lovenovelstory Chapter 30 I don't even respect Cao Cao, and you want me to serve that big-eared thief?
Chapter 30 I don't even respect Cao Cao, and you want me to serve that big-eared thief?
Cao Jie's anxiety finally subsided, and he bowed to take his leave.
Cao Cao gazed in the direction of Xiaopei, stroking his long beard and sneering, "You big-eared scoundrel, you thought you could take advantage of the chaos and plunder, tearing a few pieces of flesh from me, but you never expected that I would have such a capable son-in-law. Instead, you've shot yourself in the foot!"
The mocking laughter lingered in the hall for a long time.
...
In the following month, Gu Cheng expanded the Gu family's salt workshop more than tenfold, producing salt day and night.
Due to his massive dumping, the price of salt in Xudu plummeted for several days, but it recovered to its original price in just a few days.
After completely quelling the salt shortage in Xudu, Gu's salt was then sold to various prefectures in Yan and Yu, bringing the soaring salt prices in each prefecture back to normal.
Because the production cost of Gu's Salt was extremely low, even though the price of the salt was not high, Gu Cheng still made nearly 100 million yuan thanks to the astonishing volume of shipments.
With its advantages in both price and quality, Gu's Salt Shop flourished everywhere, opening stores throughout Henan Province, and completely squeezing Xuzhou sea salt out of the market.
...
Inside Xiaopei City, the prefectural government office.
Liu Bei sat upright in the main seat, his face as gloomy as cold iron.
"Gu's salt is of high quality and low price, and its output is astonishingly large. It not only brought the salt price in the various provinces controlled by Cao Cao back to its original level, but also squeezed our Mi family's sea salt out of the Central Plains market."
"We had stockpiled hundreds of thousands of bushels of sea salt, intending to sell them in batches as the price of salt rose. But now we're stuck with them all. We've not only failed to make any profit, but we've also lost hundreds of millions of dollars."
Mi Fang reported the news with a mournful face and her head bowed.
Liu Bei's voice was as deep as ice as he spoke: "The salt supply of the Central Plains has always been divided between lake salt from Hedong and sea salt from Xuzhou. How could a Gu family's Qing salt suddenly appear out of nowhere?"
"Your Majesty, my sister and her men have inquired extensively in Xudu. It seems that this salt was made by a noble young master named Gu Cheng, who created a new method of salt production."
"This method can extract edible refined salt from inferior brine, and the output is extremely large, which is why it helped Cao Cao solve this salt shortage crisis."
Mi Fang quickly bowed again to add to the report.
"Gu Cheng?"
Liu Bei looked completely bewildered and asked, "Gongyou, who is this Gu Cheng? How does he possess such extraordinary abilities?"
Sun Qian gently shook his head: "This person is completely unknown. Before this, I had never heard of such a person in the world."
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"Bang!"
Liu Bei slammed his fist on the table, his brow furrowed in anger. "I never imagined that our carefully laid plans would be completely ruined by such an unknown nobody! It's truly infuriating!"
Mi Fang, still with a mournful face, said, "My lord, my Mi family has suffered a severe blow this time, and it will be difficult to recover in a short period of time. I'm afraid we are no longer able to provide you with enough military supplies and provisions!"
Liu Bei's brows furrowed even more.
Zhang Fei immediately flew into a rage, yelling at the top of his lungs, "Your Mi family is one of the three most powerful merchants in the land! How can you claim to be severely weakened just because you lost a little money? Mi Fang, are you just using this as an excuse to deliberately cry poverty?!"
"Yide, you must not be disrespectful to Zifang!"
Liu Bei glared fiercely at Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei reluctantly shut his mouth, but he was still muttering to himself.
Mi Fang sighed bitterly, "I really didn't mean to complain about being poor. After Lü Bu seized Xuzhou, he set up obstacles and suppressed our Mi family's business at every turn, which has already made our financial situation much worse than before. Now, the sea salt business has suffered another huge loss, and we really can't come up with any more money."
Zhang Fei let out a heavy snort, and although he didn't speak again, his eyes were still full of disbelief.
Liu Bei's gaze slowly shifted to Sun Qian, who was standing to the side.
Sun Qian sighed softly and said, "I believe that the Mi family has indeed done everything in its power. My lord, at this point, I'm afraid we have no choice but to reduce the number of soldiers."
Liu Bei slowly shook his head, and finally waved his hand: "Now that things have come to this, we have no other choice but to take this step. Cut it off."
Guan Yu, who had been silent all along, suddenly opened his phoenix eyes wide.
"Brother, Cao Cao's recent actions clearly indicate that he intends to wage war against you. If you reduce your troops now, how can we defend Xiaopei with only a few thousand soldiers if Cao Cao's army attacks?"
Guan Yu spoke solemnly, offering a deep reminder.
Liu Bei let out a cold laugh: "Yun Chang, you can rest assured. If that Cao traitor dares to take advantage of our weakness to attack Xiaopei, he will surely fall into an abyss of no return."
Guan Yu's phoenix eyes suddenly narrowed, and his gaze went straight to Liu Bei.
"Zifang, you may leave now."
Liu Bei waved Mi Fang away, leaving only Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and his trusted advisor Sun Qian in the hall.
Guan Yu quickly stood up and bowed respectfully: "Brother, please forgive my ignorance, I humbly request your clarification."
Liu Bei took out a scroll of silk from his bosom and waved it at Guan Yu: "This was sent back from Xuchang by Zilong yesterday. After you read it, you will understand what I mean."
Guan Yu, with a hint of suspicion on his face, reached out and took the scroll.
After just one glance, Guan Yu's expression changed drastically. He immediately stood up and respectfully held the silk scroll with both hands.
"Second brother, what's going on?"
Seeing his expression, Zhang Fei couldn't help but ask with a face full of curiosity.
Guan Yu said solemnly, "Yide, this is a secret edict from the Emperor to our elder brother. How can we show the slightest disrespect?"
"A secret imperial edict?"
Zhang Fei stared blankly, his head filled with confusion and bewilderment.
Liu Bei waved his hand and said, "Yun Chang, there's no need to be so nervous. This book is not actually written by the Emperor. The Emperor's edict was given to Dong Guojiu, and this book is a direct retelling by Dong Guojiu."
Guan Yu breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down in his original seat. The two brothers, along with Sun Qian, then carefully examined the contents of the silk scroll.
In his book, Dong Cheng, the emperor's brother-in-law, wrote that the emperor personally gave him a secret edict, ordering him to secretly contact loyal ministers and righteous men who were devoted to the Han dynasty, and to plot the elimination of Cao Cao, the treacherous scourge of the country who was causing chaos in the court.
Dong Cheng claimed that he had contacted several court officials as internal supporters and wanted to ask Liu Bei for external support. He planned to launch a coup in Xuchang while Cao Cao was away on campaign, so that they could seize power and kill Cao Cao.
"If that's the case, and Cao Cao dares to lead his army to attack Xiaopei, Dong Guojiu and his associates will seize power in Xuchang. With Cao Cao's rear in turmoil, his army will inevitably fall into chaos and be defeated without a fight!"
Guan Yu raised his head and looked at Liu Bei with excitement.
Liu Bei nodded slightly, smiling but saying nothing.
Sun Qian was also overjoyed and said, "If that's the case, then we can safely reduce our troops without worrying about Cao Cao's attack."
"But if we reduce our troops, even if we're not afraid of Cao Cao, what about Lü Bu?"
Zhang Fei frowned and spoke with a face full of doubt.
Sun Qian smiled and said, "Lu Bu is wary of us precisely because our lord previously recruited soldiers. Now that we have voluntarily reduced our troops, it is a good opportunity to show Lu Bu that our lord has no ulterior motives, so Lu Bu will naturally lower his guard."
Zhang Fei then suddenly realized what was going on.
"Yun Chang, Yi De, let's lie low for now and wait until the Mi family's finances recover before expanding our army again."
Liu Bei looked at the two of them and solemnly gave them his instructions.
The two men clasped their hands in unison and loudly agreed.
Sun Qian bowed and said, "My lord, Mi Zizhong is still being held in the Xudu court, and the Mi family has suffered heavy losses. I'm afraid the Mi family's support for you will waver. I think you must take some measures to firmly bind the Mi family to you."
"You mean..." Liu Bei's eyes flickered slightly, and he spoke with a hint of speculation.
Sun Qian smiled and said, "My lord has been widowed for a long time. Why not summon that Miss Mi back to Xiaopei as soon as possible and marry her? This would not only allow us to form an alliance with the Mi family through marriage, but also give you a virtuous and talented wife. It would be a perfect solution."
Liu Bei's face showed understanding, and a meaningful smile flashed across his lips.
...
Ten days later, in the eastern suburbs of Xuchang.
Not far from the Gu family mansion, a caravan was slowly making its way eastward along the official road.
"I never imagined that Young Master Gu would be so skilled in salt production. With just this one piece of salt, he not only helped Lord Cao relieve the salt shortage, but also caused my Mi family to lose everything!"
Mi Huan, sitting in the carriage, was filled with sighs and emotions.
Zhao Yun, who was riding alongside him, nodded and said, "This man is indeed extraordinary. Our lord is in dire need of such a talented person to assist him. When we return to Xiaopei, we must take the opportunity to invite him to come out of seclusion."
Mi Huan nodded slightly, and Gu Cheng's handsome and refined face involuntarily appeared before her eyes, recalling the conversation when the two met that day.
Before they knew it, the caravan had arrived at the gate of the Gu family manor.
Mi Huan and Zhao Yun then stepped forward and knocked on the courtyard gate.
In the courtyard.
Gu Cheng was basking in the sun as usual, enjoying a rare day of leisure.
At this moment, Xu Chu strode over, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Young Master, a caravan of merchants has arrived outside the manor. The man and woman leading them claim to be old friends of yours and wish to pay their respects."
Caravan?
A man and a woman?
Gu Cheng's mind raced, and he instantly remembered them. He immediately ordered them to be invited into the mansion.
Not long after.
Zhao Yun and Mi Huan slowly walked into the courtyard.
"Young Master Gu, we meet again." Zhao Yun bowed and said.
Mi Huan quickly curtsied and said with a slight smile, "Greetings, young lady. We are passing through this place on our way back to our hometown today, and we are afraid we will have to trouble you again, young master."
"You're too kind, Miss."
Gu Cheng looked apologetic and said, "I caused you to lose a lot of money this time. Today, I should treat you both well as a token of my apology."
Mi Huan and Zhao Yun's expressions changed slightly, their eyes flickered, and they couldn't help but exchange a secret glance.
Mi Huan asked with a look of surprise, "Young Master Gu, what makes you say that?"
"When your caravan left that day, it left behind a lot of salt dust on the road. I suppose you were planning to go to Xuchang to trade salt."
"You two said you came from Xuzhou. As far as I know, the sea salt in Xuzhou is controlled by the Mi family. You two must be from the Mi family."
As Gu Cheng poured fragrant tea for the two men, he casually revealed their backgrounds.
Mi Huan and Zhao Yun's expressions changed drastically once again.
"This person seems carefree and easygoing, but I never expected him to be so meticulous. He figured out our origins just from the slightest clues!"
Mi Huan looked Gu Cheng up and down, a deep sense of amazement flashing across her eyes.
A moment later.
Mi Huan forcibly suppressed the shock in her heart and smiled faintly, "Young master truly has discerning eyes, seeing through our identities. But what is the meaning of your offer to express your apology?"
"The two of them originally intended to take advantage of the disruption of the salt route in Hedong to raise the price of salt and make a fortune, but the Gu family's Qing salt ruined their plans. Not only did they not make a big profit from the sea salt they hoarded, they will definitely lose everything."
"I reckon the two of you have already found out that the Gu family's salt comes from my Gu family."
"I suspect that you've come to our door today to confront us, so I should naturally express my apologies and say sorry."
Gu Cheng slowly revealed the whole story, raising his cup of fragrant tea: "I offer this tea as a token of my apology for causing you both to lose everything."
After saying that, Gu Cheng raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.
Mi Huan and Zhao Yun, however, held their teacups, motionless, their bodies frozen in place.
"This person's keen insight and meticulous understanding are truly awe-inspiring!"
The two men exchanged a secret glance, and the same shock surged in their hearts.
"You two are not drinking this tea, so it seems you still hold a grudge against me."
"But there's nothing we can do about it. The business world is like a battlefield; it's that cruel. You can only accept the consequences of your gamble."
Gu Cheng's smile slowly faded, and a sharp, cold glint flashed in his eyes.
Mi Huan came to her senses and smiled sweetly: "Young master misunderstands. I was just amazed by your insightful judgment. In business, there are gains and losses. We have the magnanimity to blame you."
After saying this, Mi Huan drank the fragrant tea in one gulp.
Gu Cheng thought to himself, "This girl in front of me is quite remarkable. She is young, but her demeanor and speech are extraordinary."
After setting down the teacup, Mi Huan subtly winked at Zhao Yun, signaling that it was time for him to get down to business.
Zhao Yun immediately understood and said, "Our Lord Liu is a renowned benevolent ruler who is always eager to find talented people. Young Master Gu is exceptionally talented, and it would be a waste for him to live in seclusion in this rural area. Why don't you come back to Xiaopei with us? Lord Liu will surely entrust you with important responsibilities then."
A look of surprise flashed in Gu Cheng's eyes.
He originally thought that the two men had lost money and had come to confront him.
Unexpectedly, they were there to recruit him on behalf of Liu Bei.
"I'm already in Xuchang, and I can't even be bothered to seek refuge with Cao Mengde. Yet you want me to travel thousands of miles to join that big-eared scoundrel? Are you two joking?"
Gu Cheng not only refused on the spot, but his words were also full of disdain.
The moment the words "big-eared thief" were uttered, Mi Huan's expression immediately changed.
Zhao Yun was immediately enraged, his brows furrowed, and his hand instantly gripped the hilt of his sword.
Behind Gu Cheng, Xu Chu's tiger-like eyes widened, and he suddenly gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist.
A chilling, bone-piercing killing intent immediately emanated from the air, causing Zhao Yun to feel slightly suffocated.
Although Zhao Yun was the bravest warrior in the army, he was somewhat wary of Xu Chu and hesitated for a moment whether he should make a move.
in the courtyard.
The atmosphere was tense and eerily silent.