Chapter Eighteen: The Dove Occupies the Magpie's Nest

  They all went to the Flower Hall, Guangzhou Prefecture, where Guo Chaofan held a delicate five-color small covered bowl, admiring the arrangement of the ornaments in the hall, secretly sighing that it was indeed worthy of being a royal noble family, with every scene and object having its own craftsmanship.

  Guo Pinchao was a native of Qingzhen, Guizhou. He was intelligent and studious from an early age, and at the age of 17, he already had a reputation for his literary talent. The great scholar Xu Guangwen gave him the nickname "Superior to the Ordinary". In the 16th year of the Daoguang Emperor's reign (1836), he passed the imperial examination and became a jinshi. He first served as a professor in Xingyi Prefecture, Guizhou for six years, where he renovated the examination hall and promoted talented individuals. In the 24th year of the Daoguang Emperor's reign (1844), he was transferred to Guangdong Province to serve as an official, successively serving as the magistrate of Rao Ping, Dongguan, and Xiangshan counties. His superiors praised him for "not fearing the strong and not being intimidated by foreigners", and he successfully pacified local armed conflicts, captured and killed the pirate "Tian Gong Da Wang" (Heavenly King Big Net), earning him the reputation as a "famous scholar" and "famous general".

  Ye Zha didn't know that Zhang Zhidong, one of the banner figures of the Westernization Movement, came from his door, only knowing that this Guangzhou governor was quite upright and had a not-so-harmonious relationship with Ye Mingchen.

  Guo Chaofan suddenly came to visit Ye Zhaonan, and it was not without reason. The day before yesterday, the Tao family, a wealthy household in Xiguan, suddenly reported a case, saying that the old master of the Tao family had been kidnapped and forced to write an IOU for 100,000 taels of silver. The kidnapper had a connection with Taihe Number.

  At that time, Guo Chaofan didn't quite believe it. To say that the kidnappers were demanding a ransom was one thing, but to force someone to write an IOU and then collect on it? That was simply unbelievable. However, the Tao family was a large and influential clan, so Guo Chaofan naturally had to send someone to investigate. But just as the messenger was about to leave, someone came to visit, bearing a name card that read "Suna, Third-Class Bodyguard of the Manchu Plain Blue Banner". This was clearly someone from the household of Duke Du Tong. Suna's words were laced with subtle hints, saying that Taihe Hang had connections with his relatives, and that they had heard about the recent dispute over money with the Tao family, asking His Excellency to make a fair judgment, etc.

  The imperial family is not allowed to engage in business, but there are not a few who secretly participate in it. However, Guo Chaofan does not believe that the Prince's brother, Taihe, has anything to do with commerce. From birth, he was fed by the imperial household, and his family's wealth was boundless. The lands outside the pass were all his, so why would he look down on the meager profits of merchants? Not to mention that in his eyes, a merchant's identity is probably beneath contempt.

  As for the lower officials of the Governor's Mansion, some people have a relationship with Taihehao, which is certain. I didn't want to let the Governor know, but I heard that Taihehao and Taoshi had a dispute over silver and money involving an amount of tens of thousands of taels. Guo Chaofan couldn't help but take a cold breath. The entire Tao family's industry and land are probably not worth this much, right?

  Although the old master of the Tao family had a notorious reputation, Guo Chaofan had long wanted to deal with him. However, the Tao family was wealthy and powerful in Guangzhou, with extensive connections to various docks and wharfs, making it difficult to touch them lightly. Sometimes Guo Chaofan felt that being an official was suffocating, often drowning his sorrows in wine, which led to a chronic cough. The doctor privately diagnosed him as "suffering from overwork and depression, fearing an early demise".

  It's true that the Tao family is in a precarious situation, and it's also a fact that they've been oppressed. However, to say that someone has been plotting against their family business without any reason, that's not quite right. After all, this is the legacy of the Tao family's ancestors, and among these people, there are those who are noble and upright.

  Guo Chaofan came to visit the Commander-in-Chief, wanting to test the waters and see if he knew about the corruption among his subordinates.

  "Governor, there is a silver shop outside the west gate, called Taihe. Have you heard of it?" Guo Chaofan's face was elegant and refined, and just looking at him made one feel good.

  Ye Zhaosheng smiled slightly: "I've heard a bit about it, I hear that Taihe Number and the Tao family have disputes over silver and money, business disputes among the people, it's better to let them resolve it themselves."

  Guo Chaofan was secretly worried that the Tao family would never reveal this matter to outsiders, otherwise they feared that all the creditors would come to their doorstep immediately. Lord Dou knew about this and understood the cause and effect, and from his words, it was clear that he wanted to cover up for his subordinate.

  Ye Zhaoslowly and deliberately drank a mouthful of tea, then smiled and said: "I've been thinking about this matter too, it won't make a big fuss, Master Futa can rest assured."

  Guo Chaofan felt slightly relieved and smiled, saying: "The commander is all-knowing and wise, I have learned from him." Since the commander wouldn't make things worse, for now he could only wait and see how things developed. He had said so himself, if he were to force his way in, it would probably not be a good thing.

  Can only hope that this prince understands reason and knows how to restrain himself, otherwise even if he has to sacrifice his own life, he will have to be punished. Tao Lao Er is after all a minor evil, but if the imperial family acts so lawlessly, it's likely to lead to a great disaster.

  Ye Zhaopin sipped his tea and said, "Guangzhou is a place of elegance and refinement, with convenient water and land transportation. It is the most prosperous place in the southern border region. The governor and officials also attach great importance to commerce, which is fortunate for the people."

  Guo Chaofan, however, did not think much of merchants. Although they were all wearing the same hat given by the emperor, he couldn't help but say: "Merchants are greedy and often break the law. I truly want to restrain them more, but unfortunately, my power is limited."

  Ye Zhaosu smiled: "It's not necessary to say that, thinking that industry and agriculture are the foundation of a country, but if there is no businessman to facilitate the supply and demand, it would be very inconvenient, let alone improve the efficiency of creating wealth."

  Guo Chaofan felt a bit bewildered and didn't quite understand Ye Zhao's meaning, so he simply picked up his teacup to take a sip.

  Ye Zhaolost his enthusiasm and smiled: "I have had a lot of contact with Western priests, and I wrote a few articles randomly. Please ask the governor to correct them." As he spoke, he patted his hand, and Cai Qi entered at the sound, Ye Zhao then smiled: "Go to the study room, ask Madam to bring a copy of 'Western Chronicles'."

  "The Essentials of Western Countries" is a later compilation by Ye Zhaowu of his own scattered writings, carefully edited and arranged, and different from the books he gave to Su Hongniang. It objectively introduces the current state of industry, commerce, technology, social status, occupational distribution, etc. of various Western countries, but deletes his own feelings and thoughts in general.

  Of course, however, to talk about large-scale printing, under current conditions, it's feared that it would still cause a stir, so Ye Zhao could only copy a few volumes and send them individually to people for viewing. A few days ago, he sent one to Ye Mingxuan, and today, seeing Guo Chaofan's enthusiasm, Ye Zhao couldn't help but have the intention of giving him a book as well.

  It was Rong'er who helped Ye Zhao copy books. Since receiving the task assigned by Ye Zhao, Rong'er was so excited to be able to help her master that she almost hid in the study every day to help Ye Zhao copy books. In just a few days, she had already copied three or four volumes, which made Ye Zhao somewhat regretful.

  I should have known better than to ask for her help. I thought I was giving her something to do, so she wouldn't be bored staying at home all day. But it turns out the little one has been stuck in the study room all day instead. Ye Zhaohad hoped that she would take more interest in those toys, such as the piano, camera, binoculars, kaleidoscope and so on.

  Guo Chaofan took the book handed over by the maid and could only repeatedly express his gratitude, smiling: "I've long heard that General Du is well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge, and has a deep understanding of both Chinese and Western learning. I will definitely study it carefully when I return to my residence." Of course, this was just a polite phrase.

  Ye Zhao smiled and said: "As long as Your Excellency doesn't discard me like a piece of scrap paper."

  Guo Pinchao was taken aback, and smiled: "Sir is joking." He thought to himself that he should carefully read it again on his way back, so as not to be embarrassed and offend him greatly when answering questions in front of him.

  ……

  A grand mansion with three entrances and exits, green tiles and blue bricks stacked layer upon layer, courtyards nested within courtyards, connected by winding paths, majestic and imposing, the Tao family's compound in Xiguan is truly famous for its grandeur.

  In front of the main hall, a square paved with green bricks, a row of corridors with carved beams and painted pillars, a large path leading directly to the gate, passing by the screen wall, raising one's head to see a golden nine-dragon plaque on a blue background, with three large characters written in bold font, "Wenxiu Hall", which was inscribed by the ancestors of the Tao family.

  At this moment, the hall was filled with a gloomy atmosphere, and the seats were packed with people. The manager of the Tao family, the head of the accounting department, the chief executive of the Hong Kong Island Trading Company, and the heads of several large estates had all gathered together, almost all the elites in the Tao family's industrial chain. These people who have climbed to their current position naturally have some ability, but at this moment they were all whispering to each other with strange expressions. It was said that Master Tao II had lost over 100,000 taels of silver in one breath, which would be enough to bankrupt the entire Tao family. Losing money, the Tao family might as well be finished.

  "What's all the commotion about?" Tao Lao Er was reclining on a chair, his injured leg stretched out straight, looking as eccentric as possible, but he still had an air of arrogance as he scolded the stewards of the Tao family. It wasn't that he wanted to lose face, but Madam had given orders with a cold face for the servants to "carry him to the main hall". The servants didn't dare disobey, even if they were going to get a good scolding from the old master, they didn't dare offend Madam. Her pair of enchanting eyes seemed to pierce through your soul, making you shiver all over. Who was really in charge in the Tao family?

  Not only did the people below lose their sense of propriety, but even those in charge at this moment couldn't care less, as it was a matter that affected everyone's fate and future, so who still cared about superior or inferior status.

  "Second Master! Is the rumor outside true? The Tao family owes someone 100,000 taels of silver?" The speaker was a lean middle-aged man with piercing eyes, the head clerk of the Tao family's De Shun Hang in Hong Kong, and a loyal servant of the Tao family, surnamed Xiao. Although the Tao family's eldest son had passed away long ago, Clerk Xiao still addressed Old Master Tao as "Second Master".

  Tao Lao Er rolled his eyes and said, "What's the big deal about owing money? I'll report it to the Guangzhou government, they're extortionists! All of you, stop causing trouble here, whoever doesn't want to work can get out!"

  One stone stirred up a thousand waves, and upon hearing that the matter was true, the person in charge immediately blew his top. Another person stood up and said loudly: "Second Master, you can't talk like this! We're also doing it for the good of the Tao family, so we rushed over anxiously. How could Second Master treat us like beggars? Without our day-and-night hard work, would your Tao family have such a big business?"

  Tao Lao Er's face turned red with rage as he scolded, "Zhao Quan'er, you're just a beggar in my eyes!"

  Hao, a burst of noise, Zhao Quan also refused to show weakness, stiffening his neck and loudly retorting.

  At this time, a clear voice of a maid was heard outside the hall: "The second madam has arrived!"

  The noisy hall suddenly became quiet as if it had been cast a spell.

  "Who said that? I'm listening, if no one else is, then it's just us Tao family!" The sweet and charming voice made people's hearts itch, but the serious ones were sweating bullets, as for Tao Lao Er, he was so scared his face turned pale and didn't dare to make a sound again.

  The sound of footsteps echoed, and the hall was suddenly brightened. A slender waist and delicate steps entered, accompanied by an infinitely charming and alluring young woman. Her radiant beauty was dazzling, making it hard to gaze directly at her. Her pair of enchanting phoenix eyes seemed to be smiling yet not smiling, with a lovely face and rosy cheeks that exuded endless charm. She wore a red rose-embroidered peony hundred-flower skirt, with a five-colored tassel-adorned pearl hanging from her slender waist. The flowing light danced with golden threads, making the entire hall resplendent. Her lotus feet were seductive, and her figure was elegant and refined. Truly, she was an extraordinary beauty that could captivate one's soul.

  The beautiful young woman was Jin Erniang, whose reputation had spread throughout Xiguan.

  Inside the hall, all the servants didn't dare to look at her more than once, holding their breath, not even daring to breathe out. This second lady was famous for her beauty, but infamous for her cruelty. Two years ago, a foreigner who had spoken to her in an unseemly manner was found beaten to death in a small alley the next day, causing a huge stir and almost leading to war between the foreign trade delegation and the Guangzhou city garrison.

  Such a ruthless and cunning master, who wouldn't be afraid?

  "What's wrong? Why isn't anyone speaking? Have you all become mute?" Jin Er Nai Nai smiled lightly, and the managers' hearts tightened, making no one dare to make a sound.

  Jin Er Nai Nai gently picked up the golden-rimmed tea cup and took a sip, "You guys, I know what you're thinking, it's all for the good of the Tao family, but there's no need to worry unnecessarily. Can you believe everything people say outside? Don't you know how many people want us Tao family to have no good days? Haven't we heard enough rumors and gossip over the years?"

  Xiao Zhuanggui looked around and smiled apologetically: "Second Madam, we naturally believe what you say, but..."

  Jin Er's snow-white small hand was raised, interrupting his words. "How many mouths are there to feed in the Tao family? I know it clearly in my heart and won't let everyone go hungry! I, Jin Feng, say what I mean!" Her nickname is Jin Er, while Jin Er Nai Nai is just a title outsiders use behind her back. Her given name is Jin Feng, which many people have come to know over the years.

  "Second Madam, with your words, we can all rest assured!" The managers all breathed a sigh of relief. Jin Second Madam's words were as good as gold, and everyone trusted her, so they all stood up to bid farewell.

  After sending away the servants, Jin Erniang returned to the living room and saw several servants helping Tao Lao'er get up. Her pretty face immediately turned cold.

  "Husband, wife, I'm going back to my room to rest." Seeing Jin Er Nai Nai, Tao Lao Er was so scared that he stuttered when speaking.

  "Take the two old men to their small house and nurse them, don't come out this year! If you dare to cause trouble again, I'll break your dog legs!" Looking at Tao Lao Er's servile appearance, Jin Feng felt a wave of disgust.

  "Yes, yes!" The people below were so frightened that they kept answering in unison, and Tao Lao'er didn't dare to argue a single sentence.

  The room was empty, but Jin Er Nai Nai lay weakly in her chair. She had just spoken lightly, but in her heart she knew that the Tao family would probably not be able to escape this disaster unless a miracle occurred; otherwise, their vast family business would disappear in an instant.

  The person who went to the government office to file a complaint reported back that the Guangzhou Prefecture refused to accept the complaint, saying it was just a civil dispute over money and should be handled privately. If they made another false report of banditry, the Tao family would definitely be punished.

  Just hearing this, it's clear that Taihe is extremely skilled and if he were to challenge an official, he would likely lose even more miserably.

  But how can this be good? Can't just sit back and watch as someone else takes over our family business?

  ………………………

  There's still half an hour left for voting in Sanjiang, everyone go cast a vote, the leading advantage is not obvious...