Ziai, benevolence...

Deng Ji smiled and said: "Mai Ren's cousin's name? Haha, why do you ask this?"

"Just curious."

"Oh, this word has always been associated with a person's name, and the word is the explanation of the name.

For example, Mai Gong is named Xiong, and Xiong is a strong and majestic creature. Therefore, Mai Gong's character is Juwei, which means very majestic. Mai Ren is named Ren, and Ren means benevolence. Therefore, his character is Ziai. Unfortunately, Mai Gong is named Zi Ai.

Ren is a greedy man and has betrayed Mr. Mai's love."

Deng Ji talked eloquently, but Cao Peng didn't listen to a word.

Zi Ai, Mai Ren is Zi Ai!

No wonder, no wonder...

Cao Peng suddenly laughed.

No wonder there is no clue about the private salt trade in the documents left by successive county magistrates.

It's not that they didn't want to investigate, it was just that they had no way of starting. If they hadn't accidentally discovered it in Xiapi, they probably wouldn't have suspected the drunkard.

In terms of family background, Mai Ren is a son of an official.

Why is private salt sold?

On the one hand, it is because of its huge benefits, and on the other hand...

"Brother-in-law, why did Magong become an official?"

Deng Ji was startled, then lowered his voice and said: "There are many reasons why Mr. Mai became an official, but to put it bluntly, he still had no money."

"oh?"

"I once heard someone say that when the late emperor was still alive, he bought and sold official positions. An official position like Taizhong doctor cost at least millions or tens of millions of dollars. It seems that Mai Gong didn't pay the money, so he only held it for a short time.

The Taizhong doctor was driven back home."

No money - Zhi Shi - Mai Ren smuggled salt!

In an instant, Cao Peng seemed to have figured out the main reason why Mai Ren participated in the illegal salt trade.

It's just that he comes from a good background and his family background is not bad. Most of the people who sell private salt are desperadoes, so it is impossible to associate him with private salt. In addition, Mai Ren is not in charge of his own business, but secretly controls a huge

private salt network, so it is even more secretive.

Cao Peng couldn't help but frown. A thread that had never appeared before gradually became clear in his mind...

"Maybe I was wrong again?"

"What's wrong?"

"Ah, it's nothing, I just thought of something."

"whats the matter?"

"This... we'll talk about it after we get back."

Deng Ji did not ask further. Based on his understanding of Cao Peng, even if he asked, it would not be of any use.

The car battle stopped outside the gate of Maijia Farm.

Mai Ren stood outside the farm gate early with a bright smile on his face.

"Magistrate Deng, why are you here?"

"I heard that Mr. Mai is in good health, so I came to visit him. He is an elder from Haixi. As the county magistrate, I have not yet received Mr. Mai's teachings."

Mai Ren said quickly: "County Magistrate Deng is too polite."

His eyes swept across Cao Peng's body inadvertently.

Cao Peng held up his hand and said, "Haixi soldier Cao Cao Peng has met Ren Gong."

"Master Cao, why do you need to be polite? I have heard for a long time that Master Cao is a good person among men. When I saw him today, he is indeed a talented person."

It is really strange that Cao Peng has been in Haixi for more than a month, but he has not met Mai Ren. They have heard about each other, but Mai Ren rarely shows up. The only time he visited was to eradicate Chen Sheng in Deng Ji.

That night. Cao Peng happened to be in charge of ambushing Chen Sheng on Long Street that day. Therefore, Mai Ren only saw Cao Peng from a distance, but did not see his appearance clearly.

Cao Peng smiled slightly and retreated behind Deng Ji.

At this time, he is not the host or guest.

"Is it convenient for Mr. Mac to see guests now?"

Mai Ren quickly said: "My father is admiring plum blossoms in the backyard. He can sit down, but it is a little inconvenient to speak. Even I have difficulty listening."

"Oh, then please let me know."

"No, no, Magistrate Deng, please come with me."

Cao Peng followed Deng Ji and walked into the Mai family's courtyard.

In terms of area alone, the Mai family's courtyard is even half the size of Buchen Sheng's farm. But when you walk in, you can feel the difference between the two. One is solemn and solemn. Although there are no luxurious carvings, it can

Make people feel awe.

And the other one is magnificent and beautiful.

But no matter how you look at it, you have the temperament of a nouveau riche!

Cao Peng and Deng Ji were led through the corridor by Mai Ren himself.

Go through the second courtyard and enter the backyard. In a quiet small courtyard, plum blossoms are planted. There is a small independent attic with low-hanging windows.

The wind blows, the red plum blossoms rise and fall, and the faint fragrance floats.

The window screen was rolled up and fluttering like white clouds floating in the sky, looking particularly moving in the sea of ​​red plum blossoms.

"McGong, you are indeed very elegant."

"Yes, my father didn't like plum blossoms in the past, but for some reason these years, he likes this red plum blossom.

I also told my father that red is too gaudy, so it would be better to plant some precious flowers. But my father disagreed and said he only loves red plums."

Cao Peng stood aside, listening quietly but saying nothing.

After Mai Ren finished speaking, Cao Peng suddenly said: "Red plum blossoms are very beautiful and can be seen everywhere... But once they bloom, the scenery is quite impressive."

Mai Ren was startled, then burst into laughter.

But there was a trace of disdain in his eyes, as if he didn't agree with Cao Peng's statement.

After Cao Peng said these words, he never spoke again. He and Deng Ji walked through the flower path and stopped under the porch of the attic.

Deng Ji said loudly: "Haixi ordered Deng Ji to pay homage to Duke Magong."

There was silence in the attic...

After a while, Hunlun's voice came from inside, but it was very vague, and Cao Peng couldn't quite understand it anyway.

Mai Ren frowned, then smiled bitterly, stepped forward and said softly: "My father said that he is not feeling well and is afraid that he will not be able to meet with County Magistrate Deng."

"I see!"

Deng Ji did not show any displeasure, and said with a smile: "Deng Ji came here presumptuously and disturbed Mr. Mai's rest. Since Mr. Mai is not feeling well, how about Deng Ji coming back another day?"

In the attic, there was no answer.

Mai Ren and Deng Jifu came out again, apologizing profusely along the way.

Deng Ji showed a very magnanimous look, as if it didn't matter. But Cao Peng followed closely behind Deng Ji, and suddenly felt a chill running down his spine and straight to the top of his head.

He shuddered and turned around suddenly.
Chapter completed!