Chapter 48

The manager of the Qiu family was beaten up yesterday and then carried back by some shop assistants.

He wanted to go to Qiu's house to report the news, but he was beaten out as soon as the guys carried him to the gate of Qiu's house, and the concierge thought he was unlucky.

In desperation, the steward had no choice but to go back and rest for a night, and went again when he was able to leave early the next morning.

Qiu Wenfu was holding Xinna's concubine Wen Cun in his room, when he heard that the steward came over, he said impatiently, "Let him get out."

The servant hesitated and said, "Master, the steward said it was about the ice cubes."

Qiu Wenfu frowned, he was not happy when he heard the word ice cube now.

Ice cubes are the easiest and best business for the Qiu family. Qiu Wenfu's father entrusted him with this matter just to let him experience it, but something went wrong right after it arrived in his hands.

Seeing that the hottest three months are about to pass, most of Qiu's ice cubes are still unsold.

As for lowering the price, it is absolutely impossible. How could the Qiu family compromise with those untouchables outside for so many years?

Thinking of this, Qiu Wenfu became impatient with Wen Cun, he pushed the woman in his arms, "Get out."

"Let him in."

Qiu Wenfu was taken aback by the steward's appearance, "Why do you look like a ghost?"

The steward plopped on his knees, and said in a painful voice, "Master, please make the decision for the young one."

Qiu Wenfu took a step back, "What's the matter?"

The butler straightened his upper body and said angrily: "Yesterday afternoon, I heard someone say that Linshui Street was delivering ice cubes, so I wanted to find out, but when I arrived, I was beaten up like this by those untouchables, young master, my little one."It hurt all night last night..."

"What ice cubes?" Qiu Wenfu impatiently interrupted the steward's misery.

"They said it was the meaning of the county magistrate. How could it be possible? How could the county magistrate send ice to those untouchables?"

Qiu Wenfu frowned tightly, he thought of someone.

Zhang Moyuan.

Ever since he got Ji Gaochi to reclaim land from the sea, Ji Gaochi seemed to be fascinated, getting closer and closer to him, but left their Qiu family aside.

She even made a special trip to find his father about Zhang Moyuan selling ice cubes.

Although Qiu Jing agreed, but after scolding for a long time, the rift between Qiu's family and Ji Gaochi has been getting bigger and bigger since then.

Qiu Wenfu's eyes were dark, "Who is the person who delivered the ice cubes?"

The steward shook his head, "There were too many people at that time, and the younger ones couldn't see clearly."

Seeing that Qiu Wenfu's expression was not good, he quickly added, "But they are still at Linshui Street today."

Qiu Wenfu snorted coldly, "Zhang Moyuan, it's better not to be you."

He was about to go to Linshui Street immediately, but the steward hurriedly stopped him, "Master, they won't come out until after noon, they are still in Cuiyan Residence at this point."

"Cuiyan Residence?"

"yes."

Qiu Wenfu kicked over the ice shelf next to the bed.

Lin Yan took a pair of clean chopsticks and divided the pork belly out of the oven into three equal portions. Just as he was about to greet the guests, he heard a mess of noises.

The people who had been lined up just now suddenly backed away from Hornet's nest, a familiar whip was waving around, and it almost hit the barbecue stove in the middle.

Father Lin was taken aback, his first reaction was to stretch out his hand to protect Lin Yan, but Lin Yan had already been pulled behind him by Zhang Moyuan.

Lin Yan looked forward in shock.

This is the first time he has faced Qiu Wenfu.

Qiu Wenfu should be about the same age as Zhang Moyuan, but looking full of hostility makes people uncomfortable.

"Zhang Moyuan, it really is you."

Zhang Moyuan glanced sideways, and several yamen servants immediately ran over and surrounded Qiu Wenfu.

Qiu Wenfu looked around and said with a sneer, "You have some ability to make Ji Gaochi stand on your side. But you don't have to be too happy, he can't leave our Qiu family with Ji Gaochi."

Zhang Moyuan raised the corners of his lips, "Why can't I leave your Qiu family? Does the parent officer in Yanhai County still ask you to do something?"

There seemed to be deep meaning in what he said, but it was so vague that Qiu Wenfu couldn't figure it out.

Qiu Wenfu's mind was running fast, and he was sure that Zhang Moyuan would never know. After all, they and Ji Gaochi had been working in secret for so many years, and they never showed any flaws.

And Zhang Moyuan has never had anything to do with the salt workshop.

Thinking of this, he felt relieved, turned his head and said to the servant behind him: "Since it is something the county magistrate has to do, then our Qiu family can't let it go, you guys go over there and help."

More than a dozen servants rushed over immediately and pushed all the ice mirrors to the ground. The ice cubes inside immediately rolled down to the ground, turning into water in an instant, and then evaporated under the noses of everyone.

The yamen servants who were a step behind also rushed over and surrounded the servants.The one in the lead walked up to Qiu Wenfu, and said with a smile: "Master Qiu, this was ordered by the county magistrate, so don't make things difficult for me."

Qiu Wenfu put on a fake smile and looked at him, "You are the county magistrate, how dare I make things difficult for you?"

Zhang Moyuan walked over to pick up the ice mirrors that fell on the ground, then raised his head and said to the yamen servants, "Don't stop us, we just don't have enough manpower, let them come and help."

The servants: "???"

The yamen servant was also confused, lowered his voice and said, "Scholar Zhang, how can they help?"

Zhang Moyuan's voice was flat and terrifying, "If you don't want to, just put the knife on your neck."

Yamen servants: "..."

The servants: "!!!"

Qiu Wenfu next to him: "..."

Lin Yan laughed out loud, and the people around were quite scared at first, but now they were also affected by him, and they all laughed out loud.

And what's strange is that the people of the Qiu family didn't seem so scary after Zhang Moyuan's words came out.

Except for Lin Yan, everyone seemed to think that Zhang Moyuan was joking, even Qiu Wenfu himself thought so.

He walked up to Zhang Moyuan slowly, and said with a smile, "The knife rests on your neck? Then try it."

As soon as the words were finished, Zhang Moyuan didn't know how Zhang Moyuan did it, but he threw Qiu Wenfu onto a nearby tree. Just as Qiu Wenfu was about to turn around and curse, he felt a chill in the back of his head.

The dagger in Zhang Moyuan's hand reflected a cold light, which made Qiu Wenfu's legs go limp for a while.

He is just a dude, where has he seen such a battle?

And isn't Zhang Moyuan a scholar lacking the strength to even truss up a chicken?Where did he come from so much strength and carry a knife with him?

The onlookers were stunned.

Lin Yan smiled, clapped his hands, and said relaxedly, "Hurry up and do what Scholar Zhang said. Come on, uncles and aunts are still queuing up here."

Seeing his young master with a knife around his neck, those servants wanted to rush over, but they were scared back by the knives in the hands of the yamen servants.

Qiu Wenfu struggled twice, but his back was firmly held by Zhang Moyuan's palm, and he couldn't move at all.

"Zhang Moyuan, who gave you the courage?"

Zhang Moyuan said in a low voice, "Of course it's the county magistrate."

Qiu Wenfu gritted his teeth, "Magistrate dog, I will kill him sooner or later."

He spoke so loudly that everyone heard him.

Zhang Moyuan looked back at the leader of the yamen servant, "Don't you want to do it?"

The leader was still a little hesitant at first, not daring to offend Qiu Wenfu, but now he was emboldened when he heard Qiu Wenfu's words.

When the time came when the Qiu family blamed him, his reason was very legitimate.

Moreover, the county magistrate did intend to draw a clear line with the Qiu family this time.

"Scholar Zhang, please order."

"Tie him up with a rope, and the others continue to work. Since Young Master Qiu said he wanted to help, we have to accept his kindness."

Lin Yan secretly glanced at Qiu Wenfu's face, and tried hard to hold back his laughter.

When the yamen servants were tying up Qiu Wenfu, he quietly went up to him and kicked him.

Zhang Moyuan laughed.

At the other end of the ice delivery, there is no need for the servants to hold the knife. A dozen servants work in groups of two, one knocks the ice and the other digs the ice, but the speed is faster than before.

Although the common people who lined up were afraid to speak, they all felt happy.

The Qiu family has been doing evil for so many years, and finally someone punished them.

Many people also cast worried glances at Zhang Moyuan.

Father Lin whispered to Lin Yan, "Yan'er, will Xiao Zhang offend the Qiu family by doing this? I heard that the Qiu family is the most powerful family in the county."

Lin Yan smiled, "Father, don't worry, Moyuan knows it well."

Zhang Moyuan is not an impulsive person, there is a high probability that he did this because of some agreement with Ji Gaochi.

Hearing what he said, Father Lin suppressed the worries in his heart and nodded.

At first, Qiu Wenfu was still yelling, cursing and threatening, but he couldn't stand it after a while, and his voice was so dry and hoarse.

Zhang Moyuan had someone stuff a few ice cubes into his mouth, and then dragged him to a cool place.

Qiu Wenfu was completely wilted.

The atmosphere was too quiet, and no one dared to speak. They quietly finished shopping, received ice cubes, and then ran away quickly.

In this way, the speed is much faster.

Before it got dark, the ice cubes ran out.

It was only then that Lin Yan took the time to look at Qiu Wenfu lying under the tree. He wondered if he had fainted, but he was motionless anyway.

The leader of the yamen servant looked at Zhang Moyuan, and asked tentatively, "Scholar Zhang?"

Zhang Moyuan nodded slightly, "Send Master Qiu back to the Qiu Mansion."

Several yamen servants immediately untied the rope from Qiu Wenfu's body, and then carried away Qiu Wenfu who had fainted.

The servants followed behind dejectedly.

After everyone left, Father Lin said, "Xiao Zhang, will the Qiu family cause trouble for us?"

He was still a little worried.

Sister Lin also said: "When we were in the town, Boss Ma said that Qiu's family was a tyrant in the county, and that Young Master Qiu is even more a troublemaker. This time we have completely offended them."

Zhang Moyuan smiled, "It will be troublesome, but with the county magistrate here, there is no problem."

"But doesn't it mean that the county magistrate has a good relationship with the Qiu family?"

"The county magistrate and the Qiu family have had a rift for a long time, and they will not stand on the side of the Qiu family."

"So that's how it is."

"Then we can rest assured."

Lin Yan didn't say anything, and planned to have a good chat with Zhang Moyuan after returning home.

Third brother Lin patted Zhang Moyuan on the shoulder, his tone full of reverence, "Xiao Zhang, from now on, third brother will listen to you whatever you say."

He felt that Zhang Moyuan was the real man, capable and daring, even if he got into trouble, he could take care of it himself.

He's not even close.

While Lin's side was tidying up things quietly, the Qiu's side was blown up.

Qiu Wenfu couldn't find anyone all afternoon, Qiu Jing was still angry at first, but now that his son was brought back half dead, he didn't bother to scold him.

"what happened?"

The steward went a step late in the afternoon. When he arrived, Qiu Wenfu had already been restrained, so he waited carefully nearby all afternoon.

Afraid that Qiu Wenfu would wake up and take him for questions, he hurriedly started to act, knelt on the ground with a plop, and cried bitterly: "Master, the young master was tortured like this by that Scholar Zhang."

Qiu Jing casually ordered a servant, "Go quickly, find a doctor."

Then he looked at the kneeling steward, frowned and said, "What's going on?"

The steward snotted and burst into tears, "That Scholar Zhang delivered ice cubes to people in the county in the name of the county magistrate, and the young master went over to take a look, but that Scholar Zhang was so unreasonable that he tied the young master directly.Tied until now."

"Master, you must be the master for the young master."

Qiu Jing's face was livid, Zhang Moyuan in front was selling ice in Haihe Town, but now he dared to come to the county, isn't this a blatant slap in the face of the Qiu family?

He gritted his teeth and grinded out the word Ji Gaochi.

Since you are not kind to my Qiu family, don't blame me, Qiu Jing, for not being faithful.

The doctor came in a hurry, and after some diagnosis and treatment, he confirmed that Qiu Wenfu was fine, but he had suffered from heatstroke, and he was fine after drinking a few times of medicine for a while.

Qiu Jing waved his hand, "Take it down."

Several servants supported Qiu Wenfu, who barely regained some sanity, and went back to the room.

The steward also wanted to follow, but was stopped by Qiu Jing.

"You stay."

"Yes, what is the master's order?"

"When did Zhang Moyuan come?"

"It's not clear when it came. The little one only knows that they started delivering ice cubes yesterday."

"Go down."

"Yes, I will take my leave, little one."

After he went out, the housekeeper of the Qiu Mansion took a step forward and said in a deep voice, "I never thought that the county magistrate would be so ruthless."

Qiu Jing sneered, "Does he really think that a mere scholar can overwhelm our Qiu family?"

"Maybe it's because of the reclamation of the sea. I heard that Zhang Moyuan got the rice seeds a while ago."

"So what, have you ever seen rice grow by the sea?"

The butler shook his head, "It's true that I haven't seen it."

Qiu Jing sneered, "Overthinking one's abilities."

Later, Ji Gaochi came to visit Qiu Wenfu in person, followed by Zhang Moyuan.

Qiu Jing glanced at Ji Gaochi, and said calmly: "Why is the county magistrate free to come to my Qiu residence today?"

Ji Gaochi laughed, "Brother Qiu, I have heard about what happened this afternoon. Wen Fu has suffered such a serious crime, so I, as an uncle, will naturally come to visit."

Qiu Jing snorted coldly, "I appreciate the kindness of the county magistrate, Qiu, but since you already know, why did you bring this culprit here?"

After finishing speaking, he looked at Zhang Moyuan, as if a knife could shoot out of his eyes.

Zhang Moyuan bent down neither humble nor overbearing, and said lightly: "The facts in the afternoon are a last resort, please don't be offended by Master Qiu."

Ji Gaochi also smoothed things over, "Moyuan is still young, so it's inevitable that he will be less measured in his actions, brother Qiu, don't get angry with him. When Wen Fu wakes up, ask him to make amends. It's all young people can't complain about.By the way, Moyuan, I heard that you and Wen Fu knew each other before, so they should have a good relationship, right?"

Zhang Moyuan nodded, "Yes, last time I had some misunderstandings with the people in the same village, and Master Qiu helped to testify to solve the siege."

"Isn't that enough? Let the young people settle their own affairs. Don't hurt our relationship. Brother Qiu, don't you think so?"

"Since this is the case, Qiu also wants to ask Mr. Ji, why did you send out ice cubes, and how can I sell the ice in my Qiu's shop?"

Ji Gaochi sighed, "Brother, I can't do anything about it. A few old people died a while ago, and somehow the superiors knew about it. He also asked for the delivery of ice cubes. You say I'm a little county magistrate., how dare to violate the meaning of the State Governor?"

"And to tell you the truth, I bought the ice cubes from Moyuan's brother this time, and it cost a lot of money."

Seeing Qiu Jing's face was ugly, Ji Gaochi leaned forward and lowered his voice and said, "Brother, what do you think of this? You sell me the ice cubes in your shop, and I will send them out in the name of your Qiu family.How about selling your own things on the side like the Lin family?"

Qiu Jing remained silent.

Now that the ice cubes of their Qiu family can't be sold no matter what, it's good to be able to collect some money back, not to mention that the money can be earned back from other things.

After a long while, he said, "My brother is right, but my family's literary talents have been humiliated so much in public. If we don't make some money back, the whole county will probably laugh at our Qiu family in the future."

Ji Gaochi smiled slightly, "I don't know what my brother wants?"

Qiu Jing raised his finger to Zhang Moyuan, "Put him in a prison and serve him under severe torture."

Ji Gaochi's expression changed.