What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 126 The Empress Leaves the Palace to Meet Su Mo!
Su Mo and Chu Jianghe are both very efficient.

After all, one was eager to get promoted, and the other was eager to make money; both wanted to get things done as soon as possible!

Su Mo went to see the shop that Chu Jianghe had mentioned.

Indeed, as he said, the shop in the front and the house in the back, covering an area of ​​twenty square meters, was truly astonishing!
The shops are mainly residential, a five-courtyard mansion, with only the front street-facing shops, which are two-story structures, approximately 1,000 square meters.

Such a large residence is indeed quite rare in the outer city of Shenjing.

With such a large store, business is naturally booming.

These days, the big businesses are nothing more than food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.

Grain, cloth, salt, ironware, restaurants and inns, etc.

The Chu family runs a cloth business.

Su Mo paused and observed for a moment.

There were quite a few customers, but most of them were ordinary people, and the products sold were mainly hemp and linen cloth for the general public.

Profits are unlikely to be very high.

A collateral branch is a collateral branch.

Even with the influence of the Minister of Works, who allowed them to get involved in the cloth trade, they could only take the low-end route.

The truly lucrative trade in cotton cloth, silk, and satin was not something that a mere out-of-town Imperial Guard officer could control.

even so.

Su Mo stopped to look at the shop.

Then they saw several Imperial Guards on patrol enter the shop, and a moment later, they came out of the shop with bulging money bags, looking quite satisfied.

Su Mo was speechless.

It's true that all crows are black.

He also said that only someone like himself could collect protection money in Changping County.

I never imagined that Shenjing would be like this.

Even more blatantly, the Imperial Guards came directly to collect the money; it was utterly corrupt and lawless!

Su Mo was quite satisfied with such a large area of ​​street-front shop space.

With a few modifications, opening a restaurant would be no problem at all.

I still have several hundred taels of silver on hand, which should be enough.

The expensive part of a residence in Shenjing is the land; the labor costs are not that high, and renovating a building is not very expensive.

Back in the courtyard of the rented house.

Chu Jianghe also brought the house deed.

They then went to a brokerage firm and, with the help of a middleman, went to the government office to complete the contract and register it.

The large street-front shop, worth six or seven thousand six hundred taels of silver, fell into Su Mo's hands.

After Chu Jianghe took his leave.

The maid looked at the house deed held by Su Mo with disbelief on her face.

Her Fish Hall, with its twenty or thirty subordinates, risked their lives every day to do business with no initial investment.

At the end of the day, the income is only three to five taels.

If you're lucky, you might get ten or eight taels.

A monthly income of over a hundred taels of silver seems like a lot!

But there are also many people who want to get a share!

The protection fee alone paid to the Wannian County yamen runners amounted to one hundred taels of silver!

The remaining twenty or thirty people would each only receive a little over one or two ounces!

In the capital, you can barely make ends meet!
The owner of the house can sit at home and wealth will come to him.

Moreover, it cost several thousand taels of silver.

This completely shattered the maid's worldview! She simply couldn't imagine how much several thousand taels of silver actually amounted to!
Su Mo frowned.

Chu Jianghe's gift was a bit too much!
If this were in Changping County, I would have eaten it without hesitation.

But this is Shenjing (the capital city).

I'm very likely being watched by the Phoenix Cry Division!

If the news were to reach Fengming Si's ears, or even the Empress's ears, wouldn't that be a complete disaster?
What to do when the empress hates evil and despises corrupt officials?

Although, in Su Mo's view, this was not greed, but a fair trade where each party got what they needed.

But it requires the Empress's permission!

Moreover, once my third uncle gets his hands on the MSG, the restaurants will definitely open one after another, forming a chain business.

The scale is too large; even a single person like Lord Qianhu might not be able to handle it.

Later experience taught Su Mo that one cannot live a life of luxury alone.

Even in Changping County, Su Mo distributed the profits to everyone, from top to bottom!

therefore.

When we returned to the house.

Su Mo looked around, then suddenly took out the Phoenix Cry Division's flag token and waved it: "Come out!"

"I have something to report!"

It was as expected by Su Mo.

A young woman washing clothes on the stone steps by the river hesitated for a moment, then suddenly stood up.

Then, holding the wooden tray, he walked in front of Su Mo and bowed slightly to Su Mo.

"Captain Yin Rou greets Commander!"

Su Mo looked at Yin Rou with some curiosity.

She is slightly plump, with a gentle and charming appearance, and is about 1.6 meters tall.

It has a bit of the feel of a widow next door.

However, Su Mo didn't do anything reckless and flirt with them.

After a moment's hesitation, he got straight to the point: "I have a small business idea. I'm planning to open a restaurant and can take a share from Fengming Division."

"Go back and ask the commander if he has any intention of investing..."

Seeing the young woman's surprised expression, Su Mo smiled and added, "I estimate that in the first year, the Phoenix Cry Division should receive 1,800 taels of silver in revenue."

"If managed properly, earning three to five thousand taels a year will be commonplace in the future."

The young woman looked at Su Mo in shock.

Then he bowed to Su Mo again and said, "This subordinate understands! This subordinate takes his leave!"

After saying that, she swayed her hips, picked up the wooden tray, and walked away gracefully.

Su Mo squinted at Yin Rou's back, then looked at the dumbfounded Jiang Lan.

This is the ringleader of the thieves I encountered when I first arrived in Shenjing.

They shouldn't be from the Phoenix Cry Division, right?
The secret agents of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Phoenix Cry Division in the capital are truly everywhere!

Of course, the more powerful the Phoenix Cry Division is, the stronger the influence that I, as the commander, can leverage!

Once Fengming Company invests, the restaurant can operate freely!
Once Fengming Company tastes success, its other businesses will naturally flourish even more.

Su Mo glanced at the sky.

It's almost noon.

I need to report to the upper left office.

Without wasting any time, they had Jiang Lan lead the way and headed straight for Shangzuo.

Before going, I wanted to change into the flying fish costume, but after thinking about it, I decided against it.

Being too flashy will leave a bad impression.

It is different from Function Six.

The five core offices and the six subordinate offices each have their own independent departments.

This is also clear evidence that it holds a position above the six functional departments.

Su Mo looked at the Left Office of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and couldn't help but sigh.

It certainly can't compare to the magnificent and vast Southern Garrison Command.

But it is by no means comparable to the large compound of the Baihu Office in Changping County.

The Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) left office is located on the left, and not far to the left is the Wannian County government office.

It looks much the same as the county government office.

The only difference was that the main gate lacked the double-eaved gatehouse of the government office, and it didn't have the black plaque with gold lacquer that read "Wannian County Government Office".

The main gate of the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters was relatively small.

The stone beasts in front of the gate were not the Xie Zhi statues representing justice and integrity found in government offices; they appeared more ferocious and menacing. They should also be one of the nine sons of the dragon, but Su Mo simply couldn't recognize them.

At the entrance of the yamen, two imposing teams of brocade-clad guards stood watch, each wielding a sword.

Jiang Lan's legs began to feel weak again, and her pretty face turned pale.

Su Mo had no choice but to take out a few taels of silver and let her go to the market to buy some ingredients to practice her cooking skills.

Then, holding the small flag and official's badge, he straightened his robes and strode towards the main gate of the Upper Left Office!

The one on duty at the yamen was none other than that scoundrel Tan Jin.

Upon seeing Su Mo, he greeted his colleagues and immediately came over to greet her.

"Commander Su, why are you only arriving now!"

"Lord Commander, we've been waiting for you!"

Upon hearing this, the guards in brocade robes all turned their surprised and suspicious gazes toward Su Mo!

Su Mo smiled and said, "There is something I need to take care of before I leave."

"Where is Lord Commander now?"

Since he didn't know the registration procedures, he naturally went directly to Lin Moyin.

If others didn't know about his relationship with Lin Moyin, they would definitely keep their trump cards hidden and use them at a crucial moment.

Now that the matter is making a big fuss, anyone with connections knows that he was transferred to Shenjing through Lin Moyin's influence.

It would be foolish not to use someone with such a powerful background.

If a newcomer just arrived in Shenjing, who would pay attention to you if you didn't reveal your background or connections?

Working diligently and cautiously, one rises through the ranks based on merit.

Wouldn't that really turn us into government employees?

Sure enough, Tan Jin immediately smiled and said, "The Commander is at the government office. I will take you there right away!"

Amidst the shocked and envious gazes of the crowd.

Tan Jin eagerly led Su Mo straight into the yamen, passing through several corridors and inner courtyards before finally arriving at the Thousand-Household Office.

"Officer Su, please wait a moment while I go in and inform the lord."

Tan Jin returned a moment later and smiled at Su Mo, saying, "Lord Commander, please let Officer Su go in and receive orders!"

Su Mo nodded and smiled at Tan Jin, "Thank you for your trouble, Brother Tan!"

Tan Jin was immediately flattered and hurriedly said, "Your Excellency is too kind to this humble servant!"

"It's nothing! It's nothing!"

"I resign from my humble position!"

Su Mo entered the Qianhu government office and saw the Qianhu official with his eyebrows furrowed, looking down intently at the case files.

He didn't rush over. Just as he stood up with his hands at his sides, Lin Moyin looked up at him and said calmly without any expression, "By appointment of the Southern Garrison Command, from today onwards, you are a junior officer under the jurisdiction of the Upper Left Garrison!"

"I hereby appoint you as the commander of the T-group of the Military Craftsmen's Battalion. Do you have any objections?"

Su Mo immediately replied in a deep voice, "This humble official will obey your orders, sir!"

Lin Moyin nodded, casually tucked the case file she was reading into her sleeve, and said indifferently, "Since you've just arrived at the Left Office and I happen to have nothing to do, I'll accompany you to the Military Craftsmen's Camp to take up your post and familiarize yourself with the environment!"

As he spoke, he handed Su Mo a brocade box: "This contains the appointment certificate and official seal. Remember to keep it safe and do not lose it!"

Su Mo quickly took the brocade box.

Lin Moyin then summoned an old clerk: "This commander needs to go out for a trip."

"For routine matters within the institute, Duan Jingcheng may consult with Commander Deng and Commander Yao."

"If there is anything important, we will discuss it when I return!"

Old Jingcheng glanced at Su Mo out of the corner of his eye, then respectfully said to Lin Moyin, "This humble official understands! Please rest assured, my lord!"

Lin Moyin turned to Su Mo: "Come with me!"

Su Mo quickly followed!

Lin Moyin went to the stables in the backyard, where the strongmen and servants responsible for tending the horses immediately came to greet her and paid their respects to the commander.

Lin Moyin said coldly, "Bring me my rouge, and that chestnut horse that just arrived!"

The strongmen and servants responded and left.

Before long, the magnificent Rouge was led out by the strongman with light steps.

Su Mo's chestnut horse, on its own, is actually quite decent.

After all, he was the best stud from the Changping County Garrison.

But when compared to Lord Qianhu's mount, the difference immediately becomes apparent.

However, its physical appearance is not as good.

The chestnut horse, however, refused to back down, and even though it was being led by a servant, it kept nudging its head toward the rouge horse's rump.

Lin Moyin glared at Su Mo fiercely and snorted, "Like master, like horse!"

Su Mo...

I'll castrate this guy when I get back!

Warhorses need to be castrated to be docile!

Lord Qianhu glared at Su Mo again, then leaped onto his crimson horse, flicked his red cloak, and rode off with dashing grace!

Su Mo nodded to the horse groom and the servants.

He rode off on his unruly chestnut horse to catch up with the centurion!

In Su Mo's eyes, all people are born... largely equal.

Even high-ranking officials and the super-rich don't usually act superior. Even if they look down on ordinary people, they still have to put on a show of respect.

It's just saying hello, it doesn't cost any money.

As long as it doesn't involve any conflict of interest, it's better than making enemies everywhere.

But the stableman and several horse grooms looked at each other in surprise.

Why are the junior officers so polite to them?
After a while, one of the horse grooms suddenly said, "Sir, from now on, should we feed the banner officer's horses better?"

"Don't let it eat moldy beans?"

Lishi nodded emphatically: "Remember this, from now on, feed them the best quality feed!"

……

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was one of the very few departments authorized to ride horses inside and outside the capital.

Once Lin Moyin left the garrison, she pulled on the reins, slowing her horse so that Su Mo could catch up and ride alongside her.

Before Su Mo could speak, Lin Moyin snorted, "Why aren't you wearing your flying fish robes to work?"

Su Mo frowned: "Flying fish attire? Wouldn't that be too flashy?"

Lin Moyin said calmly, "Don't underestimate the small size of the artisan battalion; it has plenty of troublemakers!"

"Especially that old fox, Battalion Commander Hao Jian, he's incredibly cunning. How can he keep them in check if he doesn't wear the flying fish robe?"

Su Mo chuckled: "Isn't there still Lord Qianhu?"

"With the Commander himself escorting me to my post, how dare Hao Jian rebel?"

Lin Moyin glared at the guy, annoyed.

He then lowered his voice and said, "I checked the case files of the garrison's houses."

"It just so happens that the garrison raided a brothel a while ago, so it can be converted into a restaurant."

Su Mo was slightly taken aback and asked, "When the Embroidered Uniform Guard seizes property, it is not required to hand it over?"

Lin Moyin said calmly, "Those who commit crimes and whose property is confiscated must naturally hand it over."

"However, that brothel is not under the name of the offending official!"

Su Mo understood immediately.

This is how the Imperial Guards in the capital made their extra income.

The Imperial Guards of Shenjing numbered in the tens of thousands, and their monthly salaries were paid from military pay.

Military pay is something that those who know about it understand.

If half of the four taels of silver monthly salary ends up in the hands of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, that's already considered generous.

Even those high-ranking officials had their salaries reduced by one or two tenths!

If there's no extra income, what will the Embroidered Uniform Guards do?

"You're planning to open a restaurant in that brothel?"

Su Mo looked at Lin Moyin suspiciously: "Does the others at the Left Office have any objections?"

Lin Moyin immediately said, "I definitely can't take it for free!"

"Many people are watching!"

"If our own people were to take it over, it would cost 4,700 taels of silver."

Su Mo was stunned: "Nearly five thousand taels? Is the brothel very big?"

Lin Moyin said irritably, "Big!"

"Moreover, it is luxuriously decorated, with a three-story pavilion, front and back courtyards, and over a hundred side rooms. How could it be cheap!"

"If it weren't for the fear of selling it to outsiders and attracting attention, it would have cost well over eight thousand taels!"

Upon hearing this, Su Mo's eyes immediately welled up with tears.

Without hesitation, he said in a deep voice, "We must take it down!"

Houses, especially in a power center like Shenjing, will only rise in value, never fall, unless the Great Wu Dynasty is about to collapse!
Judging from the current situation...

The Great Wu Dynasty is thriving, and its end is still a long way off!
Buying this is a guaranteed profit, not to mention it's an insider price!

You can make a profit of one or two thousand taels just by reselling it!

Lin Moyin sighed and rolled her eyes at Su Mo: "You think you can just take it off like that?"

"Where did you get the money?"

Su Mo's eyes darted around, and an idea immediately came to her: "Could we pay in installments?"

Lin Moyin was taken aback: "Installment payment?"

Su Mo nodded: "Yes!"

“We can offer a higher price, such as five thousand taels!”

"But it will be paid in installments, for example, one thousand taels a year..."

Lin Moyin...

This was the first time she had ever heard of paying for something in multiple installments.

After a moment's thought, he said, "It won't work!"

"More than a thousand people in the Upper Left Police Station are all eyeing this brothel, preparing to have a good year-end. Who would wait for you for five years!"

He paused, then continued, "Five years from now, it's hard to say whether I'll still be in the Left Guard!"

Su Mo slapped his forehead!
I did overlook this problem.

The government offices remain, but the soldiers come and go.

If it were me, I definitely wouldn't do it either.

He tugged at the reins, slowing the horse down again, and said slowly, "I have two more methods. Take a look and see if they work."

Lin Moyin hummed in agreement: "Tell me about it."

Su Mo immediately said, "First, Qianhu will invest in the restaurant by allocating space on the premises, and he will receive 50% of the restaurant's profits!"

"According to my estimate, the restaurant's annual profit will definitely be over three thousand taels!"

"This slow and steady approach might not be approved by the higher-ups, but it's definitely fine with the lower-ranking soldiers, making it easier for you to control the Upper Left Detachment!"

Lin Moyin was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but turn to look at Su Mo: "Three thousand taels of profit a year?"

Su Mo nodded: "It's not a big problem."

With the entire Shangzuo Bureau as a backer, the restaurant can be expanded even more boldly. With the addition of MSG, Su Mo still conservatively estimates a profit of six thousand taels!

A sharp glint flashed in Lin Moyin's eyes: "If we can really get more than a thousand taels of silver every year, there will definitely be no problem."

"Anyone who disagrees, don't even think about selling the brothel!"

Officials may leave the Thousand Household Office.

But the lowest-ranking strongmen basically stay in the upper left for their entire lives!

Even a mere one or two taels of silver a year would be enough to win the hearts of the lower-ranking soldiers!

Even if they sold the brothel directly, they might not get a single tael of silver!
Lin Moyin naturally preferred this division, as it would make it easier for her to control the garrisons.

But I still couldn't help asking, "What about the second method?"

Su Mo smiled and said, "This method is feasible. As for the second method, it doesn't matter whether you tell me or not."

"We can first use a false loan to acquire the brothel, then find a pawnshop to mortgage the brothel and use the money to pay for the garrison's rent."

Lin Moyin nodded: "It is indeed not as reliable as the previous method."

With her connections and resources, taking over the brothel with fictitious funds would be no problem.

As long as the money is replenished in time.

But after all, it's a clandestine black market industry.

If they sell it directly, once the matter comes to light, the blame will definitely fall on her, the head official, and the three trial commanders.

It's definitely not as reliable as the first method.

The investment of shop space in the restaurant became a matter for the entire Shangzuo Police Station. Anyone who tried to interfere or take over the restaurant would be making an enemy of the entire Shangzuo Police Station!

Su Mo hadn't expected that Commander Qianhu would be so concerned about money.

He smiled and said smugly, "Actually, it doesn't matter whether we take this brothel or not."

"That Chu Jianghe just sold me a shop for two thousand taels of silver..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lin Moyin's eyes widened in surprise: "Could it be the cloth shop in Chang Le Fang?"

This time it was Su Mo's turn to be surprised. She blinked and looked at the Commander: "Which shop do you know?"

"Could there be something wrong with that shop?"

Lin Moyin shook her head: "There's no problem!"

"That shop was passed down from Chu Jianghe's ancestors. It is said that it was acquired when the Chu family separated from the direct line."

She paused, then continued, "I've only heard that quite a few people have their eyes on this shop. If Chu Jianghe doesn't rise to the rank of centurion and return to the Chu family's direct line, receiving Chu Cheng's protection, this shop will eventually fall apart."

Su Mo breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Lin Moyin hesitated for a moment, her pretty face turning serious. She lowered her voice and said again, "But those people are said to have royal connections!"

"If they force their way in, even Chu Cheng, the Minister of Works, won't be able to intervene!"

"If you buy it at a low price, I'm afraid those people won't let it go!"

The implication was that if even the Minister of Works couldn't protect her, then she, a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, certainly couldn't.

They had been eyeing this lucrative opportunity for a long time and had even resorted to underhanded tactics to make it difficult for the shop to do business.

As a result, a minor officer was given the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

How can those who are eyeing this fat meat swallow this insult!
Upon hearing this, Su Mo also became conflicted.

After pondering for a long time, he finally said, "The problem shouldn't be too serious!"

"I have already pledged my share to Fengming Si!"

"If those people insist on their way, Fengming Division will handle the situation!"

"The most urgent task is to get the restaurant up and running as soon as possible so that the people from Shangzuo and Fengming Division can all benefit!"

There's no way to make money without offending someone.

Otherwise, Su Mo would have eaten it all by himself long ago, why would he share the benefits for no reason!

Lin Moyin was speechless again.

My own husband really does plan things out meticulously.

People from the royal family are not even afraid of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but the Phoenix Cry Division is a different story!

After all, Fengming Si is practically a saint!

After that, the two of them didn't have much to say to each other.

They quickened their pace and soon left the outer city, galloping to the location of the artisan camp in the upper left garrison.

Although the craftsmen of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were not part of the Ministry of Works' craftsmen camp and were much larger in scale, they were still responsible for the research and development and manufacturing of military equipment.

For confidentiality reasons, it is not suitable to place it in a densely populated area.

Moreover, the artisan battalion occupies a very large area.

Within the capital city, every inch of land was incredibly valuable, yet there was no place to accommodate so many artisan battalions from various garrisons.

Therefore, the artisan battalion of Shangzuo was established at the foot of a solitary peak, a dozen miles from the imperial city, where few people ventured.

Fewer people means less money!

The artisans were hereditary professions. The three hundred artisans in the Upper Left Office, along with their families, numbered over a thousand. They lived in the artisan barracks on Lone Peak Mountain, and their lives were naturally difficult.

Hao Jian, the commander of the Left Guard, was in charge of managing the entire artisan battalion.

He was always frowning, racking his brains for a few extra taels of silver.

The artisan battalion is full of poor people; even if you squeeze every last drop of profit out of them, you can't make much money.

They couldn't even embezzle wages!
The term "military craftsman" doesn't include the words "salary" or "payment"!

Normally, they can only make a living by manufacturing weapons or taking on odd jobs.

Given these conditions, how much profit could Hao Jian possibly make from the military craftsman?

If even the most basic living expenses of the military craftsmen are withheld, the military craftsmen will really rebel. In that case, the first person to be beheaded will definitely be the battalion commander!
The Gufeng Mountain artisan camp not only offers no lucrative opportunities, but also has very few entertainment options!

Gambling is excluded.

At this time, Hao Jian was playing cards with several captains from the artisan battalion in his own courtyard.

Because there was no profit to be made, the artisan battalion didn't even have the quota for trial centurions!
Hao Jian was a centurion, plus three generals under his command.

"No more fighting!"

Hao Jian, feeling extremely annoyed, slammed the card in his hand onto the table and said irritably, "Damn it!"

"I've lost five or six games in a row. This is so damn unlucky! I've lost all my money from last month. If I keep playing, I won't even have enough money to go back to town and find my mistress!"

The captain, who was sitting to the left, laughed and said, "It's just a few hundred coins lost, is it really necessary for you to be so upset, sir?"

"Let's play a few more rounds, what else can we do!"

Another captain, with a cunning look on his face, suddenly said, "That's right!"

"Didn't they want to send a small flag over here?"

"It seems like he's taking office today?"

"When the guests arrive, shouldn't we properly show them respect?"

Hao Jian got even angrier when he heard this, and his already dark face turned even darker!

"Oh shit!"

"It's better not to mention it, it just makes me angry!"

He snorted with a dark face, "It was agreed that it would be sold for ten taels of silver, but it was suddenly snatched away!"

"You've made me have to return the silver!"

"I don't know which unlucky fellow was banished here, causing me to lose ten taels of silver for nothing!"

"How much money could a guy like that possibly offer as tribute?"

The cunning-faced captain chuckled, "We can always make some money out of this."

"If he doesn't know what's good for him, the master will teach him a lesson. I'm afraid he won't end up like that little flag officer last time, crying and wanting to leave the artisan camp. Then his position will be vacant again."

"That ten taels of silver will definitely end up back in the master's hands!"

Hao Jian said calmly, "That's just how it is!"

"No matter who he is, once he comes to this artisan camp, snakes have to coil up for me, and tigers have to crouch down for me!"

Just as he was speaking, a strongman suddenly rushed in in a panic: "My lord! Something terrible has happened!"

Hao Jian's face immediately darkened, and he coldly shouted, "What's all this shouting about?"

"Those impoverished military craftsmen, do they dare to rebel?!"

Li Shi took several breaths to catch his breath and said urgently, "Lord Centurion, there is a junior officer who calls himself Su Mo. He is coming to the Craftsmen's Camp to take up his post and command the Ding-type Battalion."

Hao Jian snorted coldly: "Arriving at 1:00 PM, quite the airs!"

Normally, when the Embroidered Uniform Guard is on duty, they should report to the Upper Left Office at 5:00 AM.

By the time they arrived at the Lone Peak Mountain Artisan Camp, it was already late at Chen Shi (7-9 AM).

That junior officer didn't arrive until after noon!

The cunning-looking captain noticed something amiss and frowned at the messenger: "Then the junior officer is here."

Why are you in such a panic?

Li Shi took another deep breath, his voice still slightly stammering: "Accompanying the banner officer to his post was a beautiful woman riding a crimson horse... She called herself... Commander of the Left Guard!"

"He's currently waiting in the main hall of the military camp, and he looks... quite unwell!"

This statement came out.

The faces of the several artisan soldiers who were playing cards in the house suddenly changed!

"Quickly! Someone come here! Where has everyone gone?! Quickly help me change into my official robes..."

When Hao Jian and his companions rushed to the government office, they indeed saw the commander, dressed in a bright red cloak, sitting upright at the desk and in his official chair, staring at them coldly with an expressionless face!

Beside the commander stood a tall, handsome young man in a blue robe.

Without hesitation, Hao Jian knelt down on the ground.

"This humble servant greets Commander Qianhu!"

After he knelt down, the main hall of the military camp was completely silent.

Hao Jian broke out in a cold sweat.

He lay face down, too afraid to move!

After a good dozen or so breaths, a cold voice finally reached their ears: "It's not past noon yet, and it's still early for your shifts to end. Why aren't you all in this artisan camp?"

Hao Jian felt bitter!

The craftsmen's camp on Lonely Peak Mountain is usually so quiet that not even a fly would come near it. Who knew that Lord Qianhu would suddenly appear!
Although the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) was a military craftsman, it was responsible for researching and manufacturing military equipment.

In fact, the military craftsmen from the Ministry of Works took over all the work!

Lonely Peak Mountain Craftsmen's Camp was practically nonexistent, essentially equivalent to a place of exile for the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Hao Jian and the others are used to being lazy, so how could they really be on duty and off duty on time!
Caught red-handed by his superior, Hao Jian could only honestly confess: "Please forgive me, sir, I... I... I was negligent!"

The other captains also begged for mercy!

Lin Moyin snorted coldly: "You all bear imperial duties, so you should be diligent and conscientious in serving the Sage!"

"If this happens again, we will punish them severely!"

"Get up!"

Hao Jian and the others breathed a sigh of relief and stood up tremblingly.

Lin Moyin didn't even glance at them, but turned to Su Mo and said calmly, "Su Xiaoqi, from today onwards, you will be in charge of the Ding group in this artisan camp. You'd better do your job well!"

"If you achieve results, I will certainly not hesitate to submit a memorial to His Majesty and request commendation on your behalf!"

Su Mo's expression was serious. He cupped his hands towards Lin Moyin and said in a deep voice, "Please rest assured, Commander!"

"This humble servant will faithfully perform my duties, live up to the Emperor's grace, and fulfill the Emperor's expectations!"

Lin Moyin nodded, got up and left.

He didn't even glance at Hao Jian and the others from beginning to end!
After Lin Moyin left, Hao Jian and the others finally dared to breathe a sigh of relief!
so horrible!

Lord Chito's terrifying aura was so powerful it was suffocating!
As expected of a great sorcerer at the Divine Realm who slaughtered hundreds of Heavenly Mother cultists and caused the Heavenly Mother cult's demoness to flee in panic!

Hao Jian and the others all looked at Su Mo with surprise and suspicion!

What exactly is going on?

Isn't the Artisan Battalion the place where the Embroidered Uniform Guards are exiled?

I originally thought that this junior officer must have offended someone to be exiled here.

Who would have thought that a high-ranking official would personally escort him to his new post!

The commander is extremely busy with affairs of state; he wouldn't send a minor officer to his post for no reason, out of boredom!

Even a commander of a thousand households is like this, yet he says that if he makes a contribution, he will report to the emperor!
Just what kind of powerful background does this minor officer have?

Hao Jian was wondering how to greet Su Mo.

Su Mo smiled and bowed to the crowd, saying, "This humble official, Su Mo, greets Lord Hao and all the captains!"

Hao Jian breathed a sigh of relief.

This kid seems to know the rules; he hasn't become arrogant because he's been spoiled.

Otherwise, I would be forced to fight him.

It would be even better if you knew the rules.

Let's keep the water from the well and the river from the river.

The Ding-character battalion, those thirty military craftsmen, can be handed over to him to take full responsibility!

Anyway, there's not much profit to be made!

Hao Jian and several captains exchanged glances, then smiled and said to Su Mo, "It's been a long time since the commander of the Lone Peak Mountain Artisan Battalion has come. Since Captain Su has just arrived, we should have held a banquet to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey."

After pausing, Hao Jian said with a wry smile, "But I just got a scolding from Commander Qianhu, so I dare not slack off."

"How about this!"

"I will first go with Officer Su to the Dingzi Camp to make an appearance, so that those cunning craftsmen will not think that Commander Su is young and easy to bully."

Su Mo quickly bowed to Hao Jian again: "This humble servant is grateful for your trouble, sir!"

Hao Jian laughed heartily: "What kind of talk is that!"

"Now that we've come to this Lonely Peak Mountain, we're all on the same side. Naturally, we should look after each other and support one another. Don't you all agree?"

The other officers also smiled and nodded in agreement.

They then introduced themselves and enthusiastically tried to establish a relationship with Su Mo!

……

Ding Bashi dragged his weary body for more than ten miles before returning to the Gufeng Mountain artisan camp.

He weighed exactly five pounds when he was born.

Aye originally wanted to name him Ding Wujin.

As a result, they didn't know how to write the character "斤" (jin), so they simply changed it to "十八两" (shiba liang), thus Ding Wujin became Ding Bashi.

Ding Bashi's ancestors were all craftsmen, and his generation was no exception; they made a living by swinging a sledgehammer.

The guest from yesterday had very strange requests.

Other brands of iron pots are all made by pouring molten iron, and the thicker the better.

What he wanted to smash was actually a thin and light iron pot!
However, while the requirements were strange, the spending was incredibly generous!

The refined iron, which cost five taels of silver to produce, was given a full twelve taels of silver, making Ding Bashi a real windfall!

The strange things that followed were completely unheard of by Ding Bashi.

Building it naturally requires a lot of effort.

Ding Bashi paid 100 large coins as entry and exit fees, which allowed him to stay in the outer city for ten days and make a living on his own.

This morning, a strongman from the craftsmen's camp suddenly came to inform him that a new commander had taken office and that he should hurry back!
Ding Bashi worked until noon, forging another piece of ironware, before leisurely walking back to the artisan camp.

When they returned to the barracks, the guard on duty looked displeased and said, "Didn't we notify you a long time ago?"

"Why are you only coming back now!"

"Do you know that the commander of your Ding-character battalion arrived long ago!"

In the artisan camp, those who can make money have a high status.

Ding Bashi was a skilled and lucrative military craftsman.

Interpersonal relationships within the artisan camp are quite good.

He casually pulled out two large coins, stuffed them into the strongman's hand, and said irritably, "You're here!"

"Can't we eat each other, can we?"

"They're just here to ask for offerings again!"

The previous commander, on his first day in office, ordered each military craftsman to hand over three hundred large coins.

Ding Bashi was furious for a long time!

The guard on duty smiled wryly upon hearing this: "You'd better hurry back!"

He lowered his voice: "That commander, the commander himself has come to take up his post!"

"You'll regret it if you offend him!"

Ding Bashi was also taken aback upon hearing this!
A platoon leader with connections and a platoon leader who has been demoted here are two different things!
He quickly stuffed several more large bills into the hand: "Brothers, take these and have a drink. I'll head back now!"

……

Hao Jian said he'd come over and show his face, and he really did show his face and then left!
He gathered the military craftsmen of the T-group in the barracks, introduced Su Mo's identity, and then made an excuse to leave.

Su Mo stared speechlessly at the dozen or so scattered military craftsmen on the parade ground.

It was said to be thirty military craftsmen, but less than half of them were still in the camp!
They ranged in age, some were over sixty with white hair, and others were only half their waists tall and had runny noses!

What they had in common was that they were all pale and emaciated, weak and listless, as if they would fall over in the wind.

His clothes were tattered and covered in patches!
The only one was fat and greasy-faced, looking like he was doing quite well.

When a new official takes office, he is bound to make a few moves.

Su Mo was just about to take action against that fat, big-eared guy who seemed to be doing even better than him.

Suddenly, a tall and imposing figure rushed in.

Su Mo subconsciously turned her head to look.

Then they looked at each other blankly.

"It's you?"

The two spoke at the same time!
……

The commander of the Phoenix Cry Bureau, a thousand-household officer at the Returning Aperture Realm, stared in disbelief at the young woman who was giving her report.

"what?"

"So, Su Mo, you've taken over the cloth shop in Chang Le Fang for two thousand taels of silver?"

A cold glint flashed in her eyes, and she shouted angrily, "How dare this scoundrel!"

The young woman, Yin Rou, quickly said, "I was just about to report this matter when he suddenly revealed his ivory token and wanted to speak with me. My lord said that if necessary, we could take the initiative to contact him..."

"..."

He said he would transform the cloth shop into a restaurant and asked Fengming Si if he was interested in investing in it.

Yin Rou paused, then continued, "He also said that in the first year of the restaurant, the profit would be 1,800 taels, and there would be even more thereafter, with 3,000 to 5,000 taels being quite common..."

The originally furious Commander Fengming was taken aback upon hearing this.

After a long pause, she frowned and stared at the young woman: "Did he really say that? Are there any conditions?"

Yin Rou hurriedly replied, "I have not uttered a single falsehood."

"He didn't make any demands either."

Fengming Division Commander remained silent for a moment, then waved his hand: "You may leave!"

"Go back and continue monitoring him!"

Yin Rou hesitated for a moment: "I have already been exposed..."

Fengming Division Commander's face turned cold: "Go when I tell you to!"

After the young woman left.

Fengming Si Qianhu frowned even more deeply!

"Three to five thousand taels of interest per year?"

"How could a mere restaurant have such a large profit? Even the first floor of the restaurant only made a little over a thousand taels of profit!"

"But that kid is greedy, lustful, and cowardly. How dare he try to fool Fengming Si with this matter!"

If it were anyone else, Commander Fengming would definitely have dismissed the other party's words as nonsense.

The urgent news that just came back from Changping County proves that Su Mo does indeed have money-making methods that are hard for ordinary people to imagine!
Fengming Division Commander, I really can't disbelieve it!

She frowned.

I can't figure it out no matter how hard I try!
However, His Majesty has instructed that everything concerning Su Mo must be reported to the emperor immediately!
A shop worth six or seven thousand taels of silver, sold for only two thousand taels—that's hardly a normal transaction!
Although the reason is unknown.

But 99% of them are acts of corruption!
He could embezzle four or five thousand taels of silver in one go, enough for his entire family to be sent to the execution ground several times over!

The commander of Fengming Division naturally dared not be negligent.

They headed straight for the Ritsujeong Hall!

In the Hall of Establishing Government, Leng Liuxi had already carefully studied the matter.

The suggestion made by the brocade-clad official in charge regarding opening up the standards of etiquette is highly feasible.

Moreover, it will not affect the foundation of the imperial court's rule!
There are countless merchants in the world, numbering in the tens of millions!

If one-tenth of that amount were used to purchase the necessary equipment, it would amount to tens of millions of taels of silver, equivalent to half a year's revenue for the imperial court!
She was preparing to issue an order to summon all the officials of the Secretariat and the prime minister to discuss the matter.

Suddenly, a female official came to report that the commander of the Fengming Division was requesting an audience.

The Empress summoned him.

Hearing that Su Mo had bought the shop at a low price and was going to run a restaurant, he was shocked.

The Empress did not fly into a rage as Fengming Si Qianhu had anticipated.

He frowned and pondered for a moment, then asked calmly, "Do you know what skills he has that allow a restaurant to earn thousands of taels of silver a year?"

"This is still his share of the profits from Runfengming Division!"

"Given this person's character, he'll definitely demand an equal share of the profits. Doesn't that mean the restaurant could earn tens of thousands of taels of silver a year?"

The Empress couldn't understand it either!

The national treasury of Dawu, including both taxes, totaled just over 20 million taels of silver.

A restaurant that earns ten thousand taels of silver—that's outrageous!
The commander of the Fengming Division hurriedly replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I do not know!"

Leng Liuxi snorted coldly: "Then find him..."

He paused, then suddenly said, "Forget it, let's not investigate this matter for now!"

"Since he's letting Fengming Si invest, then Fengming Si will invest!"

Upon hearing this, the commander of the Fengming Division was taken aback: "Your Majesty, what about the matter of purchasing shops and houses?"

Leng Liuxi said calmly, "I know what I'm doing! You may leave!"

Fengming Si Qianhu felt a chill and quickly took his leave!

After the commander of the Fengming Division left, Leng Liuxi's gaze wandered somewhat, and she murmured, "If you can earn several thousand a year, I'll spare your life; otherwise..."

Then, looking at the newly appointed female official in charge of speech, she said expressionlessly, "Go back and change into your everyday clothes, and come with me out of the palace!"

"I want to see."

"Is this lowly flag officer a true patriot or an ignorant madman?"

"A restaurant that dares to speak its mind is worth a thousand times the national treasury's revenue!"

……

I'm just asking you, do you submit or not?


(End of this chapter)