Chapter 41 Blackmail

This foreign woman was brought back by the head of the Leung family when he went to study abroad. She is the only woman in this household who shares common topics with her as a mother figure.
They all believe in the Presbyterian Church, which is a Protestant missionary organization. The Presbyterian Church differs from traditional Christianity in that it has a more liberal belief system, emphasizing personal faith and respecting differences in individual perspectives.
This is also the reason why the woman from the UK was able to accept her husband and quickly adapt to this foreign culture.
Everyone present was not blind, neither the beggar nor the old man looked simple.
But looking back at the head of Shanxi ticket shop, he still wears that arrogant and invincible expression.
Meanwhile, other places such as the head of Risun River ticket shop are whispering in low voices, discussing why he dares to have such boldness to confront Liang Zhengping today.
This attitude is just too much, taking over the host's position and not giving them face.
Even though Liang Zhengping's face turned completely cold, as a cunning and experienced person, he didn't act rashly and let anger cloud his judgement.
作为日升川这个庞然大物的白银帝国，他的一言一行都可能决定着这个家的未来。
老人的手一瞬间脱手回旋，大枪如抖动的大蟒老人重新接过长枪直接直戳崔崇的咽喉。
"Clatter clatter"
A series of hurried footsteps approached from outside and a group of soldiers wearing matching brave jackets burst in. They all carried new Western-style rifles in their hands.
There was a commotion in the courtyard, with the various shopkeepers from all over able to sit still but the servants and family members were already in chaos.
In this world, the boundary between soldiers and bandits is not very clear. If this wasn't the Liang Mansion, they would all have fled in all directions.
As a local boss in Sichuan, Rishengchuan can secretly compete with the court, but must publicly bow down.
The old man disinterestedly retrieved his big gun and said with a sigh, "Looks like we won't be able to determine a winner today. I never expected to come across a skilled opponent like you!"
梁正川从座位上起身，看到闯进府中庭院的官兵，脸上没有丝毫的惊慌而是脸上挂着笑容。
向为首的身穿官袍的人走去：“总督大人今日家宴，您亲身来此可真是给寒舍增光！”
With a serious expression, he instructed his subordinates: "Do you have no vision at all? How come no one is here to greet the Governor?"
"Liang, if you say that the Liang family, who runs the Sunrising River Bank, lives in a humble house, then I, the Sichuan Governor, am a beggar."
Saying that, his eyes glanced at Cui Chong, who was carrying a wooden box on his back: "I never thought that Manager Liang has such a kind heart, even a beggar can sit and eat with you."
He was obese, with a wide body and a big laugh that made his eyes narrow into a slit. He was named Boliang Bayueteshi, a Mongolian from the Blue Banner. Nowadays, the Qing government is implementing new policies, which requires the deployment of Manchu-Mongolian officials.
He took over as governor of Sichuan, but the court's silver was delayed and he had no choice but to set his sights on Sichuan's largest pawnshop, Rishengchuan.
Although Liang Zhengping was unhappy with being compared to beggars, he didn't want to offend the smiling tiger in front of him and could only change the topic.
"May I ask what brings you here, sir?"
Boliang smiled and said, "I heard that Risshochuan has been doing a lot of business with foreigners, buying large quantities of weapons. I'm concerned that you may have connections with the rebels!"
Liáng Zhèngpíng put on a sincere and fearful expression and said, "Sir, we at Ri Sheng Chuan are absolutely loyal to the court and will never collude with rebels. Our dealings with Westerners are limited to daily necessities and curiosities. If you like, we can offer you some Ri Sheng Chuan bills for your appraisal."
Liang Zhengping's face was filled with panic, but his inner self remained calm. It was true that they had purchased military weapons in secret within Risun River, but this kind of private matter was only known to their own people. It seemed that there were traitorous individuals who were colluding inside and outside.
"In these troubled times, it is only right and proper for you wealthy merchants to step forward and share the burden of the court. What do you think, Manager Liang?"
Smiling as if you were discussing things, but with no room for refusal in your words.
梁正平实在吃不准对方是有把握而来，还仅仅是试探而已，可他却丝毫不敢为此做任何赌注。
他如今只期盼对方不会狮子大开口，小心翼翼的说着：“总督大人，日升川票号愿资费一百万两白银”
Bo Liang answered calmly, "Two million silver taels."
"This..."
They consider one million silver taels as money to seek peace, but two million silver taels will cause them real pain. If the ticket agency has any problems, they will inevitably have to turn to other ticket agencies for help, otherwise they will not be able to withstand the surging public opinion when they fail to make up for the financial shortfall."
“来人，进去搜”
可眼见着那些如狼似虎的官兵就要冲进去，他们却不敢同对方火并，家大业大的顾及起来也是颇为良多的。
"Hold on, as an adult, I, Rissho Asahi, offer this car worth one million silver to you."
Bowing and smiling, Boran helped Lian Zhengping up with folded hands.
"I'm sure the court won't forget the kindness of Lian's shopkeeper," he said with a smile.
Some servants moved out the boxes, and the officials and soldiers also stepped forward to help.
Watching the other party's departure, Liang Zhengping's face was very ugly. now the newly appointed governor behaves without any scruples and is excessively greedy, which is not a good thing for Risheng River.
There is never a shortage of offerings during normal times, yet there is still a greedy and unscrupulous heart.
"I heard that the Fourth Prince and his wife are going to Tianjin for a vacation. I can send my subordinates to take care of their food and lodging!"
那山西掌柜上前和梁正平搭起了话，他不咸不淡的说道：“孩子不成器，就劳烦掌柜的费心了！”
看着拂袖而去的背影，他面无表情不知在想些什么。
As the crowds dispersed, the Shanxi shopkeeper bowed to the elderly man and expressed his gratitude, saying "Thank you very much, Mr. Li, for your help. Ruitu is deeply grateful."
The hunched and thin old man calmly accepted the thanks and said, "Now that our debt of gratitude has been repaid, we no longer owe each other anything."
After speaking, he took the big gun and left, and the Shanxi shopkeeper no longer showed any arrogance in the Liang Mansion.
It turned out that his previous attitude in the mansion was deliberately calculated, and how could he have so boldly offended Liang Zhengping without being noticed?
A servant dressed in satin and silk approached respectfully, handing over a bag of money, “This is a little token of my master’s goodwill, to build a good relationship.”
Cui Chong took the money bag and weighed it in his hand, noticing there were many silver coins inside.
He reached out his bloodstained and dirty hands, and took the silk purse that had been sewn well.
The servant's face was full of respect, and he had just seen the imposing appearance of this man with his own eyes.