Ming Dynasty: Domination of the World from the Imperial Examination

Chapter 321 Shen Xi!

The next day.

The sky is clear.

Xia Zhibai got up early in the morning and went to the streets. He bought a few buns and a bowl of rice porridge in the market, and ate them leisurely in the store. Yingtian Prefecture was now a little more peaceful than usual and was not affected too much by the wind and snow.

The textile factory's first batch of cotton-padded clothes were officially launched on the market.

But there was no fanfare this time.

It’s just that a new store opened next to the salt shop.

Because of the salt and coal shops in Kyoto, the street, which used to be deserted, now has many new shops, various snacks are being sold, and even some farm tools, bamboo weaving and other handicrafts are sold on this street.

now.

Xia Zhibai blew on the steamed buns that were a little hot in his mouth, looked at the sparse figures on the street, and asked curiously: "Shopkeeper, you opened a shop here, how is the business?"

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Business is OK."

"It's mainly to earn hard-earned money and make a living. But with the golden sign of Kyoto Salt Shop, the traffic on this street has never decreased. My bun shop has also benefited a lot. In previous years, there would be few people coming. Now sometimes I can't even make enough buns for a day."

Xia Zhibai said thoughtfully: "Will the people from the Kyoto Salt Shop come to buy it?"

The shopkeeper said, “Yes.”

“I come here quite a few times.”

"Sometimes the shopkeepers would come over too."

"Do they give money?" Xia Zhibai asked suddenly.

The shopkeeper's face darkened, and he looked Xia Zhibai up and down. He felt that he looked familiar, but he just couldn't remember when he had seen him before. He said dissatisfiedly: "What are you talking about? The people in the Jingdu Salt Shop have a good reputation. They would not be stingy with us. They pay much more readily."

"Even if I forget to bring money, it will be delivered immediately after work."

"And even if you don't pay, it's nothing."

"Before they came, this street was deserted. You wouldn't see many people for three to five days. Now, those who deliver coal, clothes, and salt, as well as people who come from all over to buy salt, all have to pass by here. Sometimes when they are hungry, they will naturally stay nearby. Not to mention me, even the nearby teahouses and restaurants have increased a lot."

"This is all thanks to the Kyoto Salt Shop."

"Without them, I wouldn't be living the busy life I do today."

The shop owner said with a smile.

Xia Zhibai nodded.

At this time, someone else came into the store.

The shop owner quickly entertained the visitor, who seemed to be a scholar. He also ordered a few buns, then looked around and chose to share a table with Xia Zhibai. Xia Zhibai did not look closely at the visitor, but just looked at the changes in the whole street with interest.

He seldom went to the left side of the street in the past, and usually went to the right when traveling.

Now, seeing that the business ecology of the entire street has changed under the influence of Kyoto Salt Shop, he feels very relieved and happy.

at this time.

The scholar sat down opposite Xia Zhibai.

At this time, Xia Zhibai also retracted his gaze. When he saw the person sitting opposite him, there was some doubt in his eyes, because this person was looking at him with a smile. Just when Xia Zhibai was full of doubts, the person took the initiative to speak: "Brother Xia, long time no see."

Xia Zhibai was stunned and simply clasped his fists.

The man laughed, knowing that Xia Zhibai didn't recognize him.

The scholar took the initiative to say, "I am a second-class Jinshi in the same year as Brother Xia. My surname is Shen and my given name is Xi."

"Brother Shen." Xia Zhibai smiled awkwardly. He really didn't know Shen Xi.

When he was taking the imperial examination, he basically didn't participate in any activities, so naturally he didn't know many people. Moreover, there were so many people taking the examination in the same year that he couldn't remember them all.

Shen Xi didn't care. He picked up a bun and put it in his mouth. The fat was overflowing and the fragrance was fragrant. He nodded and said, "This bun is very good in appearance. It has more fillings and thicker skin than the buns in many places."

"But compared to the steamed buns in Qiantang, they lack some flavor."

Xia Zhibai's eyes fixed.

Shen Xi said, "Brother Xia, you heard me right. I am from Qiantang County, Hangzhou Road, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Province, which is where Brother Xia just left. I actually didn't want to come to see Brother Xia, but as a native of Qiantang County, sometimes I can't refuse. I hope Brother Xia can forgive me."

Xia Zhibai said: "It's okay."

"I just don't know why you came to see me today."

Shen Xi said, "I just want to meet you. I don't really want to get involved in the affairs of the South. It's just that I was favored by the local people in my early years, so I have to come here. When will Brother Xia's affairs in the South end?"

Shen Xi put down his chopsticks and stared at Xia Zhibai.

Xia Zhibai frowned and shook his head, saying, "It's not up to me to decide. It's up to Nan Fang to decide."

"The South is powerful and has a lot of say in the court. If it ends hastily, I'm afraid it will fail. Therefore, I will not back down on the salt administration and will stick to it to the end. Besides, I have no reason to back down. This was initiated by me, so I must see it through to the end."

"If you want to persuade me to stop, I'm afraid you will disappoint Brother Shen."

Shen Xi laughed and said indifferently: "Why are you disappointed? We are all serving the court, so why are there so many grudges? The salt administration should be handled impartially, and no one will stop us. But for other related matters, please stop at the right time, Brother Xia. The situation in the south is complicated, there are many children of meritorious officials, and most of them are corrupt. If you get involved too much, I am afraid someone will harm you."

Shen Xi kindly reminded him.

Xia Zhibai picked up a bun, took a bite, looked at the scallions and pork inside, and said calmly: "Your Majesty once thought that the sons of meritorious officials often violated the law, so he intended to compile 22 articles of the Great Edict and instruct all military officials in the world to recite and practice, so that they would be vigilant. After that, he also issued eight articles of warning to the generals and soldiers."

"The sons of meritorious officials have the sky above their heads."

"As a fellow Jinshi, I would also like to advise you not to be too obsessed with your southern identity."

"Otherwise you will only hurt yourself."

Shen Xi smiled bitterly, nodded, shook his head, and sighed, "I know that, but how can I get out of this so easily? Now that I've brought this to your attention, I know I can't persuade you, so I'll stop here."

"I just hope Brother Xia will show mercy when he can."

"Don't lose your sense of proportion."

"otherwise."

“It may endanger yourself, or even your life.”

Xia Zhibai said: "Thank you Brother Shen for reminding me, I understand and will pay more attention to it."

Shen Xi nodded and remained silent.

He finished eating the two buns on the table and walked out of the store. Shen Xi came and went quickly, and disappeared in a flash.

Looking at Shen Xi's disappearing figure, Xia Zhibai frowned.

Shen Xi was obviously instructed by someone.

However, Shen Xi’s official position was obviously not low, and the person who could make Shen Xi move must have a very high position in the court.

Xia Zhibai whispered, "It seems that what happened in the south has made many people alert. They are worried that if they continue to stir up trouble, some people will be implicated, and then they will intentionally send people to 'advise' me."

"But he is the son of an honorable official."

"If the imperial court is really determined to rectify military discipline, how many of these sons of meritorious officials will be left?"

(End of this chapter)