Chapter 4: Chengji Trading Company

The three elders chuckled and said: "If we are to talk about a pretext, there is indeed one... This Wang Laohu is not originally from Zhongyang Town; it is said that he used to be a Yellow Turban. ... Why not use this as a pretext and invite the magistrate to intervene? Hehe, just say that this fellow has connections with the bandits in the mountains."

A mere lowly woman, how dare she speak of ancestral possessions? Old Zhang, this wicked woman is obstinate and unyielding; in my opinion, she needs to be taught a good lesson.

Cao Peng, who was outside the crowd, quickly responded and hurriedly ran over with Wang Mai, each supporting one of Zhang's arms

Cao Peng turned his head to glance at Cheng Ji and gritted his teeth, saying: "Mother, I trust you; which dead fat man is playing tricks?"

However, rabbits do not eat the grass near their burrows, and the bandits of Zhongyang Mountain have not harmed Zhongyang Town

Hearing Cao Peng's words, Zhang felt somewhat comforted. With the support of Cao Peng and Wang Mai, she suppressed her sobs and walked home.

With a quick turn of his eyes, he immediately came up with an idea

Just at that moment, someone behind the counter said, "What could possibly be worth twenty guan?"

This jade ... ... I will not sell it anymore, return it to me!

But at the moment she was taken aback, Cheng Ji shouted loudly: "Catch that villager woman, she has stolen my jade pendant..."

Wang Meng clasped his hands in salute towards Chengji and the three elders, and then followed suit.

However ... ...

With the remaining 10 guan, I can still buy some medicinal herbs to help Cao Peng recover his health

Two strong servants stood at the entrance of the trading house. Without saying a word, they rushed forward and pinned Zhang down to the ground. The jade pendant that Zhang was holding also fell to the ground. She was filled with terror and shouted loudly: "I didn't take your jade pendant, don't wrong an innocent person..."

Saying this, he returned the jade pendant to the Zhang family and turned away, no longer paying any attention.

Does Cheng Ji not know the value of goods

Stop!

Early in the morning, Zhang arrived at the market with a jade pendant

Zhang did not think too much; after taking the jade pendant, she turned around and intended to leave. This Cheng Ji was indeed too domineering, making her feel a sense of unease.

Zhang believed that with such a large business as Chengji, they might be able to recognize quality goods

Master Cheng, what do you think about this matter

Just like in those large cities, there is also a wealth gap in small towns

Cheng Ji looked at the backs of Wang Meng and his group, gritting his teeth and saying: "If I cannot eliminate this tiger, what face do I have to stand in Zhongyang Town?"

This thief has stolen my jade pendant, and the staff in my shop can all testify for me

At present, there is considerable sympathy for the point at hetushu.com. Then he said: "This jade pendant is quite old, and the carving is exquisite, unlike those produced by ordinary families... If you are determined to die, I am willing to offer twenty guan; what do you think?"

Wang Meng let out a cold laugh and said in a low voice, "Sister-in-law, if there is anything, let us discuss it when we return."

Uncle, let go of me, I want to kill that fat thief

Having said that, Wang Meng stepped forward decisively and grabbed the collar of the attendant's clothing, "If you still want to live, get the hell out of here immediately!"

How could he easily let go of what he desires? Moreover, the Zhang family's attitude is resolute, and coupled with his inner anxiety, it is inevitable that his words may carry a hint of disrespect

I have indeed heard some things about Cao Peng from the pawnbroker

In front of others, it stands like a black diamond.

The master, who is the elder brother of Cheng Ji, is the magistrate of Wuyin County

This short and stout man is Cheng Ji, the proprietor of Cheng Ji Trading Company. He cast a glance at Zhang and suddenly sneered, "What fine jade? It is merely broken and worn jade, nothing more!"

Cheng Ji couldn't help but feel a sudden jolt in his heart, and his expression immediately changed drastically

Zhang was somewhat unwilling, as the jade pendant was still in Cheng Ji's embrace

However, in reality, since the uncle and nephew Zhang Ji and Zhang Xiu invaded Nanyang, Nanyang County has been divided into two parts

He raised his head and shouted loudly: "Afu, aren't you coming to help your mother back home?"

If in Wancheng, Chengji cannot be considered a significant figure

In fact, she also knows that in a small place like Zhongyang Town, this ancestral jade pendant is not worth much money

You thieving woman, caught red-handed with both the stolen goods and the evidence, do you still dare to argue?

Zhang realized that Cheng Ji was deliberately trying to tarnish her jade pendant... Thus, she couldn't help but feel a bit flustered and hurriedly waved her hand, saying, "I won't sell it, I won't sell it!"

However, this individual does possess some skills, and ordinary people are simply no match for him... In my opinion, this matter still requires the intervention of the esteemed lord.

However, in such chaotic times, where can one find so many virtuous individuals capable of leading the masses towards goodness? Therefore, the three elders of Zhongyang Town are, in fact, positions conferred privately. They are responsible for investigating and mediating civil disputes, as well as maintaining public order in this region.

Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion led by the Taiping Dao, the court's surveillance of alchemists and sorcerers has also become increasingly stringent

He turned to look at the attendants behind the counter, his triangular eyes gleaming with fierce light

"Peng'er, Mother did not steal anything"

Zhang Da, I did not steal his belongings... That is my ancestral jade pendant

Wang Meng's gaze was fierce as he turned to look at the three elders

Although Cheng Ji has never killed anyone, he can still sense the murderous aura emanating from Wang Meng

"Damn it, I may not know much, but I am very clear about what kind of person the Cao family members are!"

The terrifying momentum surged forth.

Let this Wang Laohu be arrogant for another two days; by then, I will see if this headless dead tiger can continue to be arrogant...

Due to Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Xiu, rising to prominence in Nanyang, after the establishment of the Eastern Han regime, he designated Wancheng as the secondary capital, also known as the Southern Capital.

In this way, the trade of talismanic water becomes open and aboveboard

Then he glared at the three elders with fierce eyes and shouted, "You old Zhang, it's a shame that you are still one of the three elders of Zhongyang... Do you not know what kind of people the Cao family members are? We are all from the same hometown, so it is better to leave some room for each other in everything, making it easier to meet again in the future. Don't you think that's right?"

Nanyang Commandery, belongs to the jurisdiction of Jingzhou

Zhang was overjoyed and was about to agree.

Please invite the three elders to ... ...

Cheng Ji sternly shouted: "If I do not teach you a good lesson today, you will not know the heights of heaven and the depths of the earth"

In the more than ten days since his rebirth, Zhang's care for him has deeply moved him. Although he still feels somewhat awkward about it, he has actually come to regard Zhang as his own mother. ... Cao Peng's eyes turned red ... . ... Without saying a word, he was ready to rush over and fight desperately.

This also made Cheng Ji even more displeased

Cheng Ji approached with a cold smile, picked up the jade pendant from the ground, brushed off the dust on it, and casually tucked it into his pocket

He aspired to be a distinguished gentleman, someone who could always walk with confidence in the town of Wuyin.

He immediately recognized the value of this jade pendant, but it was clearly unlikely that he would offer twenty guan to buy it. Just as the legends say, Cheng Ji is a businessman with connections. He is the brother of the county magistrate of Wuyin County, and his daughter is also a concubine of Zhang Xiu's nephew, Zhang Xin

Since one is going to seek talismanic water, it is only natural not to go empty-handed. There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. The talismanic water from Zhongyang Temple is quite famous, and without offerings, it is simply impossible to obtain. What should one offer? Naturally, it will not be the three sacrificial animals. Zhongyang Temple does not lack these; they distribute talismanic water in exchange for wealth. Without monetary offerings, how could one possibly obtain effective talismanic water? This is something everyone is well aware of. Zhongyang Temple does not lack these; they distribute talismanic water in exchange for wealth. Without monetary offerings, how could one possibly obtain effective talismanic water? This is something everyone is well aware of.

At this moment, the three elders hurriedly arrived with people and books.

Let it be so... I will immediately send someone back to Wuyin

Even though those fellows were well aware of the situation, upon seeing Cheng Ji in such a state, they could not help but fall silent, and in unison they said: "We saw it!"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Ji's chubby face immediately broke into a radiant smile

His voice was like a thunderclap, causing a buzzing sensation in people's eardrums. Wang Meng cleared a path and stepped out from the crowd. He was dressed in a black short jacket with a diagonal collar, a large belt cinched around his waist, from which hung a gleaming hunting knife, and he carried an iron fork over his shoulder

The three elders hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Master Cheng, to speak candidly, I have endured this fellow for quite some time!"

Shopkeeper, this is the daughter-in-law of the Cao family in town, who has pawned a beautiful piece of jade.

Next time, show me more clearly

Since Master Cheng is not pursuing the matter any further, I suppose we can consider it settled

Thus, the practitioners of the occult began to openly seize the opportunity to amass wealth. While it was permissible to distribute talismanic water, it was essential to offer money and silk in exchange. The authorities were not concerned about the practitioners accumulating wealth through this means; rather, they feared that the practitioners would use the opportunity of distributing talismanic water to attract followers and incite disturbances.

The attendants were repeatedly taken aback and retreated in fear of Wang Meng

Wang Meng said softly: "Sister-in-law, losing money can avert disaster. Let us first return and discuss it with Old Cao before making any plans"

Wang Meng helped Zhang up, saying, "Sister-in-law, are you alright"

Seeing the Zhang family being trampled underfoot by that short and stout man, Cao Peng was instantly filled with rage

"Master Cheng, killing is but a matter of a head's point to the ground; why must you make things difficult for my sister-in-law?"

Everyone lives in the same town, and the pawnbroker is indeed familiar with the Zhang family

As he spoke, a short, stout, dark-skinned man emerged from the back room, dressed in a splendid brocade robe. He walked to the counter and picked up a jade pendant, playing with it in his hands.

It is understood that Zhang still held a glimmer of hope, wishing to sell it for as high a price as possible. Ordinary small shops naturally would not offer a very high price, and even if they were given the jade pendant, they might not comprehend its value. Without understanding its value, they certainly could not provide a price that would satisfy Zhang. After much contemplation, Zhang ultimately chose Chengji Commercial Firm.

Therefore, once a practitioner of the talismanic water for almsgiving is discovered, they will be immediately apprehended and interrogated

The three elders wore flattering smiles, "What Master Cheng said is indeed true; it should be taught a severe lesson!"

One moment selling, the next moment not selling, what do you think this place is?

A pair of thick eyebrows twisted into the shape of the character '一', with round eyes wide open, and steel-like whiskers suddenly standing up beneath the jaw, instilling an involuntary sense of fear...

Do not speak nonsense

However, just as she reached the door, she heard Cheng Ji behind her shout, "Where is my Qilin jade pendant?"

In the first year of the Zhongping era, the Zhang Jiao brothers, by distributing talismanic water, attracted a large number of followers, causing immeasurable harm to the Han dynasty's rule.

Although Zhongyang Town is not large, it has nearly a thousand residents. Moreover, Wuyin County is somewhat distant from Zhongyang Town, so there must be someone in charge.

As for the three elders, they wore an awkward smile, saying, "Tiger, you are not clear about what is going on..."

This Wang Laohu, relying on his brute strength, actually dares to ruin my good plans

Seeing twenty guan suddenly shrink to one guan, how could the Zhang family possibly agree

Zhang was taken aback and instinctively quickened his pace

Zhang cried out in anguish, but was stopped by Wang Meng

Afu, do not act impulsively

Before the attendant could act, someone in the crowd suddenly shouted loudly

Of course not

A mountain bandit is ultimately a mountain bandit, an enemy of the government

This thief has stolen my jade pendant, did you all see it clearly

Saying this, he pointed at the pawnbroker and scolded, "You fool, do you think this place is a charity?"

In the Zhongyang Mountain, besides the Taoist temple, there are also bandits.

Cheng Ji was so frightened by Wang Meng's terrifying aura that he staggered back several steps, nearly sitting down on the ground. Wang Meng's presence was truly overwhelming

The pawnbroker at Chengji is a discerning individual, who immediately recognized the value of this jade pendant. "Sister-in-law, where did you obtain this square jade pendant?"

The amount of money you spend on offerings will yield the same level of talismanic water, allowing the sorcerers and the authorities to coexist peacefully

On that chubby face, a smile appeared as he cheerfully said, "Sister-in-law Cao, if you are unwilling to sell, then so be it"

Tomorrow, I will go to Zhongyang Temple to seek the talisman water, as this is a matter of great significance for Cao Peng's entire life, and the Zhang family naturally places special importance on it

"Master Cheng, what has happened?"

Zhang cried out loud immediately

Uncle, I really did not steal

Zhang said: "This is a treasured heirloom of my family. If it were not for my child's poor health, I would have gone to Zhongyang Temple to seek talisman water for him, and I would not have brought it to exchange for money"

A large hand suddenly seized his arm; looking up, it was none other than Wang Meng.

The three elders shouted loudly, dispersing the crowd

Why are you so meddlesome, woman

The people of Zhongyang Town are whispering among themselves

He supported Zhang with one hand and struck the ground with the iron fork, saying, "Master Cheng, what do you have to say!"

Although Cao Peng did not witness the events that transpired earlier, he firmly believed that the Zhang family would never engage in any underhanded activities.

Good jade

However, here in Wuyin, with the identity of Cheng Ji and supported by his older brother, he can undoubtedly be regarded as the local wealthy landowner of Zhongyang Town

The Cao family is not a wealthy household; Cao Ji is a third-rate blacksmith who barely makes a living by repairing ironware. After much contemplation, Zhang realized that if she did not demonstrate sufficient sincerity, she would likely be unable to obtain high-quality talisman water. Therefore, she secretly took out a family heirloom jade pendant, intending to exchange it for more money and silk to seek talisman water for Cao Peng, ensuring his lifelong safety

Upon witnessing this situation, Cheng Ji was immediately filled with unease

Cheng Ji said: "It is possible to persuade my elder brother to take action, but there must be a reason for it"

Hehe, since you, the tiger, have spoken, I will give you a face. I will no longer pursue this matter... You may take her away.

All three elders must be over the age of 50, possess virtue, and be capable of leading the masses towards goodness

You must immediately imprison this thief and swiftly report it to the magistrate of Wuyin County... I want these lowly people to understand who truly is the authority in Wuyin County

Speaking, he waved his hand to signal the attendant to come forward, "Open her mouth wide and make her behave a little more obediently"

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Nanyang Commandery governs a total of 37 counties, all under the control of Liu Biao

Later, the family fell into decline, and by the time of the Zhang family, they had become commoners. When she married Cao Ji, there was no valuable dowry left, only this ancestral jade pendant.

As a mother, one always hopes to maintain a perfect image in front of the child

Wang Meng firmly held onto Cao Peng and said in a low voice: "If you rush in like this, it will only make things more troublesome... Cheng Ji has always been overbearing, and with the magistrate of Wu Yin County as his backing, how can you possibly contend with him? Stay here and do not move; I will handle this matter."

Chengji Trading Company is the largest trading firm in Zhongyang Town, specializing in the procurement of mountain goods. Almost all the mountain goods in Zhongyang Town are acquired by them. Additionally, Chengji Trading Company also engages in the pawn business. The owner of Chengji is named Cheng Ji, who is said to have considerable connections within the government.

Having said that, he took the jade pendant and left

The three elders refer to the local officials

The superior talisman water requires an offering of approximately 10 guan

The boundary is marked by Jiyang; to the north of Jiyang lies the territory of Zhang Xiu, while to the south of Jiyang, including Jiyang itself, are seventeen counties governed by Liu Biao

Everyone disperse, disperse!

Zhang's paternal grandfather also enjoyed some glory for a period of time