I have a long pupil

Chapter 72

As soon as Zhang Biao heard it, he knew that what he said was true.

The capital is different from other places. Many ordinary people only earn a dozen dollars for a day's work.

If you save a little, it is only enough to buy rations for a few days. Usually, if you eat the last meal, you will worry about the next meal, and if you miss a day of work, you will go hungry.

They have no land, so they are precarious and most affected by food prices.

There are quite a few people like this in every workshop in Nancheng.

Zhang Biao also realized the seriousness, nodded and said: "Okay, let's leave early."

After changing their clothes, the two came to the gate of Nancheng.

At this time, the gate of the city had just opened, and the goods merchants entering the city and the people in the suburbs of Beijing formed a long queue, the voices of people were noisy, and mules and horses neighed.

Even though the action was fast, the masonry and wood pulled from the outskirts of Beijing were still in the middle of the line, and the city guards checked them one by one, dawdling.

Seeing this, Yang Xiao quickly stepped forward, said a few words to the city guard leader with a playful smile, and at the same time quietly stuffed the scattered money.

"The ones behind, come here first!"

The two obviously knew each other very well. The commander of the city guard directly arranged to jump in the queue. The other people in the queue were already used to it, and they just complained in a low voice.

At this time, Zhengyang Street was not too crowded, and the two led the way. More than a dozen carts of bricks, stones and timber crossed the street, and turned right into Yongle Fangfang Lane.

Crossing from here, you can go directly to Fengyifang.

The craftsmen of Guojiawan were already waiting by the side of the alley, either wearing bamboo hats or smearing their faces black to cover up.

Everyone didn't talk nonsense, and directly led the car forward.

Even so, it is a bit late.

When we arrived at Chongxianfang, many people flocked to it, blocking the entire alley.

They were full of anxiety and talked a lot.

"Other grain stores are closed, and I heard people say that only Chongxianfang can buy grain..."

"How could there be a sudden food shortage?"

"Who knows, none of the food store bosses dare to show their heads, and they can't find anyone when they come to the door."

"Hmph! I'm afraid you don't know that this year, the grain harvests in the states are in short supply, and those rich people secretly bought all the grain. Most of them want to hoard it and buy low and high."

"Damn, is this still letting people live?"

"There are more people in the West Market. I heard that there is a fight. The people from the West Market Office have closed the gate..."

At this moment, there was a commotion at the gate of Chongxianfang.

"What, do you need money to enter the workshop?"

"I've never heard of such a thing!"

Facing the anger of the people, Marquis Wu of Chongxian Square waved his stick in his hand, and said viciously: "There are so many people, the workshop cannot be crowded, and if you don't want money, you just wait obediently. It's not that you are not allowed to enter."

"I give! I give!"

A few neatly dressed civilians paid the money and rushed into the workshop without saying a word.

Seeing someone taking the lead, many people followed suit.

After a while, someone went out with a bag of grain, and the people around asked about it.

"Is there really food in it?"

"Yes, but the price is [-]% higher than before, and the sale is limited to five catties per person. If there is more, we won't sell it."

As soon as these words came out, more people immediately paid for the door.

Seeing this, Yang Hao and a few others bowed their heads and sneered, "This is a way to take advantage of the fire. Look, it will be said later that the food is sold out, so let people go back."

Old man Guo, the leader of the craftsmen, said in astonishment: "The capital is so big, and there will be food shortages. What should the people do if they make trouble?"

"Don't worry, we won't make trouble today."

Yang Kui squinted and said in a low voice: "They will definitely say that there will be another batch of grain delivered tomorrow, but the price will be increased. First come, first served. Whoever dares to make trouble will not sell it tomorrow!"

"Adults in the court, you don't have time to play this trick, and you don't need to take risks. Judging from this method, some young masters should want to get some pocket money..."

Hearing these words, the craftsmen were dumbfounded.

Guo Wadang shook his head and scolded: "Mother, this black-hearted person is even more ruthless than those who robbed Dao."

Sure enough, Marquis Wu soon yelled loudly: "Everyone, I've been notified by the food store that this one has been sold out today, so go back."

"what?!"

When the people heard it, they immediately made a noise.

"I'm still waiting for the rice to cook at home, what should I do..."

"Get out of the way, I want to go in and have a look!"

"You must be hoarding!"

"Beat that black dog to death!"

Seeing the turbulent crowd, Marquis Wu, who blocked the gate of the workshop, also became nervous, clenched his stick tightly, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"Everyone, don't worry!"

Marquis Wu hurriedly shouted, "Tomorrow! Another batch of food will arrive tomorrow, everyone, please come here early..."

At this moment, someone yelled: "Hurry up, the West Market is open, and the imperial court is going to open the Changping Warehouse. The price is still there. Don't let these thieves take advantage of it!"

All of a sudden, the flow of people was crowded, and everyone ran fast, for fear of being preempted.

A sneer flashed in the eyes of Marquis Wu, who was guarding the gate, and he turned around and said, "Brothers, I will go to the food store to collect things later, and I will be the host tonight, Guangfu Building!"

"Brother Wang is open!"

Looking at the scene in front of him, Guo Wadang shook his head speechlessly, "People say that the capital is difficult to mix, and it really is."

Yang Xiao said with a smile: "This is how the world is. Where there are people, there are all kinds of calculations. From ancient times to the present, they have always been like birds."

"Let's go, don't miss the hour..."

Fengyifang is located on the westernmost side of Yujing City, not far from the west gate. It is a bit unlucky to sell funeral and funeral items, so there are few people.

Zhang Biao found Fangzheng Zhoutong.

This is a skinny old man who runs the largest coffin shop and is quite prestigious in Fengyifang.

"Zhou Fangzheng, I'm in trouble."

"Zhang Zhang... No, brother Zhang is being polite, don't worry, no one will bother you in that remote place, so you can just stay here with peace of mind."

The two had met before.

Even if Zhang Biao resigned from the six-door job, Zhou Tong also hoped to form a good relationship, and he didn't want to force money.

After all, there is a ruthless person in the workshop, who can also calm down those ghosts and snakes who come to fight the autumn wind...

"The foundation needs to be rebuilt!"

Guo Wadang is an experienced man, he found the problem after turning around, shook his head and said in a low voice: "This dilapidated temple has been around for some years, and there has also been waterlogging. If you want to build a stable secret room, you have to have a solid foundation..."

Seeing this, Yang Jue cupped his hands and said goodbye: "Everyone is busy first, there are a lot of miscellaneous things in the help today, Brother Zhang, if you have anything to do, call directly!"

"Brother Yang, go slowly!"

After sending Yang Xiao away, Zhang Biaocai led Guo Wadang and others along the dry well and entered the cave.

He is not afraid of the secret being discovered.

For one thing, these people will leave Beijing after finishing their work.

Secondly, he didn't want to do any important secrets, but just found a quiet place to practice magic.

"This place is nice..."

Guo Wadang was also sensible and didn't ask any more questions. He turned around and thought deeply: "The ancient well is the entrance, so it's not convenient, so we just seal it up. Build a secret room in the Taoist temple to pass through, and make an exit directly to the outside of the workshop!"

Zhang Biao's eyes lit up, "According to what Senior Guo said, and this cave has to be remodeled..."

……

While they were busy, chaos broke out in Xishi, far north of the city.

At today's court meeting, Prime Minister Liu Ji and others hurried to Qionghua Hall to explain the situation in the city.

Emperor Zhao Mian was furious when he heard the words, and ordered the Ministry of Punishment to investigate strictly, and at the same time opened Changping warehouse to quell public grievances.

Outside Changping's warehouse, Wu Ya was crowded with people.

"One person gives three catties?"

"That's enough!"

Panic and anger continued to spread among the crowd.

Some people got excited and began to push and push Marquis Wu, and some even shouted to break into the Changping warehouse to grab grain.

"What are you yelling about!"

Situ Bo, the servant of the household department who came to deal with this matter, scolded angrily: "This is the kindness of the Holy One, you don't know what is good or bad!"

"If there is no restriction, those greedy and ungrateful people will buy it wantonly. Can you grab it?"

"Don't worry, there is plenty of food in the Changping warehouse. The Holy Majesty has ordered someone to thoroughly investigate this matter, and the results will be forthcoming."

"Where is the Jinwu Guard, show me. Anyone who dares to provoke troubles will be taken away and sent to prison!"

After some hard and soft words, coupled with more and more Jin Wuwei guards who were staring at each other, finally no one dared to make trouble, and obediently lined up to buy food.

Seeing that the scene subsided, Situ Bo, the servant of the household department, breathed a sigh of relief. After entering the granary and taking a few glances, his face immediately became gloomy.

"It's enough for a few days."

"If today's situation is like this, after three days, Changping warehouse will be empty."

"Bring that dog thief over here!"

As soon as the words fell, the wolf-like guard dragged the trembling steward over.

Murderous intent flickered in Situ Bo's eyes, "I don't care who's behind you, go back and tell your master, I'm sitting here tonight, and before tomorrow morning, I'll spit out everything I ate!"

"Let's go, bring someone to watch him!"

After some confusion, night finally fell.

Situ Bo sat in the courtyard of Changping warehouse, surrounded by torches, but no one came to bring food.

"Report!"

A guard soldier hurried over, with an ugly face, cupped his hands and said, "Report to my lord, the food officer went around the Taipingfang, and hanged himself when he got home."

"Ah."

Situ Bo nodded lightly, took a sip of tea calmly, how could he still be angry during the day.

Of course he knew who sold the food.

It is even known that those grains have already been dispersed to the states and entered the grain depots of the wealthy families.

But those people, he can't afford to provoke them.

Make a gesture and throw the pot out.

Tomorrow, the court hall will probably be lively...

In the distance near the wall of the square, Zhang Biao ran fast, hiding in the dark from time to time, and soon came to Judefang in Beicheng.

Outside the square gate, Cui Laodao turned around anxiously, touching his brow with cold sweat from time to time, and secretly looked aside.

Beside him, a woman in silver armor shouldered a big gun, quietly looking at the moonlight, her face was full of sadness...

(End of this chapter)