Love Affairs in Chang’an Chapter 202: Water transport terminal

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There are nearly a thousand people in the Wu Prince's Mansion, heading southward. Li Ke, Xue Rengui, Yin Yang, Yuwen Hongtai, and Pang Fei were accompanied by congenial people, and Qin Mubai did not feel bored. After all, it is the mind of a thirty-year-old, and this bit of parting is still bearable. After a little sadness, Qin Mubai quickly adjusted his mood and began to look forward to the next stop in his life.

Since ancient times, there have been many similarities in officialdom. It's not uncommon for a Beijing official to be transferred to a place for further studies, and then get some grades and then get promoted. Qin Mubai knew that he was standing at a crossroads now, and could not tolerate the slightest mistake. Well done, the future is boundless; if you make a mistake, you will be unlucky.

After all, being above the court is an offense!

Xiangzhou, as Li Ji, a strategist, said, it was a battleground for military strategists in ancient times. Xiangzhou was also called Xiangyang and Xiangyang County in ancient times. It was located in the Central Plains connecting Hanshui, Nantong Jinge and Hanshu to the west, and the east waterway can reach Wuyue directly. It is the hub of the Central Plains.

Xiangzhou is rich in water, and water transportation is quite convenient. A line of Han River lies in front of Xiangzhou. Since ancient times, Han River has been a natural military barrier around Jingxiang and a way to make money. Speaking of Hanshui, it is worth mentioning that it originated in Hanzhong, and Hanzhong was the place where the Han Dynasty was born.

Han, the title of a nation. The Han nationality, Chinese language, Chinese characters, Chinese culture...no need to go into details. As for Hanshui, the children of China throughout the ages have naturally paid more attention to it.

The money, grain, cloth and iron in the Jingxiang area all pass through Xiangzhou, and both land and water can be transported to Guanzhong and Shangyu to the court. The salt service in the Wuyang area also relies on the water transportation here, starting from Xiangzhou to the southern states and counties. Therefore, Xiangzhou’s water transportation terminal can be said to be famous all over the world, and it has become an important fiscal revenue of Xiangzhou.

Thus, Xiangzhou is not only an important town in the Central Plains and a battleground for military strategists, it is also a rich piece of fat. If it weren't for a prince like Li Ke, how could he easily get a fat and vacant official position like Xiangzhou Governor?

Naturally, the more prosperous and prosperous the place is, the more dragons and snakes are mixed, and there are all kinds of people. The inside story of the water transport terminal alone is very complicated. Whether it's an officer or a soldier, or a civilian gangster, who doesn't want to get a vote here? Furthermore, whenever it comes to things that the court monopolizes like salt, rice, iron, etc., there must be activities like salt lords private merchants. In the long run, many underground "green forest gangs" have appeared in Xiangzhou. In fact, they are gangsters who are in the nature of gangsters who are fishing here. But the government army and them secretly opened one eye and closed the other, each taking what they needed.

There are also the children of the old aristocratic family who lived in Jingxiang and local officials and gentry. Many forces are intertwined. The small Xiangzhou seems to be a small place on the surface, but it is not as it seems on the surface. simple. There are policies at the top and countermeasures at the bottom, and this has been true throughout the ages. If it weren't for a capable person, it would be really hard to be able to hold it here.

Li Ke talked with Qin Mubai along the way. Obviously he knows Xiangzhou well. It turned out that he had previously worked in Anzhou, and he could go down the Han River to Anzhou, not too far apart. For the people in this area, I also know a little bit about it.

"It seems that our trip is not easy, Your Highness." Qin Mubai smiled, "Now I understand why the emperor allowed me to walk with you so simply. You are a provincial governor, without the help of the army. It’s not easy to suppress these local snakes in Xiangzhou!"

"Extremely true." Li Ke smiled slightly and said, "When you arrive at the local state and counties, it is no better than the capital at the feet of the emperor. It is a bit more awkward, that is, the tiger without tigers in the mountains is called the king. Maybe a little squire here, Every day, I praise my emperor, long live tomorrow, but in the dark, I feel that I am the most indomitable figure in this area."

"It's not surprising." Qin Mubai said, "Among a group of people, if anyone is used to being tribute or giving orders, over time, it will be easy to drift off. Furthermore, the people on the top of the mountain and the station The people at the foot of the mountain look small to each other."

"Oh, this is a wonderful statement." Li Ke laughed after listening, "It seems that you are already in your mind?"

"It can't be said." Qin Mubai said, "When we have arrived in a new environment, we have to adapt to it for a while. I only heard that Xiangzhou's water transport terminal is the most prosperous and the most complicated. Why not, let us Bring a few people to disguise and change their clothes, and go to private server to find out first. There is no news, more accurate than what I saw with my own eyes."

"Okay." Li Ke agreed without saying a word.

A few days later, he was in Xiangyang County, where he was appointed as the ruler of Xiangzhou. Li Ke called Quan Wanji and asked him to lead the brigade to continue down the dry road south to Xiangzhou. Li Ke and Qin Mubai accompanied Xue Rengui, Yin Yang, Pang Fei, and Yuwen Hongtai. Everyone disguised themselves and boarded a boat at a canal head and sailed down the Han River.

It was early spring and the east wind on the river was very cold. A sailing passenger ship commonly seen in the south sailed down the river in the wind and waves, accompanied by more than ten people, mostly traffickers and travelers.

Although Li Ke and Qin Mubai changed into ordinary official costumes, their aloof temperament could not be concealed. In addition, the four accompanying people are all powerful and non-comfortable people, especially Yuwen Hongtai, who is like a **** of cattle and horses, is even more scary. Therefore, no one has talked to them all the way, let alone trouble. Up.

Make everyone laugh and cry, Yuwen Hongtai, a rough and iron boatman, was frightened and unsteady as soon as he boarded the boat, just like a little daughter-in-law entering the house of a wicked in-laws, her face pale in fear and fear. After getting on the boat, he kept shrinking silently, and after a few hours, he suddenly vomited.

Such a big guy is seasick!

"Woo...I knew I wouldn't be coming!" Yuwen Hongtai wanted to cry without tears, the boat went all the way, and he vomited all the way, crying like a child, until the whole boat was full of laughter. .

Down the river, there are still Baili waterways to reach Xiangzhou. The Dafan passenger ship stopped at several piers along the way to pick up and drop off passengers. Qin Mubai and others have also seen the water transport terminal in Xiangzhou, which is indeed extremely prosperous and lively. Whether it is day or night, there are often passenger ships or cargo ships docking. The guys who take care of the work here are on guard day and night, and officials and bureaucrats are often seen here to maintain order. Occasionally, we can also see some sturdy people walking back and forth among the cabin crowd, and everyone dare not offend them for being a god.

"The transportation of water in Xiangzhou is related to the royal tax and the transfer of salt and iron. Xiangwei is extremely important." Li Ke said, "Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty and even the pre-Sui Dynasty, the salt lords were rampant in Jingxiang. There are endless killings, and countless salt taxes flow into the hands of the salt lords. In addition to selling illegal salt, the salt lords have organized groups to gather together to connect with the private iron weapons of the government and run rampant in the village to oppress the good. If it is troubled, these salt lords’ The behavior is reasonable, and some are also to fight tyranny and seek a way to survive. But now that the peace and prosperity of the country are peaceful, these guys are doing too much for nothing but to feed their own pockets, then they can’t be tolerated."

Qin Mubai nodded and said: "I have also heard about the prosperity and prosperity of Jingxiang, but the three religions, nine streams, dragons and snakes are mixed, not as simple and peaceful as imagined. For so many years, the salt owls have been smashing it. Endless, almost on par with Wang Fa, the local government seems to have nothing to do with them. This time we come, if we can eliminate the salt lords, it may be a good political achievement."

Li Ke chuckled at the corner of his mouth and said, "Look, I think of something again. What other people can't do, if we do it, it will be a good political achievement. How powerful is the salt owl in Xiangzhou? How difficult it is to do, we have to understand it in depth."

Later, Li Ke asked the boatman and learned that there was a very famous ferry in Xiangyang County in front of him. The name was "Eight Ghost Ferry", which was one of the largest water transport terminals in Xiangzhou. Li Ke said: "Let's disembark there and take a look. It doesn't matter if we live for a day or two. Anyway, we are in Xiangzhou, so we should look for people's livelihood."

"Also."

Soon the group got off the boat. Yuwen Hongtai was embarrassed by tripping garlic on his legs. If he hadn't been supported by the powerful Xue Rengui when he got off the boat and walked on the sampan, he would probably fall into the river.

It's dawn, but Hachikidu is already lively.

Passenger and freight ships are very finely divided. On the left, there is a passenger ship stopping for a while, and on the right is a larger cargo ship. Looking around, within a few miles of the water, the ship's sampans are like linen cloth all over the pier, and some officials are commanding the boats to enter the port and dock with a loud roar. The many coolies are wearing short-breasted shirts at the dawn of such a cold early spring. He lifted his trousers, barefoot and squinted his chest, yelling and carrying the goods to the shore. There is a piece-rate thin head next to it, which should be used to settle wages.

Qin Mubai and his party came ashore from the passenger terminal, except for the pedestrians getting on and off the boat, but they didn't meet many people. It took a big turn along the way, and everyone deliberately went to the freight terminal to see what happened. Unexpectedly, two government officials at the entrance came out to stop them.

"Stop, which ship's owner are you?" The government officer looked at several people vigilantly and questioned.

"Oh...that one." Li Ke casually pointed to the front and smiled, "Brother Guan, let me wait in, our cargo is unloading!"

"Hey!" The yaman sneered, "Where is the young man floating, this is not the land of Fenghua Lane, is this a place for you to have fun? Let's go, don't force the official to turn his face!"

"What do you mean?" Li Ke's face sank, "My own ship is unloading, I can't go in and watch it yet?"

"Let you get out, you get out!" The yaman was so impatient, he shouted, "I have to ask for bad luck here?"

"Hold on." The other government officer next to him seemed to be cleverer, and he looked at Li Ke and the others, who might be some big people, and pulled the evil government officer aside, arching his hand to apologize." This prince wants to enter the dock, what is going on?"

"Didn't I just say everything?" Li Ke was not angry, and asked calmly.

"Lang Jun laughed. Should Lang Jun be a merchant from outside, right?" The yakuza smiled, obviously a taunting, but still very polite, "As long as the owner of the Caozhu who goes in and out of Hachikito , There must be a concession token issued by the county government. Needless to say, you can come and go freely at any time. Lang Jun... ever understand?"

"What, do I need a token?" Li Ke was startled, and then laughed twice, "No matter, I forgot it for a while. When I go back, I will ask your county government to ask for it. How disturbing. , Goodbye!"

The evil government sneered: "Zhou Laojiu, what nonsense do you have to talk about with these spoilers? It's quiet to walk straight away."

Qin Mubai and others are here to find out, and they have been watching and understanding from the sidelines. On the contrary, Yuwen Hongtai who vomited all the way, even though his body was vomiting weakness, his temper was just squeezed, and at this time he could no longer hold back his annoyance. Hulala rushed forward, he waved a big slap like a fan, and crossed the face of the evil government servant with a palm, and shouted: "Let's clean up, I will complete you!"

The evil government screamed and fell to the sky, like a cement board thumped to the ground with a heavy thump, but it shocked the people around him. Several bureaucrats carried knives and sticks and screamed and rushed over. The whole wharf suddenly exploded and became lively.

Li Ke, Qin Mubai and others are also a little angry, but after all, they are the savers who don't want to make trouble, so they rushed to return Yuwen Hongtai.

Li Ke cursed secretly: "Yuwen Hongtai, are you vomiting confused or what? It's not a matter of priority!"

Qin Mubai smiled slightly: "Master, you will be at ease if you come. It is a good thing for Hong Tai to poke a basket. It's like trying to destroy a hornet's nest. You have to try it out?"

"Heh!" Li Ke smiled and stopped talking. Watching a bunch of people waiting around him, they cut their backs and looked at them laughing.

The evil government officer was pulled up from the ground, fearing that it would hurt his head and wailing. The Zhou Laojiu next to him seemed to be a leader, and he hurriedly persuaded the brothers who were passionate about fighting. He came to Li Ke again and said: "This son, you are also a person who knows the book and is not a leisurely person. Why are there such stubborn people in your hands? It is inconvenient to cause trouble on the dock, you go!"

"You are a saver." Li Ke smiled and said, "Speaking of which, what will happen if I don't leave today?"

Zhou Laojiu wrinkled his brows, as if showing a hint of anger, and said impatiently: "We are busy, you'd better not be entangled anymore. Otherwise, it is possible to be killed at this pier. Let's go, let's go!"

"Haha, it's interesting!" Li Ke laughed, "Which rule of the Tang Dynasty stipulates that you will be beaten to death if you break into the water transport terminal? I really want to open my eyes today!"

Qin Mubai next to him laughed and said, "The son is so elegant today, I will be my company. This brother Zhou is a good person, and we will not embarrass you. Why don't you tell your brother to retreat , Let me wait and see, it’s okay."

"Hey, you really don't know how to promote!" Zhou Laojiu grinned bitterly, took a step back, and suddenly waved his hand, "Boom them away!"

A group of government officials showed off their swords, guns and clubs, and Li Ke suddenly shouted, "Stop!"

The public officials were stunned, but they actually stopped. I couldn't help but wondered neatly in my heart: What a majestic prestige, more than the style of the county magistrate!

Seeing that he has suppressed these bureaucrats, Li Ke feels very good, and he smiles at the corner of his mouth, "You are rushing us away in such a hurry, is there something shameless in this Eight Ghost Crossing? You are government officials, Is it not possible to smuggle contraband as a criminal offence?"

"Asshole, nonsense!" The public servants were startled at first, and then roared furiously, "Go away! Otherwise, take them all down and go to your prison!"

"Haha, fun and interesting!" Li Ke laughed with his palms, stepped back and laughed at Qin Mubai and Xue Rengui, "It's your turn. By the way, I really want to know which of you two fights harder? ?"

"He should be more agile." Qin Mubai also laughed, and took a step back with Li Ke, "And Yin Yang and Hong Tai, which round will I take the shot? Hong Tai will be the top ten!"

"It makes me bored!" Yuwen Hongtai roared loudly, and he was about to rush forward to beat people. The public servants only felt that their eyes were dark, and a **** bear-like guy had already rushed forward, scaring them a little bit of fear.

Not waiting for Yuwen Hongtai's fist to be meaty, a bigger riot suddenly came from the dock, roaring like thunder, and the vague sound of swords cutting through the air. Several ships also seemed to have been overturned, and large packages of cargo fell into the water, making a huge splash of water.

"Hey, it's more lively over there than here!" Li Ke and others stood on tiptoes and waited.

The public officials couldn't help looking back nervously. Yuwen Hongtai was stunned for a while with a fist: "Such a big movement?"

"Bangbang Bang——" At this moment, a series of loud noises suddenly sounded on the pier, and someone shouted at a ship watching tower next to the grid: "The pier has changed, the pier has changed!"

All the government officials were like the curse, they immediately threw down Li Ke and others, and rushed toward the pier desperately, leaving only two or three people at the entrance to pull up the fence and carry a knife to block it. , Life and death refused to give in half a step.

"It seems that there is a good show to watch. We came at the right time." Li Ke smiled evilly, and hooked his finger at Yuwen Hongtai, "It's time for you to play, Hongtai. This fence of broken trees and branches , Can't stop you?"

"Haha--" Yuwen Hong Tailei roared, like a locomotive ramming into the fence with full strength. There was a loud noise, accompanied by the yelling of fear of the servants, and a fence fell. Even though Yuwen Hongtai is huge, he is extremely agile. He slapped and rolled up on the spot. He lifted up a knocked down servant and threw aside, clapped his hands and said: "My son, this way is through. Please!"

Qin Mubai smiled: "My son, are we okay looking for trouble?"

"It is clearly not." Li Ke said in a serious tone, "We are here to watch the excitement!"