Chapter 18: Calculation and Counter-Calculation?

  Lü Bu sat in the carriage, bringing Tian Wei and Xin Pi to follow Cao Cao to Danyang to recruit soldiers. Xu Shu and Hua Tuo returned to Fan County, Xu Shu wanted to go assist Guo Yuan in governing Fan County, while Hua Tuo was going back to continue his medical research. Originally, Cao Cao did not allow Lü Bu to follow him, but Lü Bu rolled on the ground wanting to experience the prosperity of Xuzhou, Cao Cao had no choice and could only bring Lü Bu along, however, Lü Bu was not allowed to go to Danyang and could only wait in Xiapi, Xuzhou for Cao Cao. Lü Bu nodded, anyway his goal was not Danyang but Xuzhou!

  Cao Cao and Xiahou Dun parted ways with Lü Bu after arriving at the borders of Xuzhou. Lü Bu, accompanied by Dian Wei and Xin Pi, entered the city of Xuzhou. Upon entering the city, Lü Bu was greatly astonished - Xuzhou's prosperity was indeed the greatest in all of Han! The scene of Qi's capital Linzi's flourishing prosperity in years past was now mirrored in Xuzhou's Pengcheng.

  Lü Rui strolled around the streets of Xuzhou, bought a lot of local specialties, and then came to the most famous restaurant in Xuzhou, Wangyu Building for dinner.

  The little servant saw the crowd of people in their fine clothes and immediately came over to greet them, smiling and saying: "How many guests? We have private rooms upstairs. Please?"

  Xin Bi glanced at Xiao Er and said, "We have this many people, you take care of it. We want the best wine and dishes, also a spacious place, our young master likes big places, if we can see the scenery that would be even better."

  "Alright, understood. Honored guest, please go up to the top floor."

  The little servant then swung his towel and shouted loudly: "Honored guests on the top floor, take good care of them!"

  Lyu Rui and his group of over 20 people went up to the top floor's grand hall, basically occupying the entire top floor. Then, Xiao Er introduced Lyu Rui to the special dishes of Wang Yu Lou. As its name suggests, fish is the main course, especially the whole fish banquet, which is a specialty here. Lyu Rui loves eating fish, so he immediately ordered a whole fish banquet and also asked for some special dishes from Xuzhou.

  "Hmm!" Lü Rui rubbed his belly, feeling full. Although the flavorings of the Great Han Dynasty were not as numerous as those of later generations, some fruit sauces made from natural fruits and vegetables were quite good, making up for the lack of flavorings. The dishes had a fresh taste, which still left Lü Rui very satisfied.

  Just as Lü Rui was about to taste the tea and enjoy the beautiful scenery, the shopkeeper suddenly came up and smiled at Lü Rui: "Sir, are you satisfied with our wine and dishes?"

  Lü Rui nodded and said, "Delicious, not bad. This young master has been to many places to taste delicious food, and the dishes here are indeed good. Wangyu Building, it's really famous for a reason!"

  The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Sir, you're too polite. Do you need anything else? If not, our small store is about to close the top floor, please go downstairs to the private room for tea, and we'll give you a 50% discount on this meal?"

  Lv Rui took a look and glanced at the shopkeeper, what did he mean? In broad daylight, was he going to close up shop?

  Xin Pi scolded from the side: "Bastard, do you know who our young master is? Closing during the day? Don't ruin our young master's mood, or else you'll be in trouble!"

  As soon as Xin Pi finished speaking, Dian Wei placed his halberd on the table, and the other guards drew their swords with a few swift sounds. The shopkeeper immediately knelt down, choking with sobs, saying: "Sir, I know you are an honored guest, but this time the people who came are really not easy to mess with, it's like this in Xuzhou." After finishing speaking, he stretched out his thumb.

  Lü Rui smiled to himself, "The powerful and wealthy of Xuzhou? I'd like to see that for myself." Lü Rui took a sip of tea, blinked his eyes and said: "I'm not leaving!"

  Zhang Gui hastily replied, "Sir, please advise your young master. We have been invited by Xu Zhou's Mi family to a banquet for Chen family's Chen Deng. If you don't leave, it might..."

  Lü Rui heard this and waved his small wooden sword, saying: "I'm not leaving, I still want to play here. Whoever chases me away, I'll get someone to chop him!"

  Dian Wei listened and immediately slapped the small tea table next to him, shattering it. The shopkeeper looked at it anxiously, sweating profusely, saying: "Sir, look, this meal is on our Wangyu Building, sir, we won't charge you, we won't charge you!"

  Lü Rui just smiled and continued playing with the wooden sword in his hand.

  Suddenly, a sharp voice came over, "Shopkeeper, why haven't the people upstairs left yet? My young master and Young Master Chen are about to arrive, hurry up!"

  Following the sound, he looked over and saw a pointed-mouthed monkey-faced man leading a group of servants walking up. The shopkeeper took one look and hurriedly ran over, saying: "Gao Manager is here, this, this guest doesn't want to leave."

  The shopkeeper looked at Lü Rui and said in a low voice: "Housekeeper, it seems that the other party is also not easy to mess with!"

  The steward looked at Lü Rui and then said loudly, "Who is that blind fool? Today our young master coincidentally met the young master of the Chen family and came here to reminisce about old times and discuss the grand plan for Xu Zhou's commerce. Who are you? Dare to oppose our Guan family?"

  Lü Rui smiled and said, "Come on, I haven't heard the dog yet. This young master still wants to appreciate the beautiful scenery."

  Dian Wei listened, wiped his mouth, and said "Alright, let's fight! This is what Dian Wei likes to do the most!" With a loud whoop, he jumped right in front of Guan Yu. Looking at the giant Dian Wei, Guan Yu trembled with fear and said: "Y-you, wh-what are you going to do? I'm telling you, I am the steward of the Han family!" After finishing speaking, he straightened his back, looking arrogant.

  Dian Wei let out a loud shout, lifted the housekeeper's hands and threw him down to the ground below. The servants of the Mi household were shocked and only heard a loud crash. They all rushed downstairs in a hurry, no one wanting to be the second person to die!

  The shopkeeper was stunned and slumped down beside him, muttering to himself: "I'm done for, I'm done for! The Zhāo family will not let me off!"

  On the other hand, Mi Zhu brothers and Chen Deng arrived at Wangyulou under escort, only to see a crowd of people gathered in front of the building. Mi Fang quickly dispersed the crowd, and as soon as they were dispersed, all three of them were stunned - wasn't this the steward of the Mi family? How did he die?

  At this time, the servants of the Mo family rushed out like dogs. Mo Fang saw them and hastily grabbed one of the servants to ask: "What's going on? How did the steward die? Who did it?"

  The servant stammered: "Second Master, upstairs there is a group of people, led by a five-year-old child, accompanied by someone who seems to be from the military, and a fierce big man, extremely formidable, it was him who threw the housekeeper down the stairs."

  Miao Fang was enraged upon hearing this and said, "Whose place is this? How dare someone cause trouble for the Miao family?! I'll go kill him right now!" After saying that, he raised his knife to charge forward.

  Mo Zhen heard his servant's words and called out to Mo Fang, "Second brother, stop!"

  Meng Fang stopped in her tracks and turned around, saying: "Big brother?"

  Chen Deng looked at Zou Jizhong and said: "Brother Zi Zhong, it seems that this meal is not good to eat!"

  "Yuan Long, sorry to interrupt your fun, shall we go up and take a look?"

  Chen Deng nodded and said: "Good, I also want to see when Xuzhou will produce a talent, please Zizhong brother!"

  Then, the three of them followed the servant to the top floor of the wine tower. There was a child holding a wooden sword and waving it wildly, next to him were a scholar and a burly guard, the steward should be one of their victims.

  Mou Zhu walked up and bowed his hands, saying: "This young master, I am Mou Zhu from Xuzhou. I don't know where my steward offended you, leading to his death?"

  Lü Rui looked at Mao Zhi, a big merchant of the Three Kingdoms, who was white and clean, with a small white face. Lü Rui said: "We haven't finished eating yet, he came to drive us away, he should die!"

  Miao Fang's face turned red with rage as soon as he heard the words. Where did this kid come from, and how dare he show off in Xuzhou, Miao family's territory? Just as Miao Fang was about to lose his temper, Chen Deng grabbed him and signaled for him not to move. Miao Fang looked at Chen Deng and stopped himself.

  Miao Fang listened and thought that this butler must have relied on his own power to be reckless outside, and he had already warned him. The top floor of the Wangyu Building was fully booked, so they could change places. This time, they met someone who could clean up after him. Looking at the child's demeanor, it was absolutely not simple!

  "This is where I went wrong, however, this young master, killing someone within the borders of Xuzhou will have to face legal punishment. A child may not understand, but the attendants by their side will have to take responsibility!" His tone changed from light and casual to severe, after finishing speaking, he looked at Xin Pi, who should be a steward.

  Xin Bi Gong nodded and said: "This gentleman is right, but I'd like to ask if the law you're referring to is the law of Xuzhou or the law of Great Han?"

  Chen Deng was taken aback, "Wow, someone who can say something like that is definitely not simple!" Zou Jing was also stunned, then cupped his hands in the direction of Luoyang and said: "Of course it's the law of Great Han." Although Dong Zhuo was tyrannizing the government, the court was still the court, and Great Han was still Great Han.

  Xin Pi listened and then cupped his hands, saying: "Since that's the case, my young master hasn't violated any laws. Earlier, this person spoke out of turn and committed an offense against a superior, intending to harm my young master. My young master is the Marquis of Qi, can he not even exercise his right to deal with someone?" After finishing speaking, he flashed the command token!

  Mo Zhu looked at Lü Rui, the Marquis of Qi, and asked: "Is this really the Marquis of Qi, Lü Rui?" Mo Zhu cupped his hands and said: "Mo Zhu from Xuzhou pays respects to Your Excellency. The steward was impolite, please forgive him."

  Chen Deng and Mi Fang also walked over, paid their respects to Lü Rui, and after Xin Pi returned the courtesy on behalf of Lü Rui, the three sat down. Mi Fang took a look around and shouted loudly: "Shopkeeper, take away the wine and dishes, and bring out new ones!"

  The shopkeeper in the corner saw this sudden change and immediately responded: "Alright, Second Master, wait a moment, we'll bring it up right away!"

  Zou Zhan and the three others, along with Lü Rui, had a few more dishes. After the food was taken away, Zou Zhan rubbed his hands together and said: "Young Master Hou, I don't know why you've come to Xuzhou? As a host, I'll do my best to treat you well. If there's anything you need help with, please just say so, and I'll definitely take care of it."

  Lv Rui tapped the teacup with chopsticks and said, "Zhang Bo and Xia Hou went to Danyang to recruit soldiers. I came to Xuzhou to have some fun and hunt along the way."

  Zi Huan heard that Cao Cao had gone to Danyang to recruit soldiers. This was a piece of news that he must report to his lord. Zi Huan smiled and said, "Cao Gong has worked hard for the country, it's truly exhausting. Since you have come to Xuzhou, I invite you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious food here, stay for a few more days, and let Zizhong advance the etiquette of being a host."

  Lü Rui raised an eyebrow, what was Miao Zhu up to? Being so good to himself? Showing such devotion for no reason? Even if he were a noble lord, to Miao Zhu, he was just someone with a slightly higher status. Did they really need to be so fawning? Lü Rui played with the wooden sword in his hand and said: "I'll play here for a few days, when I get bored, I'll go find Uncle Zhong, you don't need to worry about me."

  Meng Zong listened, stunned for a moment, and it seemed that Lü Rui was ignoring him? Chen Deng saw this, then cupped his hands and said: "I heard that Lord Hou enjoys playing Go? Yuan Long also likes to play Go, I wonder if Lord Hou would be willing to grant me the honor of playing a few games with me?"

  Miao Zhu listened and found out that Lü Rui liked to gamble. Miao Zhu rubbed his hands together and said: "Since the young master likes to gamble, then I'll also gamble with the young master for a few rounds."

  Lü Rui was surprised to hear that Chen Deng knew he liked Bo Yi? Did they have a spy in Suo Guo? Lü Rui looked at the two of them and said, "I don't just gamble for fun, I only gamble when there's something at stake."

  "Alright, Master Hou, how about we make the stakes one hundred thousand taels of gold per round? You can play as many rounds as you'd like."

  Lv Rui was stunned, Nainai's, the gold of Eastern Han is really gold, not the brass gold of Tang Dynasty. One game is 10,000 taels? Although the gold of Eastern Han is not very valuable, this is also a huge fortune, big hands, absolutely big hands! No wonder Liu Bei failed many times later and relied on Mi Zhu to turn over again, it's really not simple, history is true, the wealth of Mi family is indeed immeasurable!

  "No way, no way," said Lü Rui, shaking his head. "I'm just out here to have fun, I didn't bring that much money."

  Meng Zong listened and smiled, saying: "Your Lordship is a guest, how can we let Your Lordship pay? If Your Lordship wins, the gold will belong to Your Lordship. But if Your Lordship loses three games in a row, please agree to grant one request each from Zi Zhong and Yuan Long."

  Here comes the key point, the key is in the request. Lü Rui scratched his head and asked doubtfully: "What do you want? You're not going to take my life, are you?"

  Hearing this, he burst out laughing and said: "Master Hou is joking. If either Zizhong or Yuandong wins three games against Master Hou, then please open the commercial market of Fan County, allowing our two families' merchant teams to rest in Fan County. As for taxes, we can discuss them later. What does Master Hou think?"

  Lü Rui smiled slyly, "Hmph, Xiao Mi? You want to do business with me? Alright, since that's the case, let's have some fun! The Chen and Mi families are both large merchants, especially the Mi family, which has a huge merchant fleet. However, due to the war in the Han Dynasty, the land route is not safe, so they switched to maritime trade. But the sea route is long and doesn't save time like the land route does. Usually, merchant fleets need to find a city to establish a guild as a midway rest stop for supplies. Currently, Qingzhou and Yanzhou are both being ravaged by the Yellow Turbans, leaving only Lü Rui's Fan County, which is located between the two states and has been well-governed by Guo Yuan, with good terrain and defense, making it a transfer station for many people from the north and south. However, due to lack of connections, they could only give up. Now that the two have met such a great opportunity, how could they let it slip away?

  Lü Rui clapped his hands and said: "Alright, no need for me to put up the stake. Come on, come quickly, let's sign the agreement and start the gamble."

  Seeing Lü Rui's delighted expression, Mi Zhu and Chen Deng exchanged a glance, then Mi Zhu said: "Then I'll play against the Marquis."

  Then the two began to play, and Zou Yu let water flow. This little guy let water flow and lost three games in a row, losing to Lü Rui. Zou Yu clasped his hands and said: "Your Excellency, I am not as good as you, let Yuan Long come instead."

  Chen Deng glanced at Mi Zhuo and then cupped his hands saying: "Your Excellency, please instruct!"

  "Come on, come on, hurry up! I still want to win some money!"

  Chen Deng nodded and started playing Go with Lü Rui. After three hours, it was already near dusk, and the final result came out: Lü Rui won two games and lost three!

  Chen Deng smiled after his servant finished counting the score and said, "Lord Hou, Yuan Long is not talented, he won three games against you, please forgive him."

  Lv Rui waved his hand and said: "Win or lose, it's all the same. I'll let you have your way with trade. I'm hungry, I want to eat something now."

  As soon as he heard the news, he hastily asked the shopkeeper to prepare dinner. The shopkeeper responded promptly and went off. Unexpectedly, not only did no trouble arise, but they even landed a good business deal!

  While the shopkeeper was preparing dinner, Zou Zhuang rubbed his hands and said: "Master Hou, I don't know what Master Hou thinks about passing through the customs tax. Are we following the old rules or...?"

  Lv Rui slapped the table and said, "What's the point of talking nonsense? Taxes? I think it's just one coin per month, doubling every month is fine, what's the use of so many taxes?"

  The two of them were taken aback, and Xin Bi was also startled. One piece of silver? Doubling every month? This is too little, Xin Bi hastily asked: "Lord, about the matter of passing through the customs and paying taxes?"

  Lv Rui glanced at Xin Pi and said, "Little fart, I can take charge of taxation matters myself!" After finishing speaking, he waved his fist. Xin Pi didn't make a sound anymore. Lv Rui was not easy to provoke. If he was provoked, even his own life might be in danger. Anyway, trade was also beneficial to the development of Fan County. As for the tax money at the pass, I believe that Chen's family and Mi's family will do it. One penny is too little."

  Chen Deng and Miao Zhu exchanged a glance, this was too little! Miao Zhu hastily said: "Second brother, quickly calculate the tax for the first year."

  After receiving the order, Mo Fang immediately took out his abacus and calculated it. He said, "Big brother, the tax money for the first year is not enough three thousand wen!"

  Chen Deng and Mi Zhu simultaneously said: "Thank you, Lord. How about our two families sign a 20-year trade agreement with you?"

  Lv Rui waved his hand impatiently and said: "Serve the dishes quickly, twenty years is just twenty years, don't talk so much nonsense!"

  Chen Deng and the other person hastily expressed their gratitude, then ordered someone to write out a contract, which they handed over to Lü Rui. Lü Rui took a look at the two of them and said, "This won't do. What if you don't pay me taxes?"

  Mou Zhong smiled and said, "Lord Hou, if we don't pay taxes, you can seize our goods as collateral for the commercial tax!"

  Lü Rui listened and nodded, then Chen Deng and Mi Zhu wrote this on the contract. After Lü Rui showed the contract to Xin Pi, he stamped it with the seal of the Marquis of Qi, while Chen Deng and Mi Zhu also stamped it with the bronze seals of their two families! The contract took effect!

  Mi Zong and Chen Deng saw that they had succeeded, so they immediately began to flatter Lü Rui. Lü Rui was just grumbling while eating, the two of them exchanged a glance and smiled, then after having dinner with Lü Rui, they took their leave. Lü Rui and his group also returned to the inn.

  At night, Xin Biyue thought the more she thought about it, the more it didn't feel right. Today's game between Lü Rui and Chen Deng seemed like Lü Rui intentionally lost to Chen Deng. She had seen Lü Rui's chess skills before, but today he didn't perform at his usual level. Was there a problem?

  Then, Xin Pi took out the paper and began to calculate the taxes. After calculating several pages of paper, he was stunned, and the paper slipped from his hand. This tax is even more than the wealth of the Great Han!

  At this time, Lü Rui was sitting on the bed with a beautiful dream: Hehe, fool, fool, do you know how powerful 2 to the power of N is? Haha, 2 to the power of 20 is just two years' time, let's see how you pay taxes then!