The thin West Lake on a winter night is beautiful, but it is cold and humid.

Daiyu was uncomfortable, so she didn't want to get off the boat and get in the cold.

But for salt merchants who are rich enough to compete with a country, this is obviously not a problem.

In a very short time, I found several glass screens to block the four sides of a small fishing platform.

He also used silk as thin as a cicada's wing to block the gap. The lights were transparent and did not block the view at all...

Because the Diaoyutai is not spacious, we have found a complete set of pear blossom and nanmu wood carved tables and chairs across the sea. They are small and exquisite, and are carpets made of Western velvet woven to cover the ground.

A Tang Dynasty Shouxian Cauldron was burned with silver frost charcoal, and a jade rack was placed on it, and a purple gold pool about a foot square was placed. The pool was filled with fishy fresh milk, and a white jade bottle was placed in the middle of the milk, which was warmed with fragrant and non-sweet osmanthus sake...

When Jia Qiang arrived, he saw Qi Taizhong leading an old man and two middle-aged men, and stood up to greet him.

Now there are only these four of the eight major salt merchants, but they are much stronger than before.

After the ceremony, Jia Qiang and the four of them entered Diaoyutai. Seeing the furnishings in the opening, he chuckled and said, "I have heard that the wealthy families in the south regard the powerful and powerful people in the capital as local officials. Now, it is not prejudice to see them."

In addition to Old Master Qi, the other three have also met Jia Qiang.

But one time and another. In Yangzhou, Jia Qiang was just a "godly minister of the Supreme Emperor" and was a relative of the Salt Courtyard, so he acted with such an identity.

Even if everyone gave him three points of thin air, it was just for the sake of the Supreme Emperor and Lin Ruhai behind him.

But he has no respect for him, let alone fear.

However, just a year later, Jia Qiang made such a situation in the capital, and was appointed as the commander of the Empression Guard.

In the eyes of Emperor Long'an and the Grand Secretary of Military Affairs, Jia Qiang never interferes in the government affairs, never inserts people into the court, and does not make friends with officials. He is an isolated minister and has no effect.

But in the eyes of other provinces, Jia Qiang is only one step away from being powerful in the court and the country.

His position is not something they can treat with their original attitude.

After hearing this heart-killing statement, the three of them didn't know what to say for a moment.

However, Qi Taizhong, although he lost the biggest reliance he had accumulated over decades of intercourse with the Supreme Emperor, the old man lived a very smart life. He knew that Jia Qiang valued overseas very much, and now the Qi family was his front, and these three families were also available forces that Jia Qiang valued, so he would not be too awe.

He laughed and said, "Ning Hou is joking. When it comes to wealth, there are only a handful of people who can compare with Ning Hou today."

Jia Qiang waved his hand and smiled, "You are so funny. This time I went south to find some money to return to Beijing. I was so poor that I jingled..."

The old man of the Chen family was about to say that he was willing to serve, but Qi Taizhong smiled and said, "The one who threw Ning Hou into that canal this year is afraid that there will be one million taels of silver? In addition, the sea boat workshop in Yangzhou is not talking about anything else, but throwing it out at least three million taels a year. How many people in the world can have such a move?"

The head of the Li family shook his head and smiled, "Although he shouldn't say it in front of the two old masters, he still has to accept the old man when he sees Ning Hou's method of understanding."

While speaking, five people sat down.

The seat was opposite the door, and Jia Qiang sat on it for several reasons, with Qi Taizhong and the old man of the Chen family ranked second, and Li and Peng families sat last seat together.

Qi Taizhong smiled at the head of the Li family and said, "The nephew does not have to be based on Ning Hou. How many young people are there in this world like him?"

After a long time of praise and joke, the four of them saw that Jia Qiang gradually showed impatience on their faces, so they ended the greetings and got back to the point.

Qi Taizhong said to Jia Qiang: "Ninghou, the son of Qi Wanhai went to sea. Among the people who went to Johor, in addition to the Qi family, there were also people from the Chen family, Li family and Peng family. After hearing about Ninghou's ambition, they also had great expectations for overseas development and were willing to contribute to Ninghou. However, there was another thing I wanted to ask you, and I hope Ninghou could tell the truth."

Jia Qiang said, "You always know me better. I dare not say anything in one word, but at least I have never deceived anyone. Even those enemies and opponents in the capital will only say that I am unscrupulous and lawless, but no one has ever said that I am a lie. So today you can talk openly and honestly, and you can talk about anything. What is said in Diaoyutai is not praying to the heavens, not offering sacrifices to the earth, and not knowing for the sixth person. You just want to ask whether you can build a land overseas."

As soon as this said, even Qi Taizhong's old face thrust, saying, "Is that feasible?"

Jia Qiang smiled and said, "Of course it's feasible, but you can't be in Johor, it's too close to Da Yan. It's best to leave it to Da Yan around Siam, Java, Annan, Luzon, Johor, and Da Yan. But these places actually only occupy less than one hundred and one hundred places that can be occupied. As long as you are high enough, the world is much bigger than you think. Now the white-skinned beasts in the Western Europa are staking land everywhere and are almost trapped at the door of Da Yan's house. If you don't act at this time, after ten or twenty years, even if you want to move, you will lose the best opportunity."

A complicated look appeared in Qi Taizhong's eyes and said, "If I could be twenty years younger, I would have to go there myself if I say anything. With Dayan as the foundation, I will be able to do something. Unfortunately, there is not much time left..."

Jia Qiang looked at him and smiled and said, "I really want you to live for decades, at least five or eight years. Otherwise, I am afraid that Qi Yun may not be able to control the Qi family after you die. However, I can give the Qi family a guarantee. Even if you have your sons to die, as long as Qi Yun is here, I can protect the Qi family. No matter what, I will be the Qi family. No one can occupy it. This guarantee has nothing to do with today."

Qi Taizhong was immediately moved when he heard this. He had always been unable to find a good solution for the dilemma of the sudden death of the Supreme Emperor and the family's way out.

Once the emperor and the ministers were, he and the Supreme Emperor were friends, so that the Qi family was like a fief in Yangzhou. But when I think about it, I know that Emperor Long'an would never allow the surname Qi in Yangzhou!

At present, Emperor Long'an is still busy with the affairs of the capital, the government has not been sorted out, and the military power has not been tightly grasped, so the family can survive.

But when Emperor Long'an came to his senses, the Qi family's big fat piece would never be able to escape!

If he hadn't seen this dilemma, how could he let his third son leave his hometown and take many children from the Qi family to the wilderness overseas?

People leave their hometowns and are humble, not to mention that there is still a sensation.

It only took a year, and more than 10% of the people brought by Qi's family died of illness...

However, Qi Taizhong believed that it was still worth it. It was better to die 10% or 20% or 30% than to be slaughtered by a family of cattle and sheep.

However, if Jia Qiang can protect Qi's family, then Qi's family can't say that they can retain three more vitality.

Qi Taizhong pondered for a moment and said, "Ninghou, the next head of the Qi family must be Qi Yun. Now, he only follows Ninghou. If he can sit firmly at the head of the family, then the Qi family will naturally follow Ninghou's horse. If he can't sit firmly... Ninghou can save his life and keep a lineage for my Qi family. Ninghou will do the rest."

The rest are abandoned children, naturally including the three sons Qi Wanhai and the Qi family's foundation in Johor.

The three heads of the Chen family, Li family and Peng family were shocked by the fact that Qi Taizhong was so cruel and decisive.

Jia Qiang smiled and said nothing.

That's how it should be.

After the three heads of the family were silent for a moment, the head of the Li family asked Jia Qiang in a deep voice: "Mr. Ning, the villain asked him just one word. Does the court really not tolerate us salt merchants anymore. We have to clean us, deprive us of our family wealth, and support a group of new people?"

Jia Qiang shook his head and said, "I can tell you clearly that at least so far, the Ministry of Revenue has no intention to touch you. The Embroidered Uniform Guard has never received any orders in this regard... But the salt law and salt scheme will definitely be changed, and there is no doubt about this. In addition, Jiangnan taxes account for 30% of the world. Therefore, the officials here will be replaced and replaced on a large scale. The paths you paved in the past have basically been abandoned and you have to come back from a new era.

There is another thing that you should know in your heart. The New Law and New Party does not mean that the newly appointed officials are all good officials. Among the newly launched methods for examining the performance of officials by Han Banshan, the first important thing is tax revenue, and the second important thing is to maintain local peace and stolen amounts.

So those officials who want to eat fatty meat don’t have to talk about suppressing salt merchants or replacing salt merchants. As long as you strictly investigate the murder case, your family will not be able to escape.

Most of the newly appointed officials are poor, their eyes are green. You still want to be like before. Even if you can spend money to settle the matter, your families will basically lose half of their lives, and there is nothing left."

There is really not much room left for these families...

The heads of the three families looked at each other, and their faces were very ugly. The great master of the Chen family said slowly: "Would Mr. Ning be willing to protect us and the three families like he would protect the Qi family? We are willing to offer our family wealth every year..."

Jia Qiang smiled and said, "If I say I am not interested in money, you will think I am talking crazy. But I tell you, I really don't lack money for chewing. Just one ice room to make a living, and I will make a fortune in the summer. What do you think I want so much money for?"

The great master of the Chen family said, "Ning Hou, what do I need to do for you?"

Jia Qiang shook his head and said, "Don't think about what I did for me or what you do for yourself. You must all know the allusion that Chong'er was born outside and Shen Sheng died inside. You just think that you are going out to make a journey of life. It just so happens that I need you to go to Annan, Siam and other places to do things for this marquis. You have a group of desperate people under your command and accomplice. After being a salt merchant for so many years, you have been wandering in the gray area. It is okay to say black, and it is okay to say white. Such people are most suitable to take root in the birthplace."

"Annan, Siam... won't you go to Johor?"

The head of the Peng family asked in confusion.

Jia Qiang bent his lips and smiled, saying, "This marquis has different friendships and trusts with the Qi family, so he can support them to gain a foothold in Johor from the beginning. In the future, the Qi family will be the first family to seize a foundation in overseas enclaves. But you are different. You must establish enough merits so that this marquis can mobilize resources and power as the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to provide convenience for you. I hope you don't feel rude in my honest and straightforward words."

Qi Taizhong has recovered from the turmoil just now and said to the great master of the Chen family, Li family and Peng family, and the two heads of the Peng family: "What are you hesitating about? Our families are going to find a way out. Ning Hou was born a genius and had great courage and means to pull us. It is also the fate of burning incense and worshiping Buddha on weekdays. What else can you not be sure about?"

Old Master Chen sighed and said, "Brother Seven, it's not our control, it's just that it's related to such a big family business... it's not easy. Furthermore, if our three families also send people out, will Ning Hou be willing to protect the three families in Dayan?"

Jia Qiang said, "As long as you can send capable people to complete the things that I have assigned, I will naturally protect your three families in Dayan. But those who stay will not do anything bad or evil or chaotic." As he said, seeing that the three of them were still worried, he paused and smiled and said, "Forget it, if you are still worried, I can promise you a wealth that can be passed down for a hundred generations in advance to relieve your worries. Even if your family is defeated in a disaster, if you have this wealth, you can also protect your family forever."

"What kind of wealth?"

The four of them asked together.

"Mr. Now he is the position of the Chief Minister of the Interior Department. After reporting to the Emperor, he decided to set up a money house, the Tian Family's Interior Department Money House. Do you want to buy the shares of the Interior Department Money House? A total of 100%, 100,000 taels. Currently, only the royal family and the relatives of the military officials are qualified to buy, and the rest of the civil and military officials in the court are not good. Of course, they are a little cheaper to buy...Mr. I can concession you, and the family will buy two cents. From then on, we will share the shares with the Tian Family."

Jia Qiang smiled and said something that surprised the four families.

Even Qi Taizhong is the case, and the other three families have no objection.

Not to mention that everyone knows what it means to open a money house in the Tian family, even if they don’t know, they are happy to give Jia Qiang money.

Now they are not afraid of Jia Qiang asking for money, they are afraid that he doesn't want it.

The powerful ministers of the Jingchu Dynasty suffered disaster and stood aside. Most of the former backers collapsed. The new governor of Liangjiang was obviously not very satisfied with the salt merchants in Yangzhou. They asked for visits several times but couldn't even get in.

At the moment, the three families felt like the children walking on the street with golden ingots in their arms, and the surroundings were already filled with evil wolves with their eyes shining.

If the Qi family had not been in front of them, they would have had problems long ago.

Now that they have received Jia Qiang's guarantee and the same brilliance as the Tian family, a heavy stone has finally fallen in their hearts.

Seeing that the matter was going well, the head of the Peng family thought that Jia Qiang had brought his inner family and suddenly had an idea and said, "Mr. Marquis, it happened that the shopkeeper from Hunan came back to see me two days ago and said that he had found two excellent fireworks masters there and made a lot of fireworks. Marquis brought his family to You Wan today, but I don't want some fireworks? If you want it, I'll get it!"

Jia Qiang's eyes lit up when she heard this and said with a smile: "Okay! But this marquis not only wants fireworks, but also the two masters who are good at making fireworks!"

In these days, those who are serious about medicine are all talented!

The head of the Peng family hurried out and sent someone to pick it up, but after a stick of incense, he hurriedly sent three major carts.

After Jia Qiang went out to look, he turned around and smiled at Qi Taizhong and others, "Since you have agreed to this matter, I will send someone to discuss with you in detail. In addition, the old man can also find a few more trustworthy families, and some families who can stand up after going to sea. I still have some money stocks in my hand, all of which were asked from the emperor, and I can sell a few more companies."

Before Qi Taizhong could speak, the old master of the Chen family smiled and said, "Why didn't Ning Hou take out all the shares? Our four families are enough to make a living."

Jia Qiang waved his hand and said, "The family can get two points at most, and the royal princes are just like this. Except for Duke Zhao who was not ashamed, who was in trouble in front of the emperor, and handed over all the farms of the Duke's Mansion, and only got ten points, all the other nobles only got two points. This matter cannot be done for falsehood. If you send someone to the Beijing to inquire, you will know. If you take too much, it is not a blessing."

Qi Taizhong smiled and said, "If this money house is managed by Ning Hou himself, the future will naturally be limitless. If you take too much, it will not be a blessing. Well, I will go and find a few more companies, which is a great thing."

Jia Qiang nodded and said, "There will be no such good opportunity again. This time it is really rare. Okay, let's just do it. For the rest, I will send someone to discuss it in detail and say goodbye!"

...

After a cup of tea, the twenty-four bridges were filled with fireworks.

Feng Jie'er, Tanchun, Xiangyun, Xiangyun, Xiangling, Xiaojiaoer, Xiao Jixiang and others ignited the fireworks one by one and then ran away with amazement.

Bunches of colorful fireworks soared into the sky, colorful and colorful.

Jia Qiang took Daiyu's hand and looked up at the beautiful scene in the world on the Wuting Bridge.

Daiyu leaned gently in Jia Qiang's arms, looking at the clusters of fireworks, and couldn't help but become obsessed with it...

I hope this night will come every year.

...
Chapter completed!