Chapter 10, Good brothers must strive together for the great Qing

As Wang Zhongxiao was contemplating whether he could secretly abduct Wu Xiaotu, Wu Shicong had already noticed that Wu Xiaotu's expression seemed a bit strange, so he asked: "Xiaotu, what’s wrong with you? Why is your face red?"

Wu Shicong turned his head to look at Wang Zhongxiao and said, "Shikai, what do you think?"

Sichuan salt

It turns out that Wu Shijue also has an unfilial father

No, no! Wu Shijue immediately exclaimed, "My father will not agree!"

"It should be, it should be, it needs to be discussed thoroughly." At this moment, Wang Fuchen was quite pleased. That little rascal Wang Zhongxiao has really made something of himself this time! According to that old fellow Wu Sangui, he has surpassed his predecessor! It seems that his abilities are even greater than those of his father. It appears that this time, upon entering the capital, he might truly find a way to become a guard.

"Then what about your father?" Wu Shicong asked again

Once I become a guard this time, I will definitely help my wayward father to establish some connections, and I must secure a rather plump admiral. It is essential to make a substantial profit; otherwise, it would be a loss! Eldest brother, third brother, you two should not always be lingering in Yunnan; if you want to prosper, you must venture out.

He was just about to raise the issue of receiving the goods with Wu Shijue when his good brother Wu Shicong intervened. Wu Shicong pondered and said: "Uncle Wang has been the governor for over ten years and has long accumulated enough qualifications for promotion to the rank of general. Moreover, he is a bannerman of the Inner Court, and as long as the money is used appropriately, becoming a general is not difficult at all. As for raising the flag, that is even a trivial matter. Uncle is merely registered under the Inner Court and is not actually engaged in the duties of a bannerman." Wu Shicong pondered and said: "Uncle Wang has been the governor for over ten years and has long accumulated enough qualifications for promotion to the rank of general. Moreover, he is a bannerman of the Inner Court, and as long as the money is used appropriately, becoming a general is not difficult at all. As for raising the flag, that is even a trivial matter. Uncle is merely registered under the Inner Court and is not actually engaged in the duties of a bannerman."

Moreover, with the support of the Ziliujing Salt Industry, we will be able to gather population in Fushun County and even throughout the entire Xuzhou Prefecture, as well as to enclose and cultivate land. We can also develop Ziliujing into a hub for the southern transportation of horses, saltpeter, and sulfur between Gansu and Sichuan, all of which are lucrative businesses! Not only can this generate profit, but it can also strengthen the military preparedness of Yunnan and Guizhou, which is indeed a commendable act of loyalty to the country!

Isn't that so? Wang Zhongxiao said, "The wives and daughters of the servants must serve the master! That is why my old man has always refused to take a new wife, yet he has taken in eight concubines who are not registered in the Imperial Household Department. Otherwise, I would let your sister..."

Wang Zhongxiao simply shook his head gently and said, "Not now"

Wang Shikai! Wu Shijue, emboldened by alcohol, finally mustered the courage to bring up the matter of the bet, "I, Wu Shijue, today concede my defeat willingly and accept the terms of the wager... I, I, I will even go so far as to bring Xiao Tu to you bound! Are you satisfied now?"

After speaking, he turned around and ran away

Wu Shijue was overjoyed upon hearing this, "Great! It's a deal!"

Wu Shicong is the eldest among the three, and at this moment, he naturally needs to display a bit of the elder brother's demeanor, smilingly saying to Wang Shikai: "Shikai, let's go to my estate for a drink... let's indulge until we are completely intoxicated"

Wu Shicong nodded, then carefully scrutinized Wu Xiaotu, and glanced at Wang Zhongxiao, as if he understood something. He then said to Wu Xiaotu: "Xiaotu, since you are tired, you should rest for now. Brother Wang Er, along with your second brother and I, are all officially sworn brothers now. What matters cannot be discussed properly? You need not worry." He then patted his chest and declared, "Everything is under my control!"

Wang Zhongxiao was just about to nod in agreement when he suddenly saw Wu Xiaotu bouncing over from behind the bamboo grove, her little face flushed as she stood in front of Wang Zhongxiao, only looking down at her feet and not saying a word

Wang Zhongxiao laughed and said: "If my father were truly an official in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with his rank, the four major textile factories would not be sufficient for him to manage. Wouldn't he be able to embezzle at least one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand taels of silver in a year? If he wanted to raise a banner, wouldn't those people in the Ministry of Internal Affairs beat drums and gongs to send him off?"

While Wu Xiaotu was lost in thought, Wu Sangui, Wu Yingqi, Wu Guogui, and Wang Fuchen had already stood up and were preparing to leave. Wu Shicong, Wang Shikai, and Wu Shijue, the three brothers, then bowed together to the four of them

Of course, Wu Xiaotu is innocent, so we cannot let Xiaotu go either

Wu Shicong attentively poured a bowl of wine for Wang Zhongxiao, and also invited Wu Shijue to join in the drinking, displaying the demeanor of an elder brother, as if he were the Liu among the trio of Liu, Guan, and Zhang.

Moreover, Wang Fucheng has also made progress on Wu Sangui's side...! ... He has already been regarded as one of their own by Wu Sangui!

In the back garden of the Guizhuang of the State of Wu, in front of a patch of bamboo forest that had been slightly cleared, Wu Shicong, Wang Shikai, and Wu Shijue were kneeling before an offering table set with the memorial tablets of Liu, Guan, and Zhang, holding large incense sticks and reciting prayers.

"Engaging in trade? Where would we engage in trade? We only know how to hold official positions!"

Wu Shijue seemed to be preoccupied, and due to his poor tolerance for alcohol, he kept pouring drink after drink into his mouth. He was already feeling somewhat intoxicated. He lifted his glass, intending to down it in one go, but when it came to his lips, he couldn't bring himself to drink it. Instead, he slammed the glass down onto the table, startling his brothers Wu Shicong and Wang Shikai, who all turned to look at him.

Wang Zhongxiao said: It doesn't matter if I can't wait, I can receive the goods first

This is ... ... '' Wu Shicong seemed to have thought of something

Wang Zhongxiao chuckled, "The prince has lost the right to select from the west, which only hinders his ability to make money. He will use the money he makes to accomplish great things, and he won't share any with you. Moreover, he has so many former students and officials waiting for his arrangements, how could he possibly pay attention to you? If you want to make money, you can't rely solely on the prince; you need to come up with your own ideas. Furthermore, making money doesn't necessarily require holding an official position; engaging in land deals and business can also be a way to earn money"

Wang Zhongxiao is also an experienced drinker, of course, that was in a past life! In this life, his tolerance for alcohol is quite good, but when he drinks too much, he tends to get into trouble, and once he gets into trouble, he loses his spirit... Therefore, at this moment, he cannot afford to drink freely, and can only take a few sips before using a white handkerchief to wipe his mouth, conveniently getting rid of some of the wine he has in his mouth.

Wang Zhongxiao saw the atmosphere becoming lively, and the smile on his face grew even broader. He smiled at the two people in front of him and said: "Elder brother, Third brother, I am going to Beijing to buy an official position... However, I am a bit short on funds and can only gather 1,800 taels of silver. If you two have some savings, could you lend me some first? Once I become a guard and acquire some silver, I will definitely repay you double."

Wu Shicong, Wang Shikai, and Wu Shijue responded in unison

Wu Shicong then turned to Wang Zhongxiao and Wu Shijue and said: "Shikai, Shijue, come to my place for a drink!"

"I know..." Wu Shijue mumbled, "She is not a good person either"

Wu Shicong furrowed his brows and asked, "Shijue, if your father does not agree, how will you hand over your sister to Shikai?"

She was just so happy to cheer and beat the drum, isn't it like selling someone and then helping to count the money? But the problem is, she knew from the very beginning that she was the "stake" and even excitedly encouraged her brother to gamble with Brother Wang. Now she can't be a deadbeat, no, she must be a little deadbeat... She must be willing to gamble and accept the loss.

Wu Sangui smiled and said to the three young brothers: "In ancient times, there was the oath of brotherhood in the Peach Garden; now, there is the oath of brotherhood in the Bamboo Grove. I hope that the three of you can work together in unity from now on, together... together to pledge loyalty to the Qing Dynasty, and all become esteemed ministers and generals of the Qing Dynasty"

There was also Wu Xiaotu standing by the bamboo grove, nervously glancing at the three people who were making a pact while playing with the corner of her clothes. It seemed as if she realized something was amiss. The recently concluded gambling match seemed to have some connection to her, didn't it? Wasn't she the "maid" who was put on the table as a stake?

Wu Shicong nodded emphatically, "The three of us brothers are as strong as steel, united in our loyalty to the Qing Dynasty!"

Wang Zhongxiao could not help but feel a sense of sympathy for Wu Shijue in his heart

Although Wu Sangui appeared quite formidable, in reality, he was just an incapable old fool. Otherwise, he would have succeeded in his rebellion in history, and Kangxi would most likely have been the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty

"What? You serve as a guard while your father serves as a commander... How can it be that easy?" Wu Shijue frowned, "How many years will this take? Can my sister wait that long?"

With Wu Sangui's support, isn't it just a matter of time before I am promoted to the position of governor?

Grandson (younger generation) respectfully follows your teachings and will certainly be a loyal minister of the Qing Dynasty

"Se Jue, you have misunderstood," Wang Zhongxiao waved his hand and said, "What I mean is to let Xiao Tu wait a few more years, wait until I become a guard, wait until my father is promoted to governor, then we can spend some money to hire a servant and raise a flag, won't everything fall into place then?"

As for working together with Wu Sangui in Yunnan... I am Wang Shikai, not Wu Shikai; I will not engage in the business of assisting Wu Sangui in becoming emperor

"Is it really Xiaotu? How could you two bet on Xiaotu?" Wu Shicong had actually sensed something, but hearing it directly from Wu Shijue still took him by surprise. He then asked, "Does Xiaotu know?"

The two brothers, Wu Shicong and Wu Shijue, had bright eyes; they were not very clear about places like Fushun County, but how could they not know about the renowned Ziliujing? Back in the Ming Dynasty, Ziliujing, which produced well salt, was like a "money well" that continuously spewed out money for twelve hours a day!

Therefore, regarding the matter of increasing funds for Wu Sangui at hetushu.com, he still has a say in this matter

Wang Zhongxiao patted his chest and said, "Once I become a guard, won't we have someone in the court? At that time, we can spend some silver and arrange for one of our own to take the position of the salt commissioner in Sichuan, can't we?"

Come, come, come, dear Shikai, you take it easy, and I will drink deeply. Shijue, you drink too, let us three brothers get thoroughly drunk!

I, Wu Shicong! I, Wang Shikai! I, Wu Shijue... Today we become brothers, sharing blessings and facing difficulties together from now on; united in heart and effort, never to part. May Heaven and Earth bear witness to this commitment!

"This, this..." Wu Shijue said softly, "Elder brother, why don't you act as a matchmaker? After all, my sister is not yet promised to anyone."

Indeed! The Xuzhou Prefecture and Fushun County are easy to deal with, as they are adjacent to our Yunnan, and no one dares to offend my grandfather. However, the Salt Administration is responsible for overseeing salt production, estimating salt prices, and managing both water and land transportation matters. This is indeed a lucrative position! Those who can handle this role are most likely to have connections in the court! If this Salt Administration cannot be settled, even if they cannot interfere with our acquisition of the salt industry in Ziliujing, they can still obstruct the routes for the transportation of private salt.

Enclosing land? Where should it be enclosed? What is the purpose of enclosing it?

Wang Fuchen was part of the internal affairs office, essentially serving as a household servant to the young Emperor Kangxi. Theoretically, he was sent by the young Emperor Kangxi to Yunnan to keep an eye on Wu Sangui.

However, will the Sichuan Salt Administration intervene? Wu Shicong is quite astute and has already considered the possibility of the Sichuan Salt Administration intervening while he monopolizes the salt industry in Jialuojing.

The so-called loyalty to the Qing Dynasty naturally refers to the continued demand for silver from the Qing Dynasty

Wang Zhongxiao said: "Sichuan has experienced great turmoil from the late Ming to the early Qing dynasty, and although the population has decreased by ninety percent, the fertile land still remains, and the salt industry in Ziliujing is still thriving! If we brothers can join forces to take over the salt industry in Ziliujing, while also securing thousands of acres of fertile land in Fushun County... that would be wealth that our descendants could never exhaust.

What is your identity? Aren't you just a servant? At this point, Wu Shijue suddenly realized, "Wait a minute, you are a servant, and if my sister marries you, wouldn't she also become a servant?"

Wang Zhongxiao certainly understood the thoughts of this light beauty...! ... But this matter cannot be rushed! Wang Zhongxiao thought to himself: I still need to go to Beijing to help the young emperor capture Ao Bai and be a loyal minister! For the sake of the Qing Dynasty, I cannot marry you, this "Wu Xiaotu". If I become the grandson-in-law of Wu Sangui, how can I still be a trusted aide of the young Emperor Kangxi? If I cannot be Kangxi's trusted aide, then I would be betraying the title of "Shikai", and it would be very difficult for me to become a "Great Loyal Minister" who serves the Qing Dynasty until its end... If I become the grandson-in-law of Wu Sangui, how can I still be a trusted aide of the young Emperor Kangxi? If I cannot be Kangxi's trusted aide, then I would be betraying the title of "Shikai", and it would be very difficult for me to become a "Great Loyal Minister" who serves the Qing Dynasty until its end.

well salt

This wine is truly exceptional

"Is that not acceptable?" Wu Shijue exclaimed anxiously, "Wang Er, what makes you think my sister is not worthy of you?"

Wu Sangui, Wu Yingqi, Wu Guogui, and Wang Fucheng were all witnesses to this oath of brotherhood in the bamboo grove, watching with smiles on their faces.

Wu Shijue shook his head like a rattle drum, "Of course he doesn't know, how could he possibly know? If he knew, wouldn't he just kill me?"

"Where are we going?" Wu Shijue asked.

Wang Zhongxiao smiled and said three words: "Ziliujing"

What? You tied up Xiao Tu? This is unacceptable! Wang Zhongxiao thought to himself: My Xiao Tu, on what grounds do you bind her? ... I must personally go and tie her up ...

... ...

Wu Shicong shook his head: "It is no longer easy to go out now; my grandfather's right to 'select the West' has already been revoked by the court"

Xiao Tu let out a sigh of relief, performed a gesture of respect towards Wu Shicong, and said with a flushed face: "Then I will trouble you, elder brother."

Wu Shijue was afraid that Wang Shikai would ask him for a girl, so he quickly agreed, saying: "Let's go, let's drink!"

Wang Zhongxiao looked at the two loyal ministers of the late Qing Dynasty, who were still unaware that in a few years they would face their first major turning point in life, and said with a smile: "Let's first discuss land enclosure; we can go to Fushun County in Xuzhou Prefecture, Sichuan Province to enclose some land!"

Brother Secong, I, I, I... just now I was tired from beating the drum, so my face is a bit red

Wu Sangui nodded with a smile, and then said to Wang Fucheng: "Brother Fucheng, the three younger generations all understand the importance of loyalty to the Qing Dynasty. We, as elders, should also be aware of the principles of loyalty to the monarch and love for the country. Why don't we continue our discussion on how to be loyal to the Qing Dynasty at Guogui's estate?"

In high spirits, Wang Fuchen and Wu Sangui walked together, followed by Wu Yingqi and Wu Guogui. Outside the bamboo grove, only Wu Shicong, Wang Shikai, and Wu Shijue remained.

Wang Zhongxiao hurriedly explained, "Old Third, don't be anxious! I only said it can't be done right now... Have you forgotten what my status is? I cannot formally marry your sister at this moment"

Wu Shijue was completely baffled upon hearing about Fushun County, Xuzhou Prefecture, Sichuan Province