Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Chapter 96 Reunited with Second Brother-in-Law Li Chongjiu!goodbye loved ones!

"Deputy Marshal, do you have a better way to cook salt?" Zhang Shide's eyes lit up.

After all, it was his old profession since he was a child. As soon as he entered the professional field, Zhang Shide's blood was awakened to seek knowledge.

Zhu Han thought about it for a while, and decided not to hide it anymore, and taught Zhang Shide and them, that is to say, he improved his efficiency in beating workers.

"I have the sun-salt method, which can reduce your cost to [-]% of the original!" Zhu Han said.

"What, it's impossible!" Zhang Shide was shocked immediately, showing an expression of disbelief.

The experience of cooking salt at the seaside let him know that the salt households have already reduced the cost again and again, and it is impossible to reduce it to the original [-]%!

In fact, it doesn't need to be reduced to [-]%, it only needs to be reduced to [-]%, and many salt households will treat him as the ancestor of the world.

Zhu Han laughed when he heard it.

Not only Zhang Shide, but even Zhu Yuanzhang, Shi Naian and others showed expressions of surprise and doubt.

They also don't believe that Zhu Han can cook salt better than Zhang Shide, an old salt farmer?
Facing everyone's suspicion, Zhu Han immediately took the pen and paper and began to draw quickly.

Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhang Shide, Shi Naian and Cui Changxing all gathered around to see what Zhu Han was going to paint.

I saw Zhu Han holding a brush and writing on the rice paper, which was both pictures and words.

Soon, a bunch of miscellaneous things were drawn.

Zhu Yuanzhang, Shi Naian and others couldn't understand it, and they didn't find it surprising.

And Zhang Shide is completely different.

He was already petrified on the spot, staring at the paper in front of him like a piece of wood.

"This, this is, is this really the deputy commander's idea?" Zhang Shide finally asked with trembling lips.

"From a broken book, I can't remember who wrote it." Zhu Han laughed.

The salt drying method he described was a famous creation in history, and it was not gradually spread to the whole country until the establishment of the Ming Dynasty.

The sun-dried salt method, through a large number of staged salt fields, turns the original boiling and evaporation into a sun-dried salt method that uses sun exposure.

Not only is the output greatly increased, but also the cost has been drastically reduced.

In particular, the use of some windmills to extract the salt has accelerated the process of drying the salt.

"Deputy Marshal, can you teach me this method?" Zhang Shide asked anxiously.

"Haha, it's for you guys, it's useless for me to keep it." Zhu Han said generously.

Zhang Shide's eyes brightened immediately, he rolled up the rice paper and stuffed it into his bosom like a treasure.

"Deputy Marshal, don't worry, the salt is priced at ten cents, I can make the decision!" Zhang Shide said without hesitation.

But Zhu Han shook his head and said with a smile: "General Zhang, you are not kind. With this method of drying salt, if you still sell it for ten cents a catty, isn't it too dark?"

Zhang Shide blushed.

He is Men Qing'er.

If this salt drying method is used, the salt households can still earn a lot more than before at five renminbi a catty of salt.

"Then, that handsome guy, tell me a price!"

Zhang Shide decided to put away his little calculations, and said frankly.

"I can't let you suffer. A catty of salt is priced at five cents. As long as it is loaded on the ship, it will be paid immediately. We will be responsible for all subsequent expenses!" Zhu Han said.

Five cents!
It's still far below Zhang Shide's bottom line, which is completely acceptable.

At the very least, the Zhang family brothers would be able to wake up with a smile if the five renminbi of salt in Huaidong was exchanged for food.

"Okay, then it's settled."

"A word is settled!"

In the end, Zhu Yuanzhang, as the head of the family, made a final decision.

Zhang Shicheng's Huaidong Rebel Army won the title of Marshal of the Huaidong Capital of the Red Scarf Army. The two parties agreed that the Chuzhou Rebel Army would purchase Huaidong's salt at a discount of five cents per catty, and Zhu Yuanzhang would decide on all future transportation and sales.

In addition to making salt, the Huaidong Rebels did not sell it abroad.

The two sides got what they needed, Zhang Shide happily left Chuzhou to return to his command, and Shi Naian, as a representative of the Chuzhou Red Scarf Army, accompanied him to Huaidong to meet Zhang Shicheng.

The rest is basically a step-by-step docking.

It is nothing more than arranging people to go to the Jiangnan, Huguang and other areas to expand sales.

A few days later, Shi Naian returned to Chuzhou with dozens of large ships.

These big ships are full of salt.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han happily came to the ship to check.

"Haha, it's all high-quality table salt, a total of [-] catties!" Shi Naian said with a smile.

Zhang Shicheng was also very satisfied with the agreement reached by the two parties, and immediately ordered [-] catties of table salt to be brought in first.

"I don't know what price to sell for so much table salt?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

Although what I want is food, but in the end, I still have to convert it to the price of silver.

"I've inquired about the lack of salt in Jiangnan, salt in Jiangxi, salt in Huguang, and even in Henan. We also lack salt in Chuzhou. No matter where you sell it, you can make a steady profit." Zhu Han smiled. Said.

The white table salt in front of me is real gold and silver.

"Since you want to sell it, let's sell it to Jiangnan. It's closer to deliver the grain." Zhu Yuanzhang said.

"If it's a one-shot deal, let's sell it at a high price, but if we plan to do a long-term deal, then we have to think carefully about the price, it can't be too high or too low," Zhu Han said.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, "You are the best at this kind of profiteering business, so I will leave it to you."

Zhu Han immediately rolled his eyes, "Brother, what you said is not kind!"

"Haha, calling you a profiteer is a compliment!" Zhu Yuanzhang also laughed.

Fifty thousand catties of salt is actually not too much at all, at most it is just a throwing stone to ask for directions.

After arranging the salt storage, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han walked all the way back to Chuzhou city.

The two discussed it, and decided to send a person to Jiqing Mansion in the south of the Yangtze River to find out the local salt market in person, and then set a price.

However, this candidate is a bit difficult.

The old brothers they got acquainted with were all rough and rough, and they didn't even know a few big characters, let alone doing business to inquire about information.

As for those scholars and gentry who have taken refuge, they feel that they do not have enough trust, and are afraid that they will collude with the rich merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang and poach their own corners.

After all, the temperament of the wealthy merchants in the south of the Yangtze River is not that of loyal and faithful men and women.

The two of them didn't discuss anything along the way.

Just arrived at the gate of the government office, a voice came from the front.

"Heavy eight!"

"Seven five!"

Both Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han were taken aback.

Although everyone knew their former names, no one would dare to call them out in public.

"Who?"

"who?"

The two looked up.

I saw in the corner of the front gate of the government office.

A man in ragged clothes came out, holding an eleven or twelve-year-old boy by his hand.

A few guards thought it was some kind of villain, so they immediately stepped forward to stop him.

Unexpectedly, Zhu Yuanzhang recognized this person immediately after just meeting him.

"Second brother-in-law!!"

Zhu Yuanzhang rushed up and saw that it was his second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu.

The little boy next to him is his nephew Li Baoer.

"Woooo!!"

The second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu burst into tears immediately.

"Chongba, I have found you!!!"

While talking, Li Chongjiu pulled his son Bao'er and said.

"Bao'er, quickly kowtow to your uncle!"

Bao'er immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed.

Zhu Han was young before, so he had no impression of this second brother-in-law.

That is to say, Zhu Yuanzhang is old and can still remember this second brother-in-law who has repeatedly helped his family.

Suddenly, Zhu Yuanzhang looked behind and to the side, and his heart sank suddenly.

"Brother-in-law, where is our second sister!"

When Li Chongjiu heard it, tears flowed down again.

"Chongba, I'm sorry for your sister, I'm so poor that I can't make a living, I can only watch her die!"

Li Chongjiu's words, like a heavy hammer, made Zhu Yuanzhang tremble all over.

"elder brother!"

Zhu Han quickly stepped forward to support him.

In the crying of the second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu, he finally told his own experience.

It turned out that when Zhu Chongba and the others escaped from Huangjue Temple last year, the second sister was already suffering from an illness, and then there was chaos near Haozhou. Li Chongjiu's family originally had a little property, but it was also robbed.

The second sister Zhu Foer also died of fright and starvation, and the second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu took her son Baoer all the way and became refugees.

They didn't know that the famous Longxing Temple at that time was Zhu Chong's eighth brother.

After several twists and turns, the good news that Chuzhou beat local tyrants and divided the land attracted them to come here.

Two days ago, Li Chongjiu saw Zhu Yuanzhang's face from a distance on the street. At first, he couldn't believe it. After several inquiries, he got the courage to recognize him today.

After talking for a while, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han also sighed.

Now that the second sister has passed away, there are only two brothers and sisters left in this world.

"Chongba, it would be great if I found you, so I don't have to go hungry!" Li Chongjiu said excitedly.

He originally belonged to a well-to-do family, and he could eat enough coarse grains, but now he is as hungry as a hemp stick.

"Eat enough, never be hungry again!"

As Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, he took his nephew Bao'er by the hand and led his brother-in-law and father to the government office.

After not seeing each other for many years, Zhu Yuanzhang has a lot to say.

However, every time they couldn't say a few words, several people just burst into tears.

In the end, Li Chongjiu killed three bowls of stewed cakes one after another, and finally regained some calm.

"I won't leave, I won't leave again, Zhongba, you can arrange an errand for me, and you can do anything!" Li Chongjiu said sincerely.

Zhu Yuanzhang knew that his second brother-in-law was simple and honest, so his remarks were not a pretentious gesture.

"What kind of dung are you digging! We are now the commander-in-chief of the whole road. If you are asked to dig out dung, you will not be slapping yourself! Second brother-in-law, you can take Bao'er to eat and drink, and we will talk about errands later!" Zhu Yuanzhang said.

"That's right, second brother-in-law, I remember you can read and write, so it should be enough for you to be a clerk in the future?" Zhu Han also said.

belch!
Li Chongjiu couldn't help hiccupping, and said with some embarrassment.

"It's just that my father told me to learn to do business and read some words. Doing paperwork will only embarrass you!"

After a few people recognize each other, they are naturally reluctant to part.

The second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu took his son Baoer and lived directly in the government office. He ate and slept with Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han for three to five consecutive days, as if he wanted to count all the sufferings of the past few years.

After a few days of recuperation, Li Chongjiu's complexion soon improved, and he was no longer as weak as before.

After his body hardened, Li Chongjiu felt uneasy again, thinking that eating and drinking for free is not a big deal.

So he came to Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han brothers, and repeatedly begged them to give him an errand.

Facing his second brother-in-law's sincere pleading, Zhu Han suddenly had an idea.

"Second brother-in-law, I remember, you said you have been to Jiqing Mansion?" Zhu Han asked.

"That's right, when I was an apprentice, I went to Jiqing Mansion several times, hey! I have to say, that Jiqing Mansion is big and good. It's better than that, that, anyway, it's big and good!" Li Chongjiu said in retrospect.

Zhu Han glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang, smiled and said, "Brother, my second brother-in-law, what do you think?"

"What about it?" Zhu Yuanzhang didn't understand.

"Go to Jiqing Mansion and find out the market of salt and grain for us," Zhu Han said.

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard it, he immediately laughed and couldn't help clapping his hands in admiration.

"Okay, it fits! It fits so well, hahaha!"

The second brother-in-law, Li Chongjiu, is the closest person to them, and he can definitely give him 100% trust. It is not difficult for him to investigate and negotiate business with the second brother-in-law's mind.

Although Li Chongjiu is honest and responsible by nature, he is not a fool, otherwise he would have died [-] times after living as a refugee for more than a year.

Moreover, when Li Chongjiu went to Jiqing Mansion, he represented Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han. As long as he greeted Liu Bowen well, he believed that Meng Yuan's officials would not dare to do anything to him.

Not only did he not dare to do anything, but he had to be treated like a master!

really.

Just as Zhu Han and Zhu Yuanzhang thought, when they told Bolu and Fanyao through Liu Bowen the news that they wanted to traffic salt to the south of the Yangtze River.

Bolu and Fan Yao almost went mad with joy!
Salt!
Salt, which is worth a lot of money, was originally the big fat of Huaidong government-run salt farms and salt merchants, and Jiangsu and Zhejiang, which are so close at hand, couldn't get in their mouths at all.

Now it's all right, Zhang Shicheng killed all the officials and salt merchants in the imperial salt field.

Zhu Yuanzhang transfers the salt to his own hands again, so he can sell as much as he wants!

"Hahaha, Bowen, you are really my lucky star!" Jiangzhe Pingzhang Bolu, the more he looked at Liu Bowen, the cuter he became, and he couldn't help but go up and kiss him.

"Berwen, how much salt is Zhu Han talking about? If it's too little, it's meaningless." Fan Yao asked.

"My lords, Zhu Han said that they have a monopoly on all the salt in Huaidong. They can have as much as they want, and they will all be settled according to the price. After the price is converted, they will pay with grain and cloth." Liu Bowen said.

"No problem, we have whatever we want in Jiangnan, but there is a lack of salt!" Bolu said loudly.

"My lord, this is private salt after all. There are too many of them. Even if they are shared among the salt merchants, it would be too eye-catching. If the imperial court finds out that we are selling private salt, wouldn't it be dangerous?" Fan Yao said a little Worry.

Selling private salt is a trivial matter. If their collusion with the Red Scarf Army is exposed, that will be dangerous.

"This,,, is really difficult." Bolu frowned, also a little scared.

However, this is not a problem for Liu Bowen.

Liu Bowen smiled slightly and said to Bolu and Fan Yao.

"My lords, are you mistaken? We are not selling private salt!"

"These are all private salt seized by imperial servants on the Yangtze River!"

Bolu and Fan Yao were sure, and were surprised and delighted at the same time.

"That's right, it's not selling private salt!"

"Hahaha, it's all seized private salt! It's seized, not sold!"

Although Bolu Fanyao is the highest power holder in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, if he wants to sell private salt, he must rely on the strength of a large salt merchant.

Only the big local salt merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang have the ability to distribute these salts layer by layer, and finally sell them to the people for money.

The center of the great salt merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang was located in Jiqing Mansion in Jinling. An invitation letter from Bolu immediately gathered them all in Pingzhang Mansion.

These large salt merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang were actually at the lower level of the Yamen of the Yangzhou Salt Department and the Yangzhou Salt Merchant.

The area around Yangzhou was completely wiped out by Zhang Shicheng, and the salt stock in their hands was already seriously insufficient.

Under such circumstances, all major salt merchants strictly control the amount of salt sold every day, and the price is getting higher and higher.

Before the Yangzhou chaos, a catty of salt was less than 40 Wen, and it soared all the way to more than [-] Wen.

In many remote prefectures and counties, even because of the increase in the transportation cost of salt, the price has reached [-] yuan, up to [-] yuan per catty.

Therefore, when these big salt merchants came to Pingzhang Mansion, when they heard that Bolu said that a large amount of salt could be shipped to Jiqing, they all had green eyes.

Several leading salt merchants even asked impatiently.

"May I ask Lord Pingzhang, are these salts Huaidong salt from Yangzhou, or Sichuan salt?"

"The Yangzhou salt official has been abolished. Is the salt we sell illegal? Will the imperial court pursue it?"

All the big salt merchants are very concerned about these two issues.

It is not just a matter of making money, but also a matter of their lives.

Bolu smiled and said calmly.

"Although there are no more salt officials in Yangzhou, there are still so many salt households in Huaidong. They can't do anything other than cook salt. As long as there is salt shipped out, then we can sell it. Anyway, whether it is an official of the salt official Salt, or private salt, from now on, in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, there will only be private salt seized by the soldiers of the imperial court, and if the private salt seized is sold, even if the court pursues it, no one will be held accountable!"

When all the salt merchants heard it, they all understood it.

As Pingzhang of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, when Bolu redeemed the city with 100 million silver to allow Zhu Han to retreat, most of the missing silver was raised from these big salt merchants and other rich merchants.

Many well-informed salt merchants have already heard of Bolu, Fanyao and others secretly colluding with the red scarf thief.

It now appears that most of these private salts were transported by the Red Scarf Army.

However, for the big salt merchants, it doesn't matter what kind of official salt or private salt.

Anyway, as long as you can make money.

"My lord, how much is this table salt?" A salt merchant asked.

"How much, how much! It can be said that it is only a lot more than before!" Bolu said with a smile.

"What is the price of salt?" Another salt merchant asked again.

At this time, Fan Yao took over the conversation and said to the salt merchants, "The price of salt has not been fixed yet, but it should not exceed the previous official salt price."

The salt merchants were all happy when they heard this.

I just heard Fan Yao continue to say; "However, even if the price of salt is fixed, not only silver, but also food, cloth and other goods may be required for settlement at the time of settlement. You will find a way by yourself when the time comes, and the settlement will be handled by the government. Don't ask, just take half of the profit!"

Hearing this, the salt merchants immediately discussed in low voices.

They quickly reached a consensus. Although taking half of the profit is not low, but because there is no tax card from the previous Yangzhou salt officials and the price increase from the big salt merchants, even if they sell at the previous price, the salt merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang can still earn more. many.

"My lord, there is no problem! As long as there is salt, we will sell as much for you!"

Bolu and Fan Yao looked at each other and smiled, and said in unison.

"it is good!"

After finishing the last step of salt distribution, Bo Lu and Fan Yao immediately asked Liu Bowen to inform Zhu Han that he could send someone to Jiqing Mansion.

Be it the safety of the envoy's itinerary or hospitality, Bolu and the salt merchants have already made arrangements.

After receiving the letter sent by Liu Bowen, Zhu Han and Zhu Yuanzhang both laughed.

"Unexpectedly, Bolu's actions are really fast." Zhu Han laughed.

"Yeah, the second brother-in-law is not ready yet, they are already in a hurry, it seems that the second brother-in-law should go to Jiqing mansion in advance." Zhu Yuanzhang also said with a smile.

The second brother-in-law, Li Chongjiu, has lived in exile for a long time, and there is no meat on his body, and he is still in the stage of nourishing with little oil and salt.

Originally, I thought about keeping the white and fat again, but I looked a little richer, and the big salt merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang looked down upon me.

Now we can only leave early.

"It's not just Bolu who are anxious, Zhang Shicheng is also anxious, waiting for us to deliver the follow-up food to them." Zhu Han said.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, "Well, if this is the case, then let the second brother-in-law hurry up. Anyway, Jiqing is close, so there will be no accidents. Let him go somewhere to find out the bottom line of salt merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and we can't let our salt sell. It's cheaper."

Huaidong salt was originally pumped by salt officials, big salt merchants, tax cards, etc., and in the hands of Jiangsu and Zhejiang salt merchants, the price is already high. If Zhu Han and the others can sell Huaidong salt directly to Jiangsu and Zhejiang salt merchants, the intermediate profits will definitely be huge. greatly increase.

The second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu has been resting in Chuzhou these days, and he is already a little uneasy.

This down-to-earth guy always felt that he was incompetent in the military and literary, and that he ate the rice of his two brothers every day, so he really couldn't hold back his face.

Especially his son Li Baoer, after being taken by Zhu Yuanzhang's side to teach and train himself, the second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu felt that he had to fight for the two brothers.

"No problem, then I can leave for Jiqing tomorrow!" Second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu expressed eagerly when he got the news.

"Second brother-in-law, you don't have to be afraid or panic when you arrive at Jiqing. We are very confident. No matter what the request is, even if you ask those Tartar officials and salt merchants, they will keep it safe." Zhu Han laughed. said.

Now Huaidong is in chaos, and the Yangtze River waterway is cut off. If I am willing to transport salt to Jiangsu and Zhejiang, that is to send money to Bolu and the salt merchants. Naturally, I can shake it up.

"Brother Yao, don't worry, I will go to Jiqing Mansion this time, and I will take care of this errand properly!" Li Chongjiu said.

"Second brother-in-law, after you go to Jiqing, let's take Wen Zhong back to Dingyuan City first, and then go to see him when you come back from Jiqing." Zhu Yuanzhang said.

The so-called Wenzhong was the eldest nephew Li Baoer, whom Zhu Yuanzhang gave him an official name, Li Wenzhong.

"Well, this is the best way, then I can go to Jiqing with peace of mind!" Second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu said with a nod.

After all, Chuzhou is close to the Mengyuan territory in the south of the Yangtze River. If there is any war, it must be earlier than Dingyuan City.

Zhu Yuanzhang brought Li Wenzhong back to Dingyuan City, not only to take better care of him, but also to be safer.

After all, the little uncle Zhu Han was only two years older than Li Wenzhong, so he couldn't even talk about taking care of him.

At least, in the opinion of the second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu.

Zhu Han sent someone to send a letter to Liu Bowen, asking Bolu and others to make arrangements to receive his envoy.

Bolu and Fan Yao were overjoyed when they got the news.

"Great, we've prepared everything, just wait for them to set the price!" Bolu said with a smile.

Bolu has slowly experienced the taste of controlling Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and because the Huaidong Canal and the sea transportation were cut off, the Yuan Dynasty emperor in the northern capital could not command and monitor him at all, which made Bolu very happy.

Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, he can come here however he wants.

"Don't worry, my lord, I have already made arrangements. I will personally lead the salt merchants to entertain this emissary from Jiangbei!" said Fan Yao, Zuo Cheng of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

This time the smuggling of smuggled salt was the beginning of Bolu Fanyao's thorough cooperation with the local gentry and wealthy families in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

As long as the matter of illegal salt trafficking is done well, even if the red scarf bandits and other rebels are wiped out in the future, they will be able to establish their own chain of illegal salt sales.

Even if the salt officials of the imperial court returned to Huaidong, it would not delay them from continuing to earn money.

"By the way, Bowen, what is the origin of the messenger and what are the preferences, we must make arrangements!" Bolu said with a smile.

Liu Bowen nodded slightly, and said to Bolu: "Don't worry, Pingzhang, the officer has ordered someone to prepare."

Two days later, as an envoy from Chuzhou in the north of the Yangtze River, Li Chongjiu, the second brother-in-law, arrived at Jiqing Mansion by boat.

In order to avoid unnecessary complications, all going to the city is carried out in a low-key manner.

Li Chongjiu was also dressed as an ordinary businessman, and followed him into Jiqing Mansion.

After a tiring journey, Fan Yao, dressed as a wealthy businessman, suggested that first go to the best restaurant in Jiqing Mansion to welcome the envoy.

As for the investigation and pricing, it can be discussed until tomorrow.

"Shopkeeper Li, what do you think of this arrangement?" Fan Yao asked Li Chongjiu.

Although he had been to Jinling Jiqing Mansion before, and now he was wearing a high-end silk gown, Li Chongjiu still felt a little unconfident.

Even though Zhu Han had encouraged him in advance, seeing Fan Yao and other elegant and wealthy businessmen from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, he was still a little intimidated.

It's just that Li Chongjiu held on to his confidence in the price of salt.

"Treasurer Fan is right. I am really hungry." Li Chongjiu said with a smile.

"Haha, that's good, let's go eat first!"

Fan Yao said with a smile.

Surrounded by a group of shopkeepers from big salt merchants, Li Chongjiu was invited to the best restaurant in Jiqing City in a soft sedan chair.

As soon as he entered the restaurant, Li Chongjiu was dumbfounded.

All kinds of beautiful decorations and accessories, as well as the bustling scenes of going and going, made Li Chongjiu, who was a hungry refugee half a month ago, feel that he had nowhere to rest his hands and feet.

When he was seated in the best private room of the restaurant, Li Chongjiu, who was sitting in the VIP seat, had another difficulty.

Because, he doesn't know how to order at all!
However, Fan Yao and the others were all waiting for him to speak.

"Shopkeeper Li, order whatever you want!" Fan Yao reminded with a smile.

After getting along for a while, Fan Yao already figured it out. The envoy from Chuzhou named Li Zhen in front of him is probably a mud-legged person from a poor background. To deal with this kind of person, he should not show off his wealth too much, so as not to be considered as contemptuous by him. .

Therefore, Fan Yao was very patient at this time.

Before coming to Jiqing, Zhu Han asked his second brother-in-law Li Chongjiu to change his name, because the names Chongjiu and Chongba seem to be from a poor background, and it is easy for Jiangsu and Zhejiang wealthy merchants to look down on others, so he asked Shi Naian to choose one. A new name for 'Lee Jung'.

"Then eat a dick!" Second brother-in-law Li Zhen said after holding back for a long time.

Fan Yao and the others were taken aback for a moment, and then they all laughed and said that they also love chicken.

"It's good to eat chicken!"

"Then eat a fuck!"

"I don't know shopkeeper Li, what kind of chicken are you planning to eat?" Fan Yao asked.

Second brother-in-law Li Zhen: "Well, it's boiled chicken."

"Okay, then boil the chicken in plain water, and arrange it immediately!" Fan Yao said to the shopkeeper of the restaurant who was serving him personally.

The face of the shopkeeper of the restaurant was already stiff with an apologetic smile. Hearing this way of eating, he quickly responded.

Afterwards, Fan Yao and others accompanied Li Zhen to drink tea and listen to music in the private room, and waited to eat chicken later.

The shopkeeper of the restaurant came to the back kitchen and told the chef the request of the distinguished guest.

"Boiled chicken?" The chef was taken aback when he heard it.

"That's right, boiled chicken in plain water. Today, Fan Zuocheng and a group of wealthy merchants and gentry brought guests, it's really weird. They don't want anything, but boiled chicken in plain water!" The shopkeeper of the restaurant couldn't figure out why.

In fact, how did he know that the most delicious food that his second brother-in-law Li Zhen ate in his life was a chicken that he stole from a neighbor's house when he was a child. one time.

"Hehe, shopkeeper, I've finally figured it out." The chef suddenly smiled, clapped his hands and said.

The shopkeeper of the restaurant didn't know, so, "What do you want to understand?"

The chef smiled slightly, showing the confidence to see through everything, and then said: "Master Fan Zuocheng, and those wealthy businessmen, what a distinguished personage they are, and the distinguished guests they invite must also come from extraordinary backgrounds, well-informed, what are you talking about? The chicken is actually testing the culinary skills of our restaurant!"

"Ah? Is that so?" The shopkeeper of the restaurant suddenly became nervous. If Mr. Zuo Cheng from the province came to the restaurant, if the hospitality was not good, not only the business would not be able to continue, but his life would also be in danger.

"It's definitely true! From the time I was an apprentice, I already knew that the simpler the dish, the more it will test your skills!"

As the chef said, he pushed up his sleeves and said to the apprentice cooks beside him.

"Cheer up, everyone, if something goes wrong with today's dish, we'll all have to get out!"

Afterwards, the chef of Zuixianlou got busy.

The back kitchen of the entire Zuixianlou was busy for more than half an hour, and a pot of boiled chicken was presented carefully.

The soup is clear and bright, the fragrance is mellow, and the meat is smooth and tender. It is definitely the culmination of decades of skill of the chef of Zuixianlou.

"No problem, let's serve it up." The chef checked again to make sure there was nothing wrong, and wiped the sweat from his forehead and said.

The waiter's work quickly brought up this dish of boiled chicken.

That is to say, less than a moment later, the shopkeeper of Zuixianlou went to the back kitchen in person.

I saw the shopkeeper smiling all over his face, and said to the chef: "Hurry up! Make another one quickly. Your honored guest is very satisfied with this white boiled chicken!"

The chef smiled slightly and said proudly: "Haha, it's good to be satisfied, shopkeeper, my white boiled chicken looks like white water, but it actually uses shiitake mushrooms from Fujian, mussels from Long Island, sea cucumber from Beihai, and abalone from Nanya. , more than 20 kinds of expensive dishes are used to make the soup base, not to mention the high-quality Xuanzhou chicken, even stewed pancakes are delicious!"

"Stop bragging, do it quickly, the distinguished guests are waiting!" the shopkeeper of the restaurant interrupted.

"It's okay, shopkeeper, don't worry, I just made two in one go, and I'll just present them up." The chef of Zuixianlou looked as if he had everything under control.

"Great!" The shopkeeper was even happier.

Soon, the second dish of boiled chicken was brought up again.

After another short while, the shopkeeper of Zuixianlou ran over again.

"Quick, hurry up and make another one, no, make another pot! The honored guests can't eat enough, so I need roll call!"

Now, it's the restaurant chef's turn to be impatient.

My own white boiled chicken, although it is an excellent delicacy!
But the chef has never seen such a guest who is not enough to eat two in his life.

"Could it be the reincarnation of a starving ghost?"

The chef hurriedly started to work, and couldn't help complaining in his heart.

After a lot of busy work, the distinguished guest actually ate two more boiled chickens, which caused the chef to roll his eyes.

Boom boom boom!
A burst of hurried footsteps came into the kitchen again, and the shopkeeper ran in with a look of panic.

When the chef saw this, his jaw was about to drop in shock, "Boss, do you want more from the customer?"

The shopkeeper was sweating profusely, and didn't answer at all. He shouted anxiously, "Give me vinegar and garlic! The customer is so overwhelmed that he rolled his eyes!"

Chef: ...

When it was dark, Li Zhen finally stopped while supporting her sore waist and legs.

He ate four chickens in one go, took them apart a little to make them better, and after taking a big mouthful of old vinegar and garlic, he walked around and digested them for most of the day.

It was only now that he was out of danger.

Li Zhen's performance made Bolu, Fan Yao and others completely relieved.

In Pingzhang Mansion.

"Hahaha, these Jiangbei Red Scarf Army are really some country bumpkins! A boiled chicken in white water is almost stuffed to death. It seems that there is nothing difficult to deal with. Pick some precious beauties tomorrow and give it to Li Zhen. If the salt price is set lower, it will not be a problem at all." Bolu said with a smile.

"That's right, the price of salt is almost [-] Wen a catty now, and the price of salt in Huaiyang was originally only [-] Wen. If we can set the price of salt to [-] Wen, we will sell it to the salt merchants. It can double the income!" Fan Yao said with a smile.

Liu Bowen on the side listened to the conversation between the two, but felt extremely disgusted in his heart.

It turned out that even though Bolu and Fan Yao had the Huaiyang salt brought by the Jiangbei Red Scarf Army, they did not intend to lower the price. They still wanted to keep the salt price at a high level so that they could amass people's favor.

Regarding this problem, Liu Bowen once tried to persuade him, but it had no effect.

"Berwen, what do you think?" Bolu asked Liu Bowen with a smile.

Liu Bowen's expression was flat, "I feel that what the two adults said is very true!"

"Haha, okay, then let's set aside [-]% of the profit from the confiscated salt for the court, and store it with me first, and share the rest equally."

This time the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces sold and confiscated the 'private salt', which can be described as the result of one mind. Officials and soldiers at all levels must also get a bite of the bonus, otherwise it will not be conducive to long-term maintenance.

After half a month.

That is, the 12th year from Yuan to Zhengzheng, the first year of the Dragon and Phoenix of the Song Dynasty of the Red Scarf Army, August.

Chuzhou.

On the wharf outside the city, hundreds of river boats arrived in Chuzhou carrying goods such as grain, cloth, and ironware.

Zhu Han led the officials of the Chuzhou appeasement envoy to the wharf to appreciate the profits from the first batch of private salt exchange.

"Deputy Commander, this is [-] shi of grain, [-] bolts of cloth, ironware, medicinal materials, paper and other goods. All the account books are here. Please check it out!"

Holding an account book in her hand, Li Zhen said respectfully to Zhu Han.

Zhu Han smiled slightly, and instead of picking up the account book, he pulled Li Zhen up and said.

"Second brother-in-law, we are all members of our own family, there is no need to salute like this, it's not too late to go back and look at the account books!"

Li Zhen was a little shy and embarrassed, and said in a low voice: "That's different, this is outside, if you don't take care of your handsome face, it will be difficult for you to lead troops in the future!"

Li Zhen is cautious and timid, always afraid that his mistakes will bring bad consequences to Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han brothers.

"Haha, second brother-in-law, you are being modest. This time, you are able to set a high price with Jiangsu and Zhejiang salt merchants at a high price of [-] cents per catty. You have contributed a lot." Zhu Han praised happily.

The price of salt in Zhu Han's hands was five renminbi a catty from Zhang Shicheng. He thought he would be very happy to be able to earn double the gross profit if he sold it to Jiangsu and Zhejiang salt merchants for ten renminbi a catty.

Unexpectedly, the second brother-in-law Li Zhen came back with a high price of fifteen Wen a catty, which really made Zhu Han very happy.

Li Zhen was a little embarrassed, "Actually, I didn't do anything, those salt merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang gave money and women, and if I insist on setting the price of salt at fifteen Wen, I can't help it. "

Zhu Han smiled and did not comment on this matter.

No matter what the reason was, if Li Zhen was able to complete the task and come back, he would be a meritorious official. As for whether it was a pie in the sky, or a blind cat killed Lao Tzu, it would not affect the reward for merit.

"Second brother-in-law, when will the follow-up food and cloth be delivered?" Zhu Han continued to ask.

Li Zhen immediately said: "Up to three days! The salt merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang have already stockpiled the grain. As long as our salt is transported to Jiqing Wharf, the salt will be unloaded at the front, and the grain and cloth will be loaded at the back!"

For such a swift movement, Zhu Han nodded in satisfaction.

Since he controlled the Yangtze River waterway, he has been able to monopolize the salt business.

No need to worry about not having enough food anymore.

"Chen Baodao, Chang Yuchun, Hu Yiba!" Zhu Han shouted to the three generals behind him.

When the three of them heard the words, they immediately came out in unison to respond.

"The end is here!"

"You've all seen it. From now on, you don't have to worry about running out of food and grass anymore. The original training session once every three days will be changed to training session once a day. You just need to know the severity!" Zhu Han ordered.

"The last will obey!"

All three responded happily.

In this day and age, the strongest army is already at the elite level after training every three days. It's not that they don't want to practice, but that the cost of training is too high.

High-intensity training naturally requires good food, which almost requires a lot of meat, and it is the kind that can keep you full, so that the sergeants can maintain their physical fitness.

Now that Zhu Han has money and food, he naturally wants to improve his military strength.

Seeing Chang Yuchun beside him, Zhu Han seemed to have remembered something.

"Chang Yuchun!" Zhu Han said.

"Deputy Commander, the last general is here!" Chang Yuchun hurriedly responded.

"I remember, last time you said that some relatives of the Xiangdang lived in seclusion in the mountains?" Zhu Han asked.

"Yes, deputy commander, the general has many old acquaintances, and he doesn't know how good our rebel army is, the general wants to take a leave of absence and recruit them all to Chuzhou!" Chang Yuchun said.

When Chang Yuchun came to join the rebel army, he originally wanted to make a living and see what the future of the rebel army would be like. If it was good, he would bring out those relatives and friends who hid in the mountains and took refuge in seclusion.

Unexpectedly, after coming to the rebel army, this small life is not simply a simple meal, but a fairy life. When you become a big soldier, you can get five acres of land, and you can eat brown rice for training. One eats fish or meat.

Chang Yuchun had long wanted to bring his wife, children, relatives and friends who were hiding in the deep mountains to Chuzhou to enjoy the blessings.

(End of this chapter)