"If you say a thousand things and say ten thousand things, you will eventually have to get the truth from your subordinates. Patriarch Zheng doesn't know his methods, so it's natural that he doesn't believe them. You won't be guilty of this."
Zheng Cheng's reaction is very normal. Anyone with a little bit of brains would not believe that Gongsun Ming could really get so much salt. If it weren't for the huge disparity in status between the two and the pain of being caught, Zheng Cheng would have broken the news. Gongsun Ming knew very well about scolding his mother, but he did not spare Zheng Cheng lightly in terms of words.
"I don't dare, I don't dare. Zheng is very inexperienced and does not know the general's magical skills. I forgive you, I forgive you."
As soon as he heard the word "sin", the cold sweat on Zheng Cheng's forehead started to flow down like a waterfall. How could he dare to question Gongsun Ming's words again, so he could only apologize profusely.
"That's all, I'm too lazy to argue with you so much. There are only two things I want you to do. One is to sell salt into the grassland in exchange for cattle, sheep and horses. The other is to sell the salt to the surrounding areas in exchange for cloth and grain. , the Zheng family only cares about sales, and I will give you as much salt as you want. If there is any grievance, I will send an army to settle it for you, are you willing to do so?"
Gongsun Ming didn't bother to care about the criticism in Zheng Cheng's heart. He waved his hand and said what he was about to ask the Zheng family to do. His tone seemed indifferent, but there was clearly an irresistible majesty inside.
"This is a serious matter. Can you please allow Mr. Zheng to consider it in detail?"
Salt is an important strategic resource, also known as the second food. It has never been worried about sales. If another person said this to Zheng Cheng, Zheng Cheng would not be tempted at all except to sneer at it. Otherwise, he would not be tempted at all. Because these conditions were too bizarre, but these words came from Gongsun Ming's mouth. Even if Zheng Cheng didn't believe it, he didn't dare to say it, so he could only say something vague and perfunctory.
"Of course, I'll give you three days. Don't wait until the time comes. Come and see off the guests."
If Zheng Cheng dared to agree to it, Gongsun Ming would not only not believe it, but would not hesitate to take heavy action against the Zheng family. Without him, how could such a big matter be settled with just one word? It's because I have a different intention, what's the use of keeping it? Instead, you need to think carefully before you really want to consider cooperation.
"The general stayed, Zheng took his leave."
What he heard today was really too strange. Zheng Cheng was so confused that he didn't want to stay any longer. He was anxious to go back and discuss the matter with the elders of the clan. Now he heard that Gongsun Ming had ordered to expel the guests. Ling didn't dare to stay any longer, so he stood up, bowed respectfully, and left.
"My lord, the Zheng family is so rebellious that they may not be a good match for cooperation. Since we in Youzhou have so much salt, why not do our own thing?"
Not long after Wang He took office, he didn't know about Gongsun Fan's secret plan to build a large number of salt fields. In his heart, what Gongsun Ming said was actually the same as what Gongsun Ming said. The difference was that he was the master and thought what he thought. They can only stand on Gongsun Ming's side, and they will not be the first to say that Gongsun Ming is boasting. They can only use the matter of cooperation to test Gongsun Ming's reality.
"I would like to, but unfortunately I can't. The strange thing is simple to say. Could someone like Yuan Shao allow me to openly make a fortune?"
Although the fig leaf cannot hide the truth from those who are interested, it is better than nothing. After all, the reputation of a "merchant general" is definitely not a good thing. Even if Gongsun Ming himself doesn't really care, he still wants to recruit the world's heroes as his It is useful, but his reputation must not be ruined. Of course, these words are really not enough for outsiders, so he can only make a few nonsense words to get rid of the problem.
"My lord is wise, but the Zheng family may have reservations about my lord's words, so they are willing to submit without seeing it?"
Unable to find out the truth from Gongsun Ming's mouth, Wang He was obviously not too willing, so he continued to insinuate himself.
"Just because of all the evil things the Zheng family has committed, it would be a serious crime to confiscate the family and exterminate the family throughout the ages. Hey, I would like to be spared and spared. It just depends on whether the Zheng family knows how to deal with it. That's all. Let's not talk about this. Well, although the world is still in chaos, the general pattern has almost been set. It will be time for the pigs to fight for hegemony. There is no doubt that the military situation is important. A certain person intends to take this opportunity to sell private salt and build a A military intelligence bureau is responsible for overseeing the important tasks of military intelligence. I wonder if Xi Ge is willing to give in?"
The matter of the salt farm has not yet been resolved, so Gongsun Ming did not want to talk more. After a few words, he turned his attention to Gongsun Leng, who was standing silently aside.
Gongsun Leng is the eldest son of Gongsun Zan's cousin Gongsun Yan. He is eight years older than Gongsun Ming. In his early years, he traveled around the world to study. After Gongsun Yan's death, he attached himself to Gongsun Zan's house. When Yijing was defeated, he also Fortunately, he escaped from birth and hid in a friend's house in Youzhou. After hearing the news about Gongsun Ming's successive victories, he rushed to join the army. He was good at swordsmanship but neglected the ability of battle formations. , Gongsun Ming did not make great use of him, but arranged him as the commander of the personal guards.
"I am willing to serve my lord, but I am afraid that I will miss my lord's important mission because my generals are not very talented and have little knowledge."
When Gongsun Leng was young, he was taught swordsmanship by a stranger. Later, he spent several years in the martial arts world. Most of his martial arts skills were focused on the sword. During the chaos of the Yellow Turban Army, he even engaged in several chivalrous and righteous deeds. He was not unfamiliar with such activities as inquiring about information, but when it came to presiding over the Military Intelligence Bureau, he really didn't dare to take over everything.
"It doesn't matter. No one is born to be an official. Brother Xi can just try and do it."
Gongsun Ming had no doubts about Gongsun Leng's loyalty, but when it came to whether he could take on the important responsibility of the Military Intelligence Bureau, Gongsun Ming actually had no idea. However, the manpower he could use at the moment was limited, so he could only use it temporarily. In other words, if it doesn't work, we can just find a suitable replacement at that time.
"I will obey your orders!"
Gongsun Leng was accustomed to the ups and downs of the world, and he was not very suitable for the position of commander of personal guards. Now that he could be transferred to preside over a game, he would not miss such an important position.
"Military Intelligence is a priority. Brother Xi, let's just concentrate on it. If you need anything, just come and find someone. As for the current commander of the personal guards, Brother Xi doesn't need to take over. Let's take the deputy commander Ling Feng first. Whatever."
A carrot is a trap. With Gongsun Leng transferred away, the personal guard commander will be short of personnel. Although there are many military generals in the army, they all have important positions. Gongsun Ming can't find a suitable candidate to take over for a while. , after thinking about it with a slight frown, in line with the principle of "it's better to lack than to waste," finally decided to leave the matter empty for now. Regarding this, neither Gongsun Leng nor Wang He dared to make random comments, so the matter was settled like this. …
