Do you know: I have a different surname: Wang, uncle Minglan.

Chapter 279 Tell Shi Jian that I want to eat fish

In the seventh year of Jiayou, in early May, the weather began to get hotter.

Wei Yuan took off his clothes and jumped into the tranquil lake to play in the water.

There were at least twenty ships around, all filled with armored soldiers from the Manjia Camp.

They are all Wei Yuan's personal guards. With them around, even with thousands of troops, it would be difficult to hurt Wei Yuan at all.

In addition to the ships manned by the personal guards, there was also a huge prostitute ship chartered by the King of Wu. There were only three such prostitute ships in the whole of Suzhou.

One was built under the supervision of the government and was used to entertain domestic and foreign guests, one belonged to a well-known local brothel, and the other was the one currently wandering around Taihu Lake.

When he led the troops to suppress the Japanese pirates the year before last, Wei Yuan learned swimming skills from some naval officers in the southeast. Although he is not an excellent swimmer now, he will not make any mistakes in Taihu Lake.

But there were still many personal guards who dared not stay too far away from him, for fear that something might happen to him.

After all, throughout history, there have been too many people who have lost their lives because of playing in the water.

At the same time, a small boat, led by King Wu's guards, was gradually approaching the flower boat.

Three women got off the boat, two of whom were maids, standing behind a woman wearing a bamboo hat.

The woman in the bamboo hat is dressed in white, and under the reflection of the light of Taihu Lake, it seems as if time has stopped, like a beautiful painting slowly unfolding and spreading on the lake surface sprinkled with golden light.

Even though the face of the woman in white cannot be seen clearly, just by looking at her from a distance and seeing her figure, one would feel that she is a fairy who has descended to earth. The feeling of being both otherworldly and yet delicate in the world is intoxicating.

"Thank you, Miss. We are here. Please get on board."

When they arrived in front of the flower boat, King Wu's guard stretched out his hand, motioning for her to board the boat.

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw a deck ladder lowered from the huge flower boat to connect to the small boat where they were standing.

This Miss Xie was none other than 'Xie Yuying', the most famous prostitute in Jiangnan, who was invited by King Wu at great expense.

A singer who can make a name for herself in Jiangnan must have real talent and skills.

Xie Yuying nodded slightly, holding a pipa, took small steps, and slowly boarded the flower boat along the lowered escalator.

At this time, an old man named Zhao had been waiting for her on the flower boat.

"Thank you, Miss. His Royal Highness the King of Wu is not on this ship recently. You still have a few days to perform. I have prepared a private room for you. Please rest for a few days first."

Xie Yuying nodded, and suddenly she heard a voice beside her ear, "Marshal Wei, be careful, the water in Taihu Lake is deep!"

She looked in the direction of the sound and saw a shirtless man swimming in a lake not far away.

After looking carefully for a while, I could vaguely see scars all over the man's back. I immediately guessed his identity and asked him to confirm it.
"Is that the famous General of the Saiqi Guards?"

Geishas like Xie Yuying usually come into contact with more people from the underworld.

So, she addressed Wei Yuan not as 'Loyal and Brave Marquis', but as his title in the martial arts world 'Sai Huqi'.

Of course, there are big differences between Jiangnan geisha and Tokyo geisha.

Mr. Zhao nodded and said, "That person is indeed General Wei."

Xie Yuying handed the pipa in her hand to a maid behind her. She stood at the end of the deck of the flower boat and watched Wei Yuan who was swimming. He was like a stunning dragon.

"I didn't expect that this General Wei is so good at swimming."

Xie Yuying said with a smile.

Mr. Zhao responded, "Miss, you don't know that the Danghai Army that is now guarding our southeastern gate was created by this marquis."

Xie Yuying nodded slightly and said, "I know about this. When the Marquis led the army to the southeast to suppress the Japanese, he did a lot of practical things for both Jiangnan and the southeast. He was a hero of the time."

"But how did Lord Wei and King Wu know each other?"

Old man Zhao smiled and said, "King Wu and Lord Wei are close friends regardless of age difference. Only a handful of people know about this."

The implication is that if someone leaks this matter, she will be in dire straits.

Xie Yuying naturally understood these rules. "Last year, I went to Tokyo to meet Wei Xingtou of Guangyuntai. When I was discussing the art of playing the zither with him, I heard Wei Xingtou praise General Wei more than once as a great hero who was unique in the world."

"It is my great honor to meet General Wei today."

After saying that, she actually asked someone to bring in a guqin and a chair.

Seeing this, Mr. Zhao asked curiously, "Miss, are you going to play a song?"

Xie Yuying said: "I have to play a song to see a hero like General Wei. Otherwise, I will feel uneasy."

Old man Zhao stroked his beard and smiled, "I heard that Miss Xie loves talented men and heroes the most. Seeing her today, it is indeed true."

After a while, Xie Yuying sat up straight and began to play the piano.

A melodious and refreshing piano sound instantly spread from the flower boat to the rippling blue lake.

Wei Yuan, who was swimming, naturally heard it as well.

Wei Yuan dived into the water, and just as he emerged, he listened for a while and couldn't help but praise, "Who is playing the piano?"

The guard beside him said thoughtfully: "It seems that the singer on the flower boat is playing the piano."

Wei Yuan nodded and continued diving.

The guard said quickly, "My Lord, you have been swimming for half an hour, you should come up first."

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "No hurry."

While Xie Yuying was playing the piano, another person boarded the flower boat.

It was Shi Jian, the leader of the Cao Gang.

"Boss Shi, Marquis Wei has instructed that if you come, you should wait for a moment."

Mr. Zhao is in charge of reception.

Shi Jian also noticed Wei Yuan who was swimming and said with a smile, "Don't worry."

Mr. Zhao nodded and said nothing more.

Shi Jian looked towards Xie Yuying's position and murmured, "Miss Xie's piano playing is still as good as ever."

Although the latter was still playing the piano, she could still hear someone talking behind her.

When the song ended, Xie Yuying slowly stood up and looked at Shi Jian. She was slightly surprised and bowed quickly, saying, "Master Shi, it's been a long time since we last met."

In the Jiangnan area, about 60% of the brothel business is controlled by the descendants of the Cao Gang.

To prevent any dissolute young men from doing evil.

Therefore, among some famous singers in Jiangnan, there were very few who did not know Shi Jian.

When they called Shi Jian, they usually did not call him Gang Leader Shi, but rather Shi Dangjia.

"Miss Xie, were you playing the piano for General Wei just now?" Shi Jian asked.

Xie Yuying bowed and said, "This is my first time meeting General Wei, and I am moved. I want to take advantage of the situation to play a song for you. I'm sorry to make you laugh, Master Shi."

Shi Jian bowed and said, "Thank you for your courtesy, Miss. Although the piece you played was good, it was too sentimental. General Wei is a warrior and he likes to listen to solemn and solemn music on the battlefield."

Xie Yuying asked curiously, "Does Master Shi know that General Wei very well?"

Shi Jian laughed loudly twice and said, "Who in the world doesn't know the name of Sai Huqi?"

"A Guandao trembles in foreign lands, and the eight tigers under his command terrify Liao and Xia. Who among the sons of the Great Zhou does not admire such a heroic demeanor?"

These words made Xie Yuying, a girl, feel deeply moved.

"Does Master Shi know what kind of music this General Wei likes to listen to?"

Hearing this, Shi Jian was silent for a moment, "Thank you, Miss, for asking me."

After a while, his eyes lit up and he said, "Pozhenqu, yes, General Wei likes to listen to Pozhenqu. This song is not only used by General Wei as music for ancestor worship, but also became the military music of the Suppressing Enemy Army."

Breaking array song?
Xie Yuying murmured, "As expected of General Wei, this formation-breaking song requires many people to play together. I'm afraid it will take some time to prepare."

Old Man Zhao interrupted and said, "There are still a few days before Miss Xie's performance. Don't worry. If you are short of manpower, I can arrange it for you."

Xie Yuying was overjoyed and said, "In that case, thank you very much, old sir."

She knew that the main purpose of her being invited here by the dignified King Wu was to please Wei Yuan.

And she is happy to cater to big shots like this.

If a song played can make such a hero unforgettable, it would be enough.

While everyone was talking.

A guard came to inform Wei Yuan that Shi Jian had arrived.

Wei Yuan then boarded a small boat, changed into clean and simple clothes, and headed for the flower boat.

When he boarded the ship, Shi Jian and the others were still chatting with Xie Yuying.

"Boss Shi, why are you here so early?"

The moment Wei Yuan boarded the ship, a personal guard brought him a throne. When Shi Jian saw him board the ship, he bowed and said, "Greetings, Lord Wei."

Afterwards, Xie Yuying, Mr. Zhao and others bowed together.

Wei Yuan waved his hand and said, "Now that I am unemployed, I will avoid those customary ceremonies if possible."

As he spoke, Lin Zhaoyuan, who was standing next to him, suddenly saw a white dove flying not far away, and hurriedly blew a whistle that only military scouts knew.

The carrier pigeon immediately landed on Lin Zhaoyuan's raised arm. He took out the secret letter tied to the pigeon's claws and opened it to read.

Immediately, he came to Wei Yuan again and whispered:

"Guo Hao's parents have already arrived in the capital, but Mr. Fan has failed to see the emperor."

Wei Yuan nodded and said, "Send a message to Liang Da, asking him to be prepared. If the Liao army suddenly moves south, ask him to preserve his strength."

Lin Zhaoyuan nodded, and then went into the cabin to write a letter.

Afterwards, Wei Yuan looked at Uncle Zhao again and said, "Have someone bring a chair over so that Boss Shi and I can have a drink."

The latter bowed and said, "Yes."

At this time, Xie Yuying suddenly took off her bamboo hat, walked slowly to Wei Yuan, bowed deeply and said:
"I am Xie Yuying, and I pay my respects to Lord Wei."

Hearing the voice, Wei Yuan looked at her face. She was extremely beautiful and graceful. Unlike most women in the world, this woman had more of an immortal air and less of an ordinary air.

If it is said that most Jiangnan women are tactful, then this woman's tactfulness also has a bit of agility in her expressions.

She is even more beautiful than Wei Xingshou.

"Xie Yuying heard that when Yang Wuduan went to Beijing for a visit last year, you went to Bianjing to look for him. Did you find him?"

Wei Yuan asked curiously.

Xie Yuying shook her head and said, "By the time I arrived in Bianjing, the Yang family had already left."

"Lord Wei is always concerned about state affairs, and has a lot of things to do every day. How could he know about this?"

Wei Yuan said truthfully: "That day I heard King Wu say that he wanted to invite you to perform, so I told you some interesting stories."

Xie Yuying said, "I became famous in Jiangnan for singing Yang Dajia's lyrics. It would be a pity if I could not meet Yang Dajia in this lifetime."

Wei Yuan said: "Heaven will not let down those who are determined."

Xie Yuying bowed.

Wei Yuan waved his hand, signaling her to leave.

Afterwards, Xie Yuying entered the cabin with her maid.

After arriving at the private room prepared in advance by Mr. Zhao, the two maids began to help Xie Yuying bathe.

During this time, a maidservant said, "Is that the famous General Wei? In the past, whenever there was a storyteller telling stories about General Wei, the young lady would always listen carefully. Today, she finally got her wish."

Another maid echoed, "I thought General Wei was some ferocious and evil person, but now it seems that not only is he not scary, but he makes people want to get close to him."

Sitting in the bathtub, Xie Yuying, revealing a large area of ​​white and tender skin, smiled and said, "For Liao and Xia, that Lord Wei is a vicious and evil figure."

A maidservant also said: "Before, when the nobles saw your true appearance, they all either drooled or looked down on you."

"But this time, I saw respect for you in the eyes of Lord Wei."

respect?

Xie Yuying said seriously, "What nonsense are you talking about? He is a big shot who can reach the sky. In his eyes, we are just like those little cats and dogs, to put it bluntly."

The maid continued, "I don't know what to say, but I can at least guarantee that Lord Wei has no evil thoughts in your expression."

Xie Yuying sighed and said, "He is the Marquis, who am I? He has seen many people like me, how could he have evil thoughts like those people who have never seen a woman?"

The maid said: "No, my daughter is so beautiful, even in Tokyo, she is the best and the most beautiful in the country."

Xie Yuying glared at her and said, "In the future, remember not to say such things again. In short, Lord Wei is not an ordinary person. We need to be careful and treat him with care."

At this moment, on the deck of the flower boat.

Wei Yuan sat on a chair with a fishing rod in his hand, drinking and fishing with Shi Jian who was sitting next to him.

After three rounds of drinking, Shi Jian slowly said, "Guo Hao has a big appetite. He invited me to a banquet that day. It was a Hongmen Banquet. There were more than 20 soldiers wearing armor and carrying swords at the banquet."

"There were at least a hundred soldiers holding spears outside the banquet. He said that what our Cao Gang had done in the southeastern coastal areas in recent years was no less than the invasion of Japanese pirates."

Wei Yuan remained silent.

Shi Jian continued, "He asked for a huge profit of 30% right from the start, and also said that if you could do for the Cao Gang, he could do it too, and even better."

After that, he handed the accounts in his hand and the connections between Guo Hao and the major merchants he had investigated to Wei Yuan.

"Many merchants in Hangzhou and Fuzhou alone have been coerced by him. I don't understand why he is so anxious."

Wei Yuan casually replied, "Maybe he's afraid of being poor."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Zhaoyuan took the account books from his hands.

In just a moment, Wei Yuan suddenly stood up, raised the rod, and saw a big fish had been caught on the shore. "Boss Shi, you are in for a treat."

Shi Jian smiled and asked, "Lord Wei, do you like it steamed or braised?"

Wei Yuan looked at him curiously, "Can you cook?"

Shi Jian said sternly, "It's hard to say about other things, but when it comes to cooking fish, even the chef at Fanlou in Tokyo City may not be as good as me."

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "So, the one who has the good fortune is not you, but me."

After a pause, Shi Jian asked again: "My Lord, how do you want to deal with Guo Hao?"

Wei Yuan ordered his men to collect the fish he had caught, and continued to sit and fish.

"When did I say I was going to deal with him?"

Don't deal with it?
Shi Jian was puzzled and asked, "My Lord, he has done things to such an extent, it is too unethical, and you are just going to endure it?"

Wei Yuan was concentrating on fishing and did not respond.

Shi Jian had no choice but to be patient and drink while watching him fishing.

It was not until the second fish was hooked that Wei Yuan spoke:

"One is steamed and the other is braised."

After saying that, he continued fishing.

After catching three fish, Wei Yuan threw the fishing rod aside and asked, "Where is Guo Hao?"

Lin Zhaoyuan made a brief guess and said, "They should have reached Taizhou by now."

Taizhou
Wei Yuan asked: "So, this guy came to Suzhou by water?"

Lin Zhaoyuan nodded and said, "That's right."

Wei Yuan looked at the third fish in the barrel and murmured, "Tell the chef on the boat to steam half of the fish and braise the other half, and then send it to Guo Hao by sea."

Give it to him?
Lin Zhaoyuan bowed and said, "General Wei, the sun is blazing brightly now. I'm afraid that the fish will go bad by the time it reaches Guo Hao."

Wei Yuan sat on the armchair, enjoying the services of several prostitutes, and said slowly:
"Didn't he say that he could do what I could do?"

"Tell the person who delivers the fish to tell him that he should eat what I eat, and watch him eat it with his own eyes."

Lin Zhaoyuan and Shi Jian immediately looked thoughtful.

By the time the fish was delivered to Guo Hao, it must have been rotten.

Even beggars on the street wouldn't dare to eat this rotten fish.

If you want to eat the same thing as the Marquis, you have to endure it even if it is inedible or hard to swallow.

Before the people arrived in Suzhou, Ma Wei had already made arrangements.

"What if Guo Hao doesn't eat it?"

Shi Jian asked.

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "He dare not refuse to eat. Since he wants to eat, I will force him to eat it."

After that, he asked Lin Zhaoyuan,
"What happened to what Daniu and King Wu did?"

The latter responded, "According to the news just received, all the merchants from the aristocratic families in the Jiangnan and Southeast regions who have met Guo Hao have been invited to our place by King Wu and Yuan Zhi."

Hearing this, Shi Jian was suddenly surprised and said, "Lord Wei, this is also a Hongmen Banquet."

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "We'll talk about other things after Guo Hao arrives."

"Boss Shi, it's noon and we need to eat. I want to eat fish."

(End of this chapter)