Chapter 283 Firearms Quota
E Prefecture Merchant Guild is rich and the meeting hall is built magnificently.
The hall is vast, with towering pillars, and the floor is made of huge bluestone bricks, which are as flat as a mirror, and the light can reflect people.
A plaque hangs high in the hall, with the four characters "Merchants Reach All Seas" written on it. The writing is powerful and the golden light shines.
On the main wall of the hall, there is a giant screen. It depicts magnificent mountains and rivers, and vast rivers. There are both majestic mountains and surging rivers, which means that the mountains and rivers of the Chamber of Commerce are stable, like endless rivers.
Not only that, the Chamber of Commerce also spent a lot of money to hire skilled craftsmen, and the brick carvings on the floor and the wood carvings on the beams all showed Prosperity.
If it were a normal day, Li Yan would not be able to help but appreciate it.
But now, everyone is attracted by the people in the hall.
It was originally a chamber of commerce, but it was filled with people from all walks of life.
There is a Daoist man who is seven feet long, with a high crown of hair, sitting with a sword in his arms, his eyes slightly closed, as if he is closing his eyes to rest...
There is a man wearing a felt hat, with a tiger's back Bear Waist, and a full beard. He is dressed in brown clothes, his eyes are like a torch, and he is not angry but is intimidating...
There are also women with graceful figures and beautiful faces. They have high hair, lavender skirts, and fan in hand. Their eyes are charming and full of hope...
Each of these people has an extraordinary aura. At first glance, they are the leaders of the nearby Jianghu Road, with capable disciples standing behind them.
But what really frightened Li Yan were the three of them.
In addition to Zhang XiaoShan, there is also an old man with gray hair and a gaunt face. He wears a square scarf and holds a mahogany crutch. His eyes are particularly vicissitudes of life.
The other man was short and lean, with a shiny bald head. He was wearing a black shorts and a red belt around his waist. He was holding a dry tobacco pole and puffing out smoke.
These three people can't smell anything, they are Pellet Strength masters!
In the ordinary world of martial arts, Transformed Strength is the pillar of existence, and can serve as the leader no matter which sect he belongs to.
At the level of Pellet Strength, he rarely participates in Jianghu affairs.
Those who are still young will travel to various places in search of opportunities for breakthroughs, while those who are older will live in seclusion and become the foundation of the sect's power.
Now that three of them appear together, something big will happen!
Not to mention him, even Patriarch Tian was stunned.
Sitting in the main hall was a middle-aged man.
He has a straight figure, dignified facial features, three long beards hanging down his chest, and is dressed in a deep purple floral brocade robe with a black silk ribbon tied around his waist and a jade pendant and embroidered pouch.
Although they are the clothes of a merchant, they somehow carry the authority of an official.
It is President E Prefecture Merchant Guild, Wu Honglin.
Seeing Patriarch Tian entering the door, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, but a smile appeared on his face. He stood up and said, "Brother Tian has returned to his hometown to worship his ancestors, hasn't he?"
Seeing the many eyes in the hall, Patriarch Tian quickly handed over his hand and said, "If you have something to do, rush back early. Since the president is busy, I will talk about it later."
"It doesn't matter."
Wu Honglin smiled and said, "Brother Tian, what's the emergency?"
As Patriarch Tian said, E Prefecture Merchant Guild Although the Wu family is the most powerful, there are still people who are jealous of their position.
The president will be re-elected this year. At this critical moment, Wu Honglin should also try to win over centrists like them and speak more kindly.
Patriarch Tian still had something to do, so he naturally didn't want to waste time, so he talked about helping Li Yan sign up for the competition.
Wu Honglin After hearing this, he said meaningfully, "It turns out that Brother Tian also came here for this matter. He is well-informed."
Patriarch Tian was slightly stunned, "Why don't we just have a fight?"
"A fight?"
One of them sneered and said, "If we were to simply fight, none of you here would come here."
The speaker was as tall and thin as a bamboo pole, with a pale complexion. He was wearing a black robe, his hands were folded in his sleeves, and his tone was neither yin nor yang.
Patriarch Tian recognizes this person.
The name of this thin bamboo pole is Shi Chen. He is from Changsha. He has advanced kung fu and knows some magic. Raft Sect is a leader and is famous for his bravery and ruthlessness.
Faced with such a person, Patriarch Tian doesn't want to mess with him.
Zhang XiaoShan, who was on the opposite side, rolled his eyes and scolded directly, "If you don't want to come, get out of here, you are chirping, I am upset."
Shi Chen's face suddenly turned ugly, but he didn't dare to reply.
The gap in status between Jianghu and Jianghu is clear at a glance.
Seeing this, E Prefecture Merchant Guild President Wu Honglin quickly took over the conversation and said with a smile, "It seems that Brother Tian really doesn't know. Things have changed. It's better to sit down and listen before deciding whether to challenge."
Patriarch Tian also became curious and wanted to know what happened.
Wu Honglin nodded, and someone from the chamber of commerce immediately moved a chair. Seeing this, Patriarch Tian quickly whispered, "Move another one."
This seat is also very particular. His son Tian Wei is a junior and can stand behind him, but Li Yan is a nobleman and cannot be wronged.
Patriarch Tian is also considered a member of the Chamber of Commerce, so the servants will naturally not dare to disobey him.
But there were several people in the hall who suddenly looked unhappy when they saw Li Yan, a young man sitting down carelessly.
It was the same Raft Sect who was at the forefront, Shi Chen, who said coldly, "Which junior family are you from? Do you understand Jianghu Rules?"
Li Yan was also a little bored with this person. He glanced at it and said unceremoniously, "Rogue Person is the only one who has no family or sect. No one else said a word, so why are you talking so much?"
Shi Chen's eyes darkened and he stood up suddenly.
"Hahaha..."
Before he could speak, Zhang XiaoShan on the other side became happy and said, "You kid, you really have a bad temper, but the thin bamboo pole opposite is Raft Sect. If you twist his head, Raft Sect won't be able to talk easily."
Hearing what he said, Shi Chen was stunned at first, and then looked at Li Yan in surprise. Others also looked sideways.
Zhang XiaoShan is not someone to be trifled with in Ezhou Jianghu.
But from what he meant, he actually had a crush on this young man...
"Everyone."
When President Wu Honglin saw this, he quickly smoothed things over and said, "We are all fellow martial artists, so don't let your friendship be harmed."
"Let's talk about business first."
Shi Chen couldn't figure out where Li Yan was coming from, and there were steps again, so he sat down with a cold snort and said no more words.
His temper was like this, he was used to being arrogant, but today there was something important, so he tolerated it.
And Wu Honglin took a sip of tea and said, "I also know your purpose of coming. Since the imperial court has issued the decree, E Prefecture Merchant Guild will naturally not stop it..."
Listening to his story, Li Yan finally understood what was going on.
This matter is still related to the imperial court.
Since Great Xuan Dynasty ordered the opening of the sea, maritime trade has become more and more prosperous.
Divine Land There are more and more newly established chambers of commerce and fleets in various places, and the ports and terminals are also very lively.
But maritime trade is also very risky.
One is the unpredictable weather, and the other is pirates.
After hard work in business, how can robbery come so quickly?
Whether in the near sea or far sea, pirates are also increasing day by day.
In this case, the fleet usually also deploys additional armed forces. Although the court's laws are strict, there are more and more people who add artillery to the ship privately.
After all, without this thing, I really can't fight the pirates.
The court also turned a blind eye.
The ban on gunpowder is now equivalent to nothing.
Now that there is a war in the southwest, the imperial court has to allocate forces to suppress the rebellion, and it is impossible to take into account the sea. Moreover, Jingchu Mountain People has regarded gunpowder as a conventional weapon.
Because of the current situation and the push from Open Sea Faction and businessmen, the imperial court finally let go.
Of course, with Emperor Daxuan's temper, he would surely take it back once he let it go.
The imperial court will make certain openings, but merchant groups engaged in maritime trade must have commercial tickets from now on, otherwise it will be a violation of the law.
This thing is similar to Salt License. Port inspections are very strict, and the imperial court will send tax collectors to board ships. Once those who have evaded tax payment are discovered, not only will the commercial tickets be cancelled, but the family property will be confiscated and they will be sent to the army.
In addition, business groups can also form a fleet of ships, similar to bodyguards.
There are quotas in the escort team and you can use firearms.
However, the verification is also strict and it must be subject to the control of the court.
For example, this time Southwest Rebellion, if the imperial court gives a temporary order, it must cooperate with the army to suppress the rebellion...
It's finally here!
Li Yan felt excited when he heard it.
He had known for a long time that this day would not last long, and he originally asked Hara Qianhu to help him, but he did not expect that he would have an opportunity here.
For people in the martial arts world, this matter is equally important.
The imperial court's new muskets and artillery have been used by Commandery Commandant Office and the navy, and their power has long been secretly spread.
Not only that, the power of Divine Mechanism Camp everywhere is also increasing.
And this is also a major event that changes the landscape of the world.
The reason is very simple. Depending on who you are, you will be unlucky sooner or later.
Everyone can see that Emperor Daxuan wants to take advantage of this matter to enhance Open Sea Faction's strength and gather the power of the world at the same time.
But knowing this, I can only hold my nose and grab it.
This is also a good thing for the E Prefecture Merchant Guild, which can use this wind to strengthen its own strength.
Of course, the quota must be released appropriately, otherwise it will cause public outrage, and there are many people in the Ezhou arena who have many ways to do evil things.
This time all parties gathered together to discuss how to divide the quotas.
According to the rules of the imperial court, merchant tickets are divided into upper, middle and lower grades according to the size of the chamber of commerce and the amount of taxes paid in recent years. The number of gun-holders is also different.
E Prefecture Merchant Guild is a first-class commercial ticket, with a quota of 500.
This thing is actually a bit useless to the Chamber of Commerce. After all, at sea, even if there is no quota, guns and cannons will still be used.
But for people in the world, it's different.
Everyone knows that firearms will definitely be rampant in the future. But with this quota, a lot of trouble can be saved.
At least it can be used openly.
Therefore, everyone in the hall was arguing with each other.
E Prefecture Merchant Guild President Wu Honglin also showed his ability at this time, chatting and laughing happily, playing both sides, always controlling the situation, and finally decided on a plan.
Naturally, the caravan will account for the majority.
Two hundred of the quotas are all given to the convoy team.
With these quotas, not only would there be no need to be sneaky when using artillery at sea, it would also mean that there would be two hundred musketeers inland.
There are still one hundred and fifty, give them to Orthodox Xuan Gate.
True Martial Palace, Buddhism and Confucianism are all indispensable.
To be honest, even if Zhang XiaoShan doesn't come, Wu Honglin will personally offer the spot, and other people will not have any objections.
As for the remaining one hundred and fifty, it is the key to the competition.
Finally, everyone discussed and came up with the result.
One hundred quotas are allocated to all forces, and everyone can get more or less.
The remaining fifty will be distributed by beating.
After all, in the arena, the big fist has the final say.
After everyone discussed this, it was past noon.
After leaving the hall, Patriarch Tian immediately apologized. "Young Hero Li I'm sorry, you heard what the president just said, the Chamber of Commerce quotas are not for public use, and you have to obey the orders of the Chamber of Commerce."
"If you want to get it, you can only get it through fighting."
Until now, he still doesn't know the true purpose of Li Yan.
Looking for Daoist craftsmen is to make firearms.
"It doesn't matter."
Li Yan's eyes were full of smiles, "Patriarch Tian can help me get the opportunity, I'm very grateful."
He didn't expect such an unexpected surprise.
As for the fight, I already had a plan, so I wasn't afraid.
At the same time, people in the hall also came out one after another.
After all, they are all leaders of various forces, and some disciples have just left. By the time the meeting is over, the information about Li Yan has been known to them.
Guanzhong rises, Lantern Festival Night kills people on the street, they can only be regarded as rising stars in the world, they have seen many such people.
But in Yichang and Guijiao faced off against the Heavenly Saint Sect...
This is pure madness!
The key is also related to the True Martial Palace and Commandery Commandant Office,
The strength cannot be underestimated.
From the information, everyone only saw two words:
Trouble!
Therefore, after going out, these gang leaders turned a blind eye to Li Yan, neither wanting to get close to him nor wanting to provoke him.
Even the leader of the row, Shi Chen, just snorted and led people away quickly.
Watching the other party's leaving figure, Patriarch Tian shook his head slightly and whispered, "Young Hero Li, this Shi Chen is brave and fierce, and is not a kind person. You should be careful in the future."
"Hmm."
Li Yan smiled slightly and said nothing.
To be honest, the enemies he faced along the way were unimaginable existences for these Jianghu people.
What he did was even more brutal.
If you have experienced a storm, how can you be afraid of the light rain?
"Brother Tian, stay!"
Just as they were about to leave, a voice suddenly sounded from behind. It was President E Prefecture Merchant Guild, Wu Honglin, leading someone over.
"I've met the president." Patriarch Tian quickly handed over.
Wu Honglin shook his head and said with a smile, "Brother Tian, there is no need to be polite. I have prepared a small amount of wine, and I beg you two to show your respect."
His words were polite, but the two of them did not dare to be careless.
E Prefecture Merchant Guild The power that can be mobilized in a short period of time, as well as the various forces involved behind it, are extremely terrifying.
Just now in the lobby, although everyone was quarreling, even a few Pellet Strength masters respected him.
The other party's banquet is definitely not that simple.
Sure enough, after Wu Honglin took a few people to the table, he poured himself two glasses of wine.
He first picked up a cup and stood up, cupped his hands towards Patriarch Tian and said, "Brother Tian, I already know what the unfilial son did, and I will deal with it according to family law, and I will punish him behind closed doors to think about his mistakes."
"If the discipline is not strict, I hope Brother Tian will have more."
"If anything, the president is being polite."
Patriarch Tian quickly got up and paid for a drink.
There was some resentment before, but now it has disappeared.
But Wu Honglin was still standing, picked up another cup, smiled at Li Yan and said, "Young Hero Li, my cousin got into trouble, thank you for finding it in time, otherwise our Wu family would also be in big trouble."
"I'd like to offer you this cup."
"Senior, you're welcome."
Li Yan also stood up, picked up a glass and drank it.
He couldn't help but secretly sigh, this old man is really good at it.
Two glasses of wine solved two problems.
Originally seeing the behavior of Zigui County, Wu Dehai, and Wu Jiu Cheng, he thought that the Wu family was nothing more than this.
But now it seems that I have thought too much.
With Wu Honglin here, the Wu family will be as stable as Mount Tai.
"Hahaha..."
Wu Honglin also laughed, "Okay! I have always believed that no matter in officialdom, shopping malls or the world, it is all about the right time, place and people. Turning hostility into friendship is the right way."
"That's what senior said."
Li Yan is smiling, but in his heart he is more vigilant.
This is a real old fox!
After a while of drinking and drinking, Patriarch Tian also relaxed a lot, and Open Smile said, "I am here at the Chamber of Commerce. I have something else to do. The president happens to be here, so I will ask you about it first."
"Oh, Brother Tian, please tell me."
"A while ago, Western Zhou Ancient Mine appeared in the world, and many Xuanmen craftsmen gathered. Young Hero Li came here, hoping to find a reliable Xuanmen craftsman."
"Young Hero Li has been kind to me, but I don't know much about it, so I would like to ask the president for advice..."
Wu Honglin immediately smiled and said, "This is easy to say. I happen to know a few of them, each with their own unique skills. Now they are invited by the Chamber of Commerce to stay in Wu Prefecture City."
"When I receive a letter, Brother Tian can go there with it."
"Thank you, President."
"Haha, it's a trivial matter, not worth mentioning."
Things came to light, and the atmosphere at the banquet became even more harmonious.
Wu Honglin was obviously very busy. From time to time, his subordinates came in and reported in low voices. Seeing this, Li Yan and others hurriedly drank a few drinks and left.
After they left, the smile on Wu Honglin's face quickly disappeared. He randomly picked up a piece of information next to him, glanced at it a few times, and his expression became serious.
"Enforcement Hall Did you find anything?"
The subordinate immediately replied, "We only found out it was Jiangxia Barbarians, but there are people behind them. Enforcement Hall is standing still, hoping to make him show up."
"Hmph!"
Wu Honglin's eyes were gloomy. "Great Hero Hall The Buddha statue wept blood, Overlord's Well The muddy water surged all night, which are all ominous signs. I'm afraid something big is going to happen in Wuchang."
"You come without a trace, and you go without a trace. How could it be possible without the help of a ghost?!"
"Pay attention, Prince strongly supports the opening of the sea, and has long become a thorn in the side of those Native Faction."
"It's impossible to say that someone is just trying to frame Prince."
"Yes, President..."
On the other side, Li Yan and Patriarch Tian left the chamber of commerce, only to see that night had fallen. The shops along the street were all lit up with lanterns, and there were many pedestrians walking around, making it very lively.
Both of them were in a good mood. After walking a few steps, they saw that the shop selling Western Clocks was still open, so they walked in directly...