My book friend Long Aotian

Chapter 160 Is it so big?
Ma Fulong is not stupid, he just had a messed up mentality before.

Seeing Li Bailong give in, he was not happy for too long before he realized the subtle difference in this person's wording.

He seized on Li Bailong's official document to make a fuss, firstly to prevent this from becoming a common practice, and secondly for the mission, because Lord Yun sent him to stop Li Bailong's teaching of Tongwen, and the court was paying close attention to the outcome of this matter.

Huazhou, as the ancestral land of the imperial dynasty, can be regarded as Li Bailong's home turf. He cannot use official power, nor can he use violence to deal with those who raise questions. He can only achieve his goals through commercial and other means under the rules specified by Li Bailong... So this exclusive document must be rejected.

Otherwise, with just this one document, the Cao Gang would not be able to get involved in the Huazhou cultural industry.

Not to mention ruining Li Bailong's essay writing plan and making the tribute a laughing stock.

But after gathering together the gang members, confronting Li Bailong and surrounding the government office to pressure the officials, things did not go as smoothly as they had imagined.

It was hard to force Li Bailong to give in, but...

He repeated the key words in Li Bailong's words: "...the six major sects?"

"Yes."

Li Bailong spread his hands and said, "I said at the beginning that the six major capitals are prohibited from getting involved in Huazhou's cultural industry during the essay contest. I don't mean to discriminate against the Cao Gang. I mean that everyone here is not allowed to enter."

Ma Fulong only felt like he was hit on the head by a sledgehammer.

Early in the morning, he just felt his hands and feet were a little cold.

He then heard the dog official say, "This is indeed my negligence. I didn't expect that the Cao Gang members had such a deep desire to serve the country and were so determined to sing praises to the Holy Dynasty...Okay, since all the young and old masters have come here today, I will admit my negligence. Among the six major sects, those who want to participate in the tribute activities can apply to the Tongwen Bureau. After I check their qualifications, I will grant them market access!"

If Ma Fulong still can't figure out the chief's intention, then he is not worthy of being the head of a state.

He felt like every piece of flesh in him was screaming.

——Lingyu Sect!

This guy wants to bring in the Lingyu Sect!
Huazhou is the royal territory. According to the agreement, the six major sects can only operate as private sects here. If the Cao Gang wants to compete in the field of education and culture, it is already skirting the rules.

However, the court struggle should not be expanded, so the giants used Huazhou as a decisive factor in the struggle. The Cao Gang participated in it with limited power, and it was tacitly accepted by all parties.

With the strength of the Cao Gang in one state and one prefecture, Ma Fulong still found it difficult to fight against Li Bailong, who had the home advantage and held great power, even with the strong support of Yun Gong.

But his opponent, that bastard named Li, doesn't seem to think so.

This guy has such an advantage, yet he still continues to recruit people!
Damn it! Lingyu Sect has been transporting people to Huazhou without stopping! Aren’t you satisfied? They even want to give Lingyu Sect the right to directly interfere in official matters! ?
At this time, Li Bailong shouted: "Everyone heard it clearly, right? As long as the Cao Gang also participates in the tribute activities and abides by their patriotic duties, I will allow the Cao Gang to participate in the Huazhou cultural industry!"

The canal workers all looked at Ma Fulong.

So Li Zhishi also looked at Ma Xiangzhu and said gently: "Do you have any other requests?"

Ma Fulong was speechless for a moment.

He found himself trapped.

If you carry the vast majority of canal workers over, they will also be carried over by the canal workers themselves.

At this point, he could not say anything like "Only the Cao Gang is allowed to come in, the other five factions are not allowed", after all, this logic did not make sense.

But if he agrees, the Cao Gang can join, and the Lingyu Sect can also join. Not only will Li Bailong have the advantage in officialdom, but he can also get direct assistance from the Lingyu Sect... God knows what tricks this guy can come up with!
If you don’t agree…

Director Li was understanding and explained to him the consequences of not agreeing.

"No, you felt that the Tongwen Bureau excluded you, so you gathered here to ask for an explanation. I took a step back and agreed to your participation, but you hesitated. Then why did you make such a big scene? Let the fellow canal workers go hungry to accompany you in your nonsense? Everyone risked being retaliated by the corrupt officials to come here to support you, and now that the matter has been accomplished, you hesitated?"

...Fuck it, stop talking!
Ma Fulong was thinking about a better way to break the impasse and became even more annoyed when he heard this.

"It's so annoying."

Li Bailong would not give him time to think. He raised his voice and said to the workers: "Everyone! I've already said this. All six sects can participate. This matter is over. It's over! Don't rush to leave. Breakfast will be delivered soon. Everyone should eat their fill before leaving!"

He pointed at Ma Fulong and said in a bold and proud tone: "He pays for the meal! He pays--"

Before he finished speaking, cheers came from the outer circle and the rumble of horse-drawn carriages could be heard in the distance. The officers had actually hired many horse-drawn carriages to transport all the breakfast vendors at the dock, including their people, pots and even food!
Seeing this, Ma Fulong didn't even have the energy to be angry.

A group of vendors set up hot pots nearby and cooked food, which was a devastating blow to morale.

He looked at Li Bailong with a blank look in his eyes.

Have you taken even this into account?

Li Bailong noticed his gaze and only showed an arrogant look.

——Damn it, I’ve been a little out of touch with life. I originally wanted to prepare breakfast and send it over, but I didn’t expect that the effect would be better if I could just ask someone to come over to cook for me.

Reflect on it and apply it next time.

He raised his hand and spread out his five fingers to the officers who were returning from their work.

Five points for Azkaban.

Director Li turned to look at Ma Fulong again, and said sympathetically: "Anyway, my words count. If the Cao Gang decides to participate, they should prepare the materials and come to the Tongwen Bureau to apply for a market access permit. Of course, it is entirely voluntary. The policy is here. It's up to you whether to enter or not. Anyway..."

He smiled kindly and said, "Even if you don't want to come in, there are still many people who do."

"..."

Why didn’t I realize before that officials could be so annoying and hateful!

Just as I was getting angry, Li Bailong's silky little combo came up again. He was heard muttering to himself: "But if the six major sects can enter freely, doesn't it make me look casual? Should we set a quota... one or two?"

Hey!
Ma Fulong shuddered.

He had completely imagined this scene - Li Bailong claimed that there was only one admission quota, and said that he had wanted to give it to the Cao Gang, but unfortunately the Xiang leader of the Cao Gang was hesitant at the last minute, and as a result, the Lingyu Sect understood the righteousness of the matter and grabbed it in advance. This kind of thing is something that cannot be helped since both parties are willing.

He could even imagine the despicable look on this guy's face when he said this.

At that time, even if he did the same thing again and called on the canal workers to gather, Li Bailong would say, "I promised you that you would come to make trouble, and you can see for yourself that it was your Ma Xiangzhu who didn't want it"...

Son of a bitch!
After all, they are natives of another world. Even if they are smart, they have never seen the benefits of hunger marketing.

Master Ma gritted his teeth and said, "Okay, I agree!"

This is a conspiracy.

Because the Cao Gang had to enter no matter what.

Moreover, Li Bailong has already made concessions. The official document of the Tongwen Bureau excluding the six major factions from participating has in fact been abolished. To some extent, Ma Fulong has achieved his goal.

Just all this... is it worth it?
Li Bailong said sincerely: "You won, you fought well, I gave in under your pressure."

"..."

Why do I feel so frustrated...

At this moment, my chest felt slightly hot, and it flickered a few times before going out completely.

"Brother Wan Yunlong" sensed that he had accomplished what he had prayed for, and he retired.

"..."

Five floors, five floors, six rings, six rings.

The mysterious power that subtly influenced the canal workers disappeared.

The mortal body can no longer resist the aroma of food. Who of the laborers working at the docks just to fill their stomachs would be willing to attend a meeting or go to the streets?

However, they still have a sense of belonging to the Cao Gang and just stare at Master Ma Xiang, waiting for his orders... these hard-working but docile people.

The blow Ma Fulun suffered today is hard to describe.

Really mixed emotions.

Facing these pairs of eyes, he sighed and said, "Thank you very much, everyone. I will pay for it personally. Thank you for your hard work today. You brothers will get your reward tomorrow at the latest... Let's eat."

The boatmen cheered and rushed to their familiar breakfast stalls.

Seeing that the storm had subsided, countless people breathed a sigh of relief.

I wonder how many people feel it’s a pity.

Li Bailong and Ma Fulong were still standing aside, witnessing the scene.

The food was free, but these canal workers lined up voluntarily.

Some people also took the initiative to move tables, chairs, bowls and chopsticks, and helped the vendors carry fuel and food.

Someone was shouting, "Who just got off the night shift? Come to the front!"

Li Bailong said calmly: "It's a waste."

Ma Fulong was confused: "What?"

"You are just like idiots, you have no vision."

Upon hearing this, the head of Yunhua Hall was dissatisfied and said, "If you have any complaints, just say it directly. Why do you have to speak ill of me?"

——Even if I explain it to you, you won’t understand. How can a summer insect talk about ice?

Ma Fulong sneered, "Besides, what happened today was planned by Lord Li, right? When he saw the Cao Gang taking action, he planned to drag the Lingyu Sect into it, so he issued the official document last night! Lord, you got what you wanted, why are you still complaining?"

Li Bailong said happily with his hands behind his back: "Yes, yes, yes, not only did it give the Lingyu Sect an opportunity to get involved, but it also hooked out your gang's big shot - the Cao Gang actually dared to use such a method, which is really unexpected."

Master Ma shut up.

If you argue with this guy again, I'll be a dog!
Seeing that his eyes were angry but his mind was far away, Li Bailong reached out his hand and stroked the chest of Master Ma as if nothing had happened, smiling and said, "Calm down, calm down, we are just serving different masters..."

His hand hit something hard.

Ma Fulong was not in a hurry and was startled when the cup was touched. He looked up subconsciously.

Li Bailong poked him in the chest in surprise: "Ah? Is your head so big? Why is it in the middle?"

Master Ma was shocked and shouted, "What are you doing?"

He stretched out his hand to block the other's arm, but he didn't expect that Li Bailong had already grabbed his collar. As soon as he exerted force, he pulled the clothes apart, revealing his white chest.

And the cup attached to the chest.

(End of this chapter)