Chapter 44: Slave (2) Second Watch

  Ren Yao is very busy.

  After leaving the Taishan Temple and returning to Xuzhou, he never stopped. First, he went to Xiang County, then hurried back to Pei County. Although Xiao He helped him, after a few days of walking, Ren You returned to see piles of documents as high as mountains.

  The official documents have not been processed yet, and another order has arrived, transferring young and strong prisoners.

  Then accepted another batch of convicts...

  It's all trivial matters when mentioned, but they're enough to give one a headache. Fortunately, there's Xiao He around.

  The emperor seems to have made up his mind!

  Summon Tu Wei, and there may be considerations in this regard.

  Then who will be the commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force against Baiyue? General Wang Ba has just finished fighting in Qi State and needs to stay there to intimidate the local villains.

  Meng Tian is now an inner strategist of the Emperor, and it's likely that he won't be easily let go.

  After all, after the unification of the six countries, there were many things that needed to be dealt with. The emperor also needed to leave behind someone he could trust to advise him.

  And this role, apart from Shemon and Tian brothers, no one can undertake.

  Ren You wore a loose robe, sat in the main hall, and counted with his fingers. Although it was said that who was the commander-in-chief had nothing to do with Ren You, he still wanted to figure it out clearly. Later, Xi Shui County would become the foundation of the expedition against the Baiyue army, and to some extent, Xi Shui County would become a vassal of this army. What kind of person was the commander-in-chief, what kind of personality, what hobbies... figuring it out clearly would also make cooperation easier.

  After two years of tempering in local areas, Ren Yao was no longer the silly young man who had just come out of Iron Eagle Sharpshooters.

  Some things must be planned ahead of time...

  He sat in the hall deep in thought when a servant rushed in to report: "Sir, Liu Quan from Shang has arrived and is waiting outside to see you."

  "Oh, let him come in."

  Ren You collected his thoughts and sat up straight.

  Before long, Liu Quan walked onto the stage under the guidance of his servant.

  Liu Jian stepped forward and bowed, "I'm Liu Jian, a humble commoner. I've seen the county magistrate."

  "Never mind the formalities, sit down."

  After being promoted, the treatment was indeed different. When Liu Jian was still a commoner, he could only stand respectfully when seeing Ren Rong.

  But now he has earned the right to sit down.

  "Your Majesty's great kindness is boundless. This time, not only has your public servant's title been restored, but it has also been elevated to a higher rank. You should remember this kindness deeply."

  "Liu Jian will never dare to forget."

  Ren You nodded slightly, a hint of a smile on his face. He clapped his hands, and a servant appeared with a black jinxianguan hat in his hands, walking up to the main hall.

  "After obtaining this title, you are truly a superior craftsman. However, although you are a superior craftsman, there are some tributes that cannot be avoided. Moreover, His Majesty has already decreed that from now on, the imperial family's sacrificial wine will all be your responsibility. This time at Mount Tai's Fengshan ceremony, His Majesty highly praised the Wansui wine you offered. And personally sealed the Wansui wine as a tribute wine... Liu Quan, you must do things well and not disappoint His Majesty's kindness."

  "I understand."

  As he spoke, Ren Yao ordered someone to bring over two wooden tablets, both of which were coated with black lacquer and had small golden characters written on them.

  On the wooden slip, a silver ribbon was wrapped around it. The tray holding the wooden slips was placed in front of Liu Quan, and Ren You looked at him quietly.

  "This is an imperial decree, personally bestowed by His Majesty. With this seal and ribbon, you are authorized to purchase the necessary materials for brewing wine in the five regions of Sishui County, Xue County, Langya County, Donghai County, and Zan County. From the county level down, as long as you provide a list, all local officials must cooperate with your actions."

  Liu Kan was overjoyed at once.

  To be able to obtain a noble title was already beyond his expectations.

  Unexpectedly, the First Emperor actually gave such a big gift. The use of this black lacquer seal ribbon is even more practical than that reward.

  The Qin dynasty was centralized, and all political orders came from the First Emperor Ying Zheng.

  Qin Shi Huang was very strict in managing supplies. All local supplies had to be allocated by the state, especially grain, which was of utmost importance. Liu Gong getting this imperial sword was equivalent to obtaining the right to hoard grain, which was a great power.

  "The humble subject will never betray Your Majesty's great expectations... However, there are many things that the humble subject does not understand, and he must ask for further guidance from Your Excellency in the future."

  No matter how happy he was in his heart, Liu still maintained a respectful attitude.

  Nodded in satisfaction.

  To be honest, he did not agree with the Emperor's decision to let Liu Xiang accumulate grain and grass. The war against the Baiyue was about to begin, and if Liu Xiang were to hoard a large amount of grain and grass, it would have a significant impact on the logistics supply for the expeditionary force against the Baiyue. However, since the Emperor had already made his decision, Ren Rao could not change it. He just had an unconscious feeling that he must keep a close eye on Liu Xiang, lest he make any mistakes.

  "Is there anything else?"

  Ran Xiang saw that Liu Jian didn't seem to have any intention of taking his leave and asked in surprise.

  Liu Jian said: "Sir, I have come to pay respects this time, and there is also a question that I would like to ask for guidance."

  "Speak!"

  "I've heard that ordinary people can be paired with two slave spirits. But what are the requirements for these slave spirits, what procedures need to be done, and where can they be obtained?"

  Rubbing his face, "This matter... according to the Great Qin law, slaves can be purchased from local government offices. Generally speaking, prisoners of war and convicts can all become slaves. You just need to pay a certain amount of money and then register on the local household registry, and that's it."

  "Thank you so much, sir!"

  Liu Jian stood up and bid farewell to Ren Xiao.

  Ren You didn't see off the guest, he just nodded and waved his hand, watching Liu Kan walk out of the hall.

  Suddenly felt a little nervous in her heart.

  This kid is still under sixteen this year, and he's already made it to the top? Well, we need to take good care of him, don't let him cause any trouble.

  But he has today's achievements, and also has an inseparable relationship with himself!

  Ren You suddenly laughed and patted his own head: When he was in Iron Eagle Sharpshooters, there weren't so many thoughts. How come now that he's become the county leader, he's become so suspicious? This won't do, still have to find an opportunity to return to Iron Eagle Sharpshooters.

  Ren You was at home in a daze, while Liu Quan went straight to the guest house of Shi Zhi's family.

  The rain has stopped by now.

  The weather clears up, and the sunshine is bright. In the fresh air after the rain, there is a hint of mud fragrance like orchid and musk, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.

  Shan Shi no longer lives in the city now, but has moved to a residence next to Liu Jian's home.

  However, during the day, he would still come to his old residence in the city to take a look. This place has now become a storefront for selling Suishui Huadiao. Since the mysterious veil on top of Suishui Huadiao was lifted, Pei County has become lively.

  Peng City's, Chen County's, Xue Prefecture's...

  Merchants from all over flocked in, and Pei County, which was originally not very lively, suddenly became bustling.

  It's not long after the morning hour, and the streets in front of the shops are already bustling with activity. Many merchants are gathered at the entrance of the shop, waiting to conduct transactions. The room where Liu Quan and his mother used to live has now been converted into a warehouse. Rows upon rows of fine wines are stacked up, looking very enticing.

  Inspecting food in the courtyard, the director is busy giving orders.

  In his eyes, what was piled up in that room wasn't wine, but a house full of gold.

  According to the Qin law, currency was divided into two types: upper and lower. The round coin of the Qin dynasty was a lower currency, also known as half-liang money; while gold was an upper currency, with a unit called yi (twenty-four liangs of gold). Although the small gate of Xunzi's house is not large, it can be said that he earns a lot of gold every day.

  "Ah Jian!"

  When he saw Liu Kan coming, he smiled and greeted him, "This is the last batch of cellar wine this year, but the guests outside are... You see, shouldn't we open another cellar? At this rate, our stock really won't last long."

  Liu Kan shook his head, "No rush... wait for the two-year-old cellar to come out next year, and one jar will be directly priced at 5,000 yuan. We can endure it for another year now, and we can reap more benefits next year. Those merchants who want a one-year cellar don't need to be entertained. If they're sold out, just tell them that only old wine is left."

  "You're still worried they won't buy it?"

  "This is also... But why didn't you stay at home and rest properly, what are you doing running around in the city?"

  Liu Jian said: "I'm going to find Mr. Xiao He, to handle the formalities of being a slave. Brother, have you forgotten? You can also buy slaves."

  "Oh, you didn't mention it, I really forgot."

  Shen Shi's one slap on the head, ran into the room. Zhou Chang is now helping Shen Shi with things, managing the store in an orderly manner. However, looking at his worried appearance, Liu Jian knew that it seemed necessary to add some manpower. En, this slave, needs to be carefully considered... must be literate, and in Qin script; must have a certain level of skill, able to help Zhou Chang share some tasks.

  Not many people can meet such requirements!

  At this time, Shen Shi and Zhou Chang had finished their handover and ran out.

  "A'gan, let's go find Old Cao first, then call up Old Tang and together we'll go find Mr. Xiao... Oh, I just ran into Mr. Xiao, he seemed to be heading towards the big prison. Alright, I'll go get Old Tang, you go find Old Cao, and we'll meet up at the big prison later."

  Liu Kan nodded, "It's also good this way... then let's hurry up and go."

  As he spoke, Liu Quan turned around and walked out of the yard, heading towards Cao Wujing's home. Da Lao... Yi Nu?

  Liu Jian suddenly remembered the white-haired middle-aged man who had fallen into the mud that morning. He was an old Qin person, naturally familiar with Qin Wen; and as a prison officer, he must have some means. It's just this person... what's his name again? Seemed to be called Cheng Miao!

  "Little brother!"

  Liu Jian Zheng was lost in thought when he suddenly felt as if someone was calling him.

  Stop in his tracks and turn around. Liu Kan was taken aback, and couldn't help but think to himself: How is it her?