we are unable to share his worries. I am really ashamed. "

The head of the Lan family, Lan Dingjian, nodded and said, "Brother Hai is right. Only Mr. Lin, the best among people, can take care of the difficult issues between the two Huaihe Rivers in an orderly manner. He has lived up to the divine grace. It is also me who has been waiting for you." Parents."

Everyone agreed and encouraged him to drink.

Jia Cong nodded and said: "The sages are right. My uncle's body has been broken down by years of hard work in salt affairs. It is often said that today's salt law has many shortcomings and needs to be reformed and rectified in order to live up to the imperial commission. Heavy responsibility.”

After hearing this, everyone paused for a moment, looked at each other, and then looked at Jiangchuan.

Jiang Jiagui is the head of the salt merchants, and the old man has been interviewed by the Emperor many times. His use of commoners to make friends with the emperor has long been a good talk in the Jiangnan area. It is natural that he should take the lead in such important events.

Jiang Chuan put down his chopsticks and gave a brief signal. The waiter waiting outside the room quickly removed all the cold dishes from the table and put new dishes on the table. The dishes were all the same, and the table was filled again in an instant.

"Masters, let's try this Wuwei smoked duck. I really like it."

Jiangchuan smiled, wiped his mouth casually, and said casually: "Your Majesty, Mr. Yanyuan, I have long noticed that there are many inappropriate things in the current salt method, and we urgently need to be adjusted by wise people. Listen to the third master, salt." Master Yuan actually seems to have some insights? This is a blessing for us as salt-of-the-art people."

Everyone couldn't help but stare at Jia Cong, for fear of missing a word.

Jia Cong took a few bites of the food in his spare time, took the hot handkerchief from the maid's hand, wiped his mouth, and said with a smile: "My uncle just said that casually, and I didn't ask him in detail.

This time my second brother and I came to Yangzhou to visit my uncle's condition on the orders of the old lady at home, but we don't care much about government affairs. As long as my uncle's body and bones are healthy, we will be satisfied. As for other matters, we will discuss them later. I hope that when my uncle recovers, he will inform you personally. "

Jia Lian was also a good person. He saw that Jia Cong had an idea, so he hurriedly echoed his words and encouraged him to drink, as if the salt law was really just mentioned casually.

Everyone understood and knew that they could only go so far today, so they concentrated on flattering the two of them, and the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves for a while.

After having had enough wine and food, Jia Cong was about to say goodbye. Everyone tried to persuade him that he might as well go to Slender West Lake to play on this beautiful day.

Jia Cong politely said: "My uncle is still ill and is about to serve the soup. How dare he have fun? Let's wait for another day."

Although Jia Lian wanted to go, he did not dare to disobey Jia Cong, so he reluctantly refused.

Everyone had no choice but to give up.

Jiang Chuan said with a smile: "I feel ashamed that I didn't give you a congratulatory gift when I first met your face. I have prepared some crude things and sent them to your house. Please don't refuse, otherwise we will really be embarrassed."

"How can this be done? I'm already a nuisance tonight, how dare I accept any more gifts?" Jia Cong said with a smile. As expected, Lao Xu knew the salt merchant's style very well.

Everyone was busy and humble, and wanted Jia Cong to accept it no matter what.

Jia Lian was already feeling itchy. Seeing Jia Cong nod slightly, he hurriedly cupped his hands and said with a smile, "My brother is ashamed to accept your kindness."

"Second Master, you're welcome. I'll wait for you." Everyone was busy and polite, and watched the two of them mount their horses and leave before returning to the building.

(End of this chapter)