Finest Servant

In the early morning of the second day, before dawn, Lin Wanrong was sleeping soundly, but heard a woman shouting from outside the door: "Lin San, get up soon."

Lin Wanrong opened her eyes hazy, and when she heard the voice that seemed to be the eldest lady, she wondered, this girl, why did she wake up so early, isn't she afraid of having panda eyes?

"Lin San, get up, we're going." The eldest lady's voice came from outside again.

Lin Wanrong had no choice but to put on his clothes and walked over to open the door, only to see the stars twinkling in the sky, the morning star was bright, and there was still more than an hour before dawn.

The eldest young lady had already been well-dressed, wearing a long cloak, her little face was a little red from the cold wind, she stood outside his door and glanced at him: "I knew you were still sleeping. Wake up soon. Well, we're leaving now."

Lin Wanrong yawned and said, "Miss, what time is it? Are you in such a hurry?"

Xiao Yuruo snorted: "This is a journey of several hundred miles to Hangzhou. If I hadn't traveled earlier, how would I have been able to make it in time?" You are lazy and lazy, but you still make so many excuses. Next time I will find a gong and drum to beat in your ear to see how you can be lazy. "

Lin Wanrong thought to herself, here I come, this is why she found a reason to discipline me, hehe, this little girl, too, underestimates me. He washed his face indiscriminately with cold water, the weather was getting colder, he brought a few more clothes, and went out with the eldest lady.

The eldest lady saw that his movements were quick and clean. His face was a little better, and he said: "Don't do this in the future, how can I come to urge you?" Lin Wanrong thought, it's just right if you don't come, I slept until dawn.

After hitting the door, Lin Wanrong felt a little ashamed when he saw the battle. Not only Madam Xiao stood there, but even Xiao Yushuang blushed. Apparently it's been a while. When the second lady saw him coming, she smiled sweetly, which made Lin Wanrong feel a warm fire in her heart.

Lao Tzu is probably the most lazy servant in this era. Lin Wanrong chuckled a few times and stepped forward and said, "Mrs. Second Miss, it's good morning."

The lady nodded and smiled and said, "Lin San, did you sleep well last night? If you hadn't gone early today, I wouldn't have woken you up so early."

Madam's words are really heart-warming, but Lin Wanrong clearly knows that this is a means for Madam to win over herself.

"Mrs. Xie cares. I slept well all night." Lin Wanrong pretended to be grateful.

The lady nodded and smiled: "Yu Ruo is a woman, it is inconvenient to go to Hangzhou all the way. You have to worry a lot.

"

"Where, where, with the wise leadership of the eldest lady, this road will be unimpeded, smooth and safe." Lin Wanrong said with a sloppy eye.

The second lady looked at him with a smile, her red lips biting lightly, as if she wanted to say something, but because her mother and sister were present, she didn't know how to speak.

When the eldest lady saw that everyone was almost ready, she said to the lady, "Mother. You and Yushuang go back and rest. We will set off from here."

Xiao Yushuang hurriedly took a few steps, grabbed the eldest lady's hand and said, "Sister, be careful along the way."

Xiao Yuruo smiled and nodded, and the second lady turned to look at Lin Wanrong again. He said softly, "Lin San, you—be careful too."

"Thank you, Second Miss." Lin Wanrong took a few steps closer without knowing it, and was about to grab Second Miss's little hand, but saw Eldest Miss standing in front of her sister and said: "Lin San, you have everything ready. Are you ready?"

Seeing a sly look flashing in the eyes of this eldest lady, Lin Wanrong was annoyed, you girl, you deliberately ruined my good deeds, *, one day, I will also ruin your good deeds.

"Oh, it's all ready. By the way, Second Miss, are the Buddhist scriptures you're reciting good? The Lingyin Temple by the West Lake in Hangzhou, I heard that it is a famous temple, or I'll go and find two good books for you. The Buddhist scriptures came back? I don’t know if there is an illustrated version?”

The second lady covered her mouth and chuckled secretly, this bad guy, the Buddhist scriptures are not all the same, how can there be any difference between good and bad? Do you think it was the tabloid you drew? There is also an illustrated version. This is clearly looking for ballast to talk to me.

Seeing the anger on the eldest young lady's face, Xiao Yushuang hurriedly said: "You don't need to go and take good care of your sister. Also, you have to take care of yourself, don't make trouble, don't cause trouble, come back early." From the back, the sound was inaudible.

Mrs. Xiao was standing far away, not yet heard, but the eldest miss and Lin Wanrong were very close. Seeing Lin San grinning, the eldest snorted: "If that's the case, then let's go."

After she finished speaking, she turned around and boarded the car. The second lady took the opportunity to help her sister into the car, but gently threw a small ball of paper to Lin San. Lin Wanrong quickly grabbed it in his hand. The second lady blushed, glanced at him quietly, and quickly backed away.

Lin Wanrong was itching in her heart, Yushuang, this girl, has learned even the private actions of throwing a small note, it is really more and more sultry.

The eldest lady lifted the curtains in the car and waved to her mother and sister: "Mother, Yushuang, you should go back and rest. We will be back in a few days."

Mrs. Xiao nodded and said: "Miss's nose is a little sore, she waved to the carriage again and again, she faintly saw the bad guy waving at her with a smile, her eyes were a little red, and she was shy and worried, lying in her mother's arms, Tears wet his eyes.

Lin Wanrong turned over and stepped on the dark horse. This time, besides Lin Wanrong, there were two servants and a girl who followed the eldest lady to Hangzhou. The girl naturally took the bus with the eldest lady.

The remaining two servants are all acquaintances, one is the clever Four Virtues, and the other is the honest Xiao Feng.

Due to the problem of petal supply, the perfume workshop can only produce more than 500 bottles per month. Xiao Feng is a master, but he has some spare time. The Four Virtues, who followed Fu Bo and a few others to set up a soap workshop, were no strangers to Lin San. These two servants were personally selected by the eldest lady, thinking that Lin Wanrong was somewhat familiar with the two of them. It was easy to use, and the two of them were also capable, so they went with them.

When Xiao Yuruo saw the three of them get on the horse, she stuck her head out from the curtain and said, "Lin San, you are the leader of Hangzhou, except for me, but you have to take them well. Don't make trouble and live up to it. I have high hopes for my mother and I."

This little girl is very cunning. She deliberately asked me to control two people and aroused my sense of responsibility. It was a good move.

Lin Wanrong smiled and said: "Brother Xiao. Four virtues, you two follow me well, but don't get lost."

"Yes, third brother." The two said respectfully at the same time. Lin Wanrong is now a senior family servant, much higher than the two of them, and his status in the Xiao family is even more prosperous. I am afraid that even the housekeeper Wang will be honored as the third brother when he sees him.

This bad guy is still a little dignified, the eldest lady nodded secretly. Said: "In that case, you should take care of each other."

The three were divided into two groups. Lin Wanrong and Xiao Feng rode side by side on the left side of the carriage, while the Side escort was on the right side of the carriage, and the group went out of the city.

Lin Wanrong is now getting familiar with his riding skills. He borrowed Xiao Feng's body to block the eyes of the eldest young lady, and gently opened the small note thrown by the second young lady, only to see a line of beautiful small characters written on it: "Go and return quickly, wait. you!"

Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled. Although the words are short, the love is long, Yushuang, this girl, is getting more and more well-behaved.

When a group of chariots and horses passed by the food, Lin Wanrong saw from a distance that the lights in Qiaoqiao's room had been lit. This girl actually got up so early, and a warm current rose in his heart. He was thinking of a way to accuse the eldest lady to see Qiaoqiao, but he saw a charming figure standing downstairs of Shiweixian, concentrating on it. It turned out to be Qiaoqiao Nanzi.

"Brother--" Qiaoqiao saw Lin Wanrong from a distance, and ran over like a fly.

Lin Wanrong was taken aback and hurriedly got off the horse and said, "Qiaoqiao, why are you here?"

The weather is getting colder, Qiaoqiao is wearing a little red flower jacket, her face is red, she tightly holds Lin Wanrong's hand and says, "Brother, I can wait for you."

Gently plucking the frost ridges hanging from Qiaoqiao's hair, Lin Wanrong took her little hand and said, "Silly girl, why are you here."

Qiaoqiao smiled shyly and said, "The eldest lady asked someone to give me a message last night, saying that you are going to Hangzhou with her today, and let me prepare some food for you."

Just as she was talking, Xiao Yuruo stuck her head out of the carriage and said, "Qiaoqiao, I really want to thank you."

Qiaoqiao smiled sweetly and said, "Miss, why are you so out of touch?"

Qiaoqiao waved her hand, and there were two guys who were food gods. They carried some food and put them on the carriage. Xiao Nizi took a bamboo basket and said to Lin Wanrong, "Brother, here are all your favorite foods. I made it early this morning, it's fresh, if you're hungry on the road, just heat it up and it's ready to use."

Lin Wanrong held her cold little hand and said: "Qiaoqiao, don't stay up late, go to bed early and get up early. I told you that a woman's youth is very precious. Staying up late like this is not good for your health. It’s not allowed in the future. You listen to the elder brother, go back and rest now.”

Qiaoqiao snorted, lowered her head and said, "Brother, it's a long way to go to Hangzhou, you have to take care of your health."

Lin Wanrong lightly stroked her face and said, "Silly girl, don't cry anymore, the eldest brother will be back in a few days. This is Hangzhou, it's close, the eldest brother is riding a horse, and he can fight a day and night. back and forth."

Qiaoqiao wiped away her tears and hurriedly stopped him and said, "Brother, don't be tired. Traveling a long way is better than staying at home. You must walk slowly and carefully, and don't be in a hurry."

The eldest lady seemed a little impatient when she saw the two of them kissing me and me, and said, "It's getting late, Lin San, it's time for us to set off."

Lin Wanrong whispered to Qiaoqiao: "Has the eldest lady paid for these food?"

Qiaoqiao broke into a smile and said, "Brother, how can you do such a calculation?"

Seeing the smile on Lin Wanrong's face, it was clear that it was the elder brother who was making fun of him. The little girl was both happy and ashamed. It was not the first time that she had spoken to her elder brother like this. I don't know where the magic came from.

Saying goodbye to the reluctant Qiao Qiao, Lin Wanrong didn't speak when he saw that the eldest lady seemed a little unhappy. Now it seems that all this was deliberately arranged by the eldest lady. She deliberately told Qiaoqiao in advance that it was false to ask for food. But it was deliberately letting Qiaoqiao come to see him off, which was also considered to have sold Lin Wanrong a face. Does this make me grateful to Dade? This girl's abacus is a thief.

The group walked for a while, the city wall was in sight, and they were about to leave the city. In the distance, they saw a few gentlemen, holding high torches, and sticking something to the wall, looking like that. Seems to be a notice.

Lin Wanrong winked at Si De, this kid is really smart, so he straddled the horse and ran forward, and came back after a while.

The eldest lady also saw the situation, and said, "What notice was issued?"

The four virtues respectfully said: "Miss Ji. Brother San, that is the general text issued by the Governor."

"Oh?" The eldest lady was surprised. This Governor-General Luo has always given very few notices, but what happened today?

A group of people hurried up, Lin Wanrong opened his eyes wide, struggling to look at the vertical small traditional Chinese characters, his eyes were a little blurry. After taking a few glances, he was too lazy to look at it, so he asked Xiao Feng next to him and said, "Brother Xiao. I didn't sleep well last night, and I couldn't keep my eyes open. Tell me, what is the notice issued by the Governor? "

Xiao Feng said: "It's an announcement of new taxes. The Governor said that in order to raise funds, build river defenses, and benefit the people of Jiangsu, in accordance with the principle of having money and strength, we will pay special attention to the brothels by the Qinhuai River. Tax and industry tax. After paying the tax, these brothels can go to the yamen to sign the registration, officially list, and then use this visa to operate in an upright manner.”

Wonderful, this old Luo has a set. I only gave him the idea of ​​increasing the tax, but he went a step further and skillfully combined this tax increase with the issuance of operating licenses. In this way, the official and private prostitutes were exposed and the prostitutes were hidden, and the price was clearly marked. These brothels were originally semi-dark and semi-dark. The court neither permitted nor prohibited them, so Lao Luo took advantage of this loophole and made money. Those who pay this special industry tax are equivalent to receiving a pass issued by the yamen, and the brothel has become public and legal. In this way, driven by huge profits, even if the tax amount is high, those bosses are willing to pay.

Lao Luo's hand is really beautiful, Lin Wanrong sighed in his heart, but listened to Xiao Feng continue: "Master Luo also said that he has ordered the commander of the Jiangsu capital, Master Cheng, to go to the battalion and ride the camp immediately, repair the Yangtze River defense, and also We call on the people of the whole province to donate money and contribute to the river defense. At the critical moment, the military and civilians in Jiangsu need to work together to defend their homeland. Anyone who dares to disobey the order will destroy Jinling and Jiangsu, and they will be sinners through the ages. "

Although Cheng De and Luo Min were at odds, Luo Min was the nominal top military and political officer in Jiangsu Province, and Cheng De was also subject to his restraint. His first move was to create public opinion and kick the ball to Cheng De. It was Lin Wanrong. The way I taught him yesterday.

The eldest lady is very disgusted by the brothel's business, but she is also in business. In business, it is not good for businessmen to levy new taxes. She sighed: "It's not easy to do business. The tax is only based on the words of the official, and I don't know which dog-headed master came up with the idea."

Lin Wanrong's forehead was sweating profusely. Isn't that dog-headed master me? I can't bear this wrongful reputation. He hurriedly defended: "Miss, they are all in business, and this is not false. But business is also divided into big and small, and the profit is more thick and thin. There is no need for me to mention the huge profits in a business like brothel. But the business is covered with the blood and tears of women, and the money that falls into the hands of those hard-working women is less than 10% of the 10%. . Where did this huge profit go?"

The eldest lady showed a thoughtful look, and Lin Wanrong continued: "The existence of this brothel is naturally due to its reason. To put it bluntly, it can survive only if it is needed. It is better to block it. Since there is such a need, it is better to simply pick it up. Clear, standardize it, and impose heavy taxes on its huge profits, which not only restricts his development, but also has a source of tax revenue, killing two birds with one stone, why not do it?"

What restricts development, this is a complete nonsense to deceive people, and there is a market when there is demand. This is an eternal truth. The heavy tax on this brothel will not have much impact on those vampire bosses. Passing it on to the client, Lin Wanrong naturally knows the doorway.

As a result, the value of those brothel sisters will skyrocket, and it will cost more to visit the kiln. Alas, I can't blame me. For this idea, the price of pork has risen, let alone the kiln sister? One is willing to be beaten, the other is willing to suffer, who will let men like this? Make some contribution to the river defense, let's recognize it.

The eldest lady glanced at him and said, "Lin San, you defend Lord Luo like this. Could it be that you came up with this idea?"

"How can I, such a genius idea, how could I come up with it, I guess Lord Luo invited the most intelligent person in the world to come up with such a wonderful idea." Lin Wanrong said with a smile.

The eldest snorted and did not speak. Several people were about to go out when they heard the sound of hoofs. A woman in a public uniform came riding a white horse, majestic, and said to the officers, "Brothers. , is it all finished here?"

Lin Wanrong looked up, but it was the little girl Wanying, she was a public servant in Jinling Mansion, and she naturally had a share in the announcement.

Wanying seemed to have some appeal, and the officers nodded again and again: "It's finished."

Wanying nodded slightly, turned around and was about to leave, when she saw a black horse standing in front of the notice, and the man was sitting right away, looking at her with a quizzical look and smiling, wasn't that the beating Lin San?