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In a sense, Feng Zhan and Liu Qianer are really a perfect match.
Three days later, Qi Surong took the Gu family caravan on a journey to the Western Regions.
Jinyun, Su Rong is here, are you okay?
βγChapter 83 Exit
Qi Surong did business with merchants in the Western Regions, but never went to the Western Regions. After dinner and overnight stay all the way, the Gu family caravan arrived at the pass at the busiest time of the market in late summer. Today, the situation inside and outside Xiguan is very delicate. Although the surface is calm, the inside is already turbulent, and spies are everywhere.
In the name of inspecting places, the emperor dispatched several officials to various counties and counties. The Gu family caravan is a secret line arranged by the emperor secretly, and it is also his real back-up move. Official patrols are just to attract the attention of enemy detectives, so that the family caravan can act.
In Xiguan City, merchants of all ethnic groups gather here, the goods are dazzling, and the sound of buying and selling is endless. When Qi Surong arrived here, he learned that the imperial court had issued an order half a month ago. From now on, Xiguan merchants must have the quasi-business documents from the local county governor, otherwise they will not be allowed to enter and exit the customs at will.
"Sir, what should we do?" In the inn, Director Yao frowned and said, "Without the quasi-commercial documents, our freight will not leave Xiguan. If we trade inside the customs, the price will be very different."
Except for Qi Surong, no one in the Gu family caravan knew the real purpose of the trip. All they cared about was the profit from the business. When Qi Surong decided to do a long-distance transaction, most of the managers did not agree, but Qi Surong, as "Zhuofan" in the past two years, has expanded the Gu family's business several times and established enough Prestige, so there was a row of discussions, and the trip was decided. Never thought that when they arrived at Xiguan after a long journey, they could not even get out of the pass.
Qi Surong looked as usual, studying the map carefully. This map was previously purchased from a person from the Western Regions. Although it only roughly mapped the geographical situation outside Xiguan, it was better than nothing.
"Master, what are your plans?" Manager Zhang couldn't help urging.
"I know what you are worried about." Qi Surong raised her head, looked around at a few people, and said with a smile, "I can get the quasi-business documents."
Several stewards all looked surprised. Although the Gu family's business has grown bigger and bigger in recent years, it is mostly concentrated in the central part, and there is not much communication with the border city and county.
"Liu, come with me." Qi Surong didn't say anything. After tidying up, he called his entourage and left the inn.
Passing through the market, Qi Surong went straight into the inner city and came to the outside of the prefecture.
"This lord, whose surname is Zhuo, comes from the Gu family in the capital. Today, I came to visit the lord of the county governor. Please let me know." Qi Surong handed the invitation to the guard outside the door.
Due to the restrictions of the quasi-business documents, many businessmen come to see the county governor every day, but only a handful of people are actually allowed to enter. The guards were no strangers to this, and just followed the rules and handed in Qi Surong's invitation.
"Heh, here's another one." A fat businessman not far away said with a smile, "We haven't been able to see the county governor after waiting for several days. The new kid, let's just line up."
"That's right, the county governor only issues three documents a day, and today's amount is already full." Another person echoed.
"Oh?" Qi Surong stood with her hands behind her back, and asked with interest, "Since the amount is full, why are you all staying outside the mansion?"
Everyone looked at each other in dismay, and after a long while, someone sneered and said, "Isn't this trying to seize the opportunity for adults to travel and rob the road."
These words were witty, and attracted a lot of laughter, but the atmosphere was much more relaxed.
Qi Surong also smiled. Most of the men who lived in the border gates were heroic, and they were not as cautious and suspicious as people in Guanzhong.
While chatting and laughing, the guard who went to report came out, clasped his fists at Qi Surong and said, "This son, the county governor has affection."
Everyone was surprised when they saw it. Where did this person come from, and why did the county governor make an exception to meet him?
Qi Surong nodded lightly at them, and then entered the mansion under the guidance of the guards, leaving a complicated gaze.
Bianguan County is no better than Huadu. The buildings are mostly military-use, without gorgeous decorations, only solid walls and structures that are both offensive and defensive.
Qi Surong walked slowly into the hall and looked at the man in the hall calmly.
"Brother Zhuo, long time no see." The man greeted him with a smile, a bit of joy in his words.
"Master Huang." Qi Surong handed over. The man in front of him was one of Xu Chen's disciples - Huang Zheng. When he was admitted to the Jinshi examination, he was the first to request an external transfer, and now he is the governor of Xiguan County.
"You and I don't need to be too polite." Huang Zheng stepped forward and pulled out Qi Surong's arm, pulled him to the seat, and ordered someone to serve tea.
When the new emperor ascended the throne, many officials were implicated, but none of Xu Chen's students were demoted, instead they were promoted. Huang Zheng has a clear mind. Although he does not know Zhuo Fan's specific identity, "his" prophet has benefited him a lot, and several communications have given him a lot of advice.
"Brother Huang, I'm here today to prepare business documents." After a short reminiscence, Qi Surong said straight to the point.
Huang Zheng said with a special meaning: "Brother Zhuo, I never thought that you would choose to do business."
"I'm not suitable for officialdom." Qi Surong smiled.
Huang Zheng didn't take it seriously. If the person in front of him was an official, he would definitely be able to make some achievements. He has a vision that ordinary people don't have, knows how to make good use of current affairs, seeks good luck and avoids evil, and is quite talented, dares to be the first, has a calm personality, and is far more mature than his peers.
"Brother Zhuo, you should know that the situation at the border is unstable now." Huang Zheng said, "It is quite risky to leave the customs. I hope you will ship the goods inside the customs. Although you earn less, at least you are safe."
"Thank you Brother Huang for your concern, but this matter has already been decided, it is not good to change it in the middle." Qi Surong declined, "Zhuo Mou is just an ordinary businessman, and all ethnic groups outside the customs should not be embarrassed."
"But..." Huang Zheng knew that Zhuo Fan's decision must have been carefully considered, but as an official, some words are difficult to say clearly.