I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Night fell, and it was very cold.

Shen Nian arrived at the Shuntian Prefecture government office in Lingchunfang, north of the city, by carriage.

"No need to report, quickly lead the Grand Secretary to see Wang Youtang of the Ministry of War and Prefect Jin!" Wang Jia, the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, said loudly.

Upon seeing the "Shen" sign hanging on the carriage and the ceremonial guards, the sentry knew the identity of the visitor and dared not be negligent in the slightest. He quickly led Shen Nian toward the back hall of the government office.

Soon, Shen Nian arrived at the back hall.

More than ten officials were seated in the back hall. Sitting directly in front of them were Wang Yi'e, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, and Jin Lijing, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture.

Upon seeing Shen Nian, everyone rose and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Grand Secretary Shen!"

Shen Nian stepped to the front, said "No need for formalities," and then looked at Wang Yi'e, asking, "Wang Youtang, have you found out the identity of the deceased? Are you certain that the murder weapon was a stun gun?"

This is the issue that Shen Nian cares about most.

Wang Yi'e cupped his hands and said, "The identity of the deceased is currently unknown. Instructor Zhao, along with the heads of firearms from the Inner Court's Armory Bureau, the Ministry of Works' Ordnance Bureau, and the Beijing Garrison's Shenji Battalion, are currently examining the type of murder weapon in the morgue of the prefectural prison. We are also awaiting the results. In addition, I have ordered all bureaus and battalions to inspect the firearms in their warehouses and investigate whether any firearms are missing!"

Shen Nian nodded, satisfied with Wang Yi'e's immediate order to inventory the firearms.

Firearms are crucial tools in the military and must never be lost.

Especially the electric cannon.

That was the latest type of firearm in the Ming Dynasty. Based on it, even more lethal cannons could be developed.

If it is lost and ends up in the hands of some tribe in the northern Mongolian border, that would be terrible!
Currently, the technical level of firearms manufacturing among the Mongol tribes is very backward. They lack materials and craftsmen, and they use old-fashioned firearms that have been phased out by the Ming Dynasty, and their numbers are far fewer than those of the Ming Dynasty.

However, if a new type of firearm falls into their hands, they will definitely copy it, so Shen Nian attaches great importance to this matter.

Then, Shen Nian sat down in the chair on the far left, looked at the standing officials, and said, "Please sit down, everyone. Let's wait together!"

Immediately, the officials of Shuntian Prefecture dared to sit down.

A short while later, a servant from the manor served tea to Shen Nian.

After taking a sip of tea, Shen Nian looked at Jin Lijing, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, and asked, "Prefect Jin, how many days will it take for Shuntian Prefecture to find the murderer? Which government departments are needed to assist us at this time?"

Jin Lijing looked down at Zheng Mo, the judge of Shuntian Prefecture in charge of criminal cases and litigation.

"Judge Zheng, you are in charge of all criminal cases and the arrest of thieves in Shuntian Prefecture. Now, answer Grand Secretary Shen's question!"

A middle-aged man of medium build, around fifty years old, stood up, cupped his hands towards Shen Nian, and said, “Reporting to Grand Secretary Shen, this matter involves firearms. If it is confirmed that the murderer used the latest electric musket developed by the Firearms Battalion, the case will probably need to be transferred to the Ministry of Justice or investigated by the Imperial Guard. Therefore, I can only answer your question after the results are available.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Nian frowned slightly.

"Who is the deceased? Has an investigation begun?"

"The yamen runners from the Criminal Division brought the deceased from the Western Hills to the yamen. It was nearly dusk, and we haven't had time to investigate yet. Tomorrow morning, I will order someone to draw a portrait of the deceased, and have the runners post notices and search for missing persons within the Shuntian Prefecture. Based on past experience, we should have results in about five or six days! Of course, if any citizens report missing persons, it may be even faster!"

Seeing Shen Nian's gloomy expression, Zheng Mo added, "Half an hour ago, I went to see the body. He was about thirty years old. Judging from his clothes, he should be a local resident from the vicinity of Xishan. It is not difficult to confirm his identity."

Shen Nian turned to look at Zheng Mo.

"Judge Zheng, can't the Shuntian Prefecture draw portraits of the deceased at this time? Can't the Shuntian Prefecture inform the various counties and townships of the deceased's information tonight? Why wait until tomorrow? Since it's not difficult to confirm the identities, why not confirm them as soon as possible? What are you waiting for?"

"Is it possible that we cannot take the initiative to handle this case before it is confirmed that the Shuntian Prefecture will take charge, so as to avoid other government offices taking advantage of the Shuntian Prefecture's prestige, or that if we do this overnight, it will affect the Shuntian Prefecture officials' preparations for the New Year?"

Pfft!
Upon hearing this, Zheng Mo, the magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture, immediately knelt on the ground, while Jin Lijing, the prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, also stood up and bowed.

Zheng Mo explained, "Your Excellency, I haven't prepared any New Year's goods. I just haven't received any orders from above."

Zheng Mo shifted the blame onto Jin Lijing with a single sentence.

Jin Lijing glared at Zheng Mo, then reprimanded him, "Does this murder case require my order before you can investigate the victim's identity? Go and do it immediately!"

Zheng Mo dared not say another word, and quickly stood up, grabbed his official robe, and rushed outside.

Jin Lijing cupped his hands to Shen Nian and said, "Your Excellency, it is...it is my dereliction of duty. I will do my utmost to oversee this matter!"

Shen Nian ignored him and instead looked down at the officials of Shuntian Prefecture.

"Gentlemen, this is not the death of a sheep or a cow, but the death of a young life. Is such a serious matter not worth staying up half the night for?"

"Furthermore, if it is indeed the imperial court's firearms that have been stolen, you must stay up all night and do your utmost to find the weapons used to kill. Once these weapons fall into the hands of foreign tribes, you should know what that means."

"I am guilty, and I will do my utmost to investigate!" The officials stood up and bowed.

Because various government offices from the capital were stationed in Shuntian Prefecture, the officials were mostly lazy as they handled minor tasks.

at this time.

Zhao Shizhen, an instructor from the Ministry of War's Firearms Battalion, along with the heads of the Inner Court's Armory Bureau, the Ministry of Works' Ordnance Bureau, and the Beijing Garrison's Divine Machine Battalion, quickly arrived at the back hall.

Shen Nian quickly stood up and looked at Zhao Shizhen.

"Greetings, Grand Secretary Shen! Greetings, Wang Youtang! Greetings, Prefect Jin! Greetings, all my superiors!" Zhao Shizhen bowed to the crowd.

"Tell me the results quickly!" Shen Nian asked anxiously.

"After studying the gunpowder and projectiles, it was determined that the deceased died from three projectiles fired in succession. The ballistic characteristics of the projectiles are consistent with those of a breech-loading gun. It is undoubtedly the newly developed 'Lightning Gun'. Other firearms would not produce such an effect."

Shen Nian frowned, looked at Wang Yi'e, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, and asked, "When can we confirm whether the firearms battalion's 'Lightning Guns' have been lost?"

"At most half an hour, after the inquiry, someone will immediately report to the superior."

"Okay, then we'll keep waiting!" Shen Nian said expressionlessly.

About a quarter of an hour later.

A clerk from the Ministry of War reported that no electric muskets were missing from the firearms battalion, but because the ammunition was frequently tested, there were no statistics on its quantity, so it was impossible to tell whether any were missing.

Shen Nian looked at Zhao Shizhen.

"Instructor Zhao, is it possible that someone stole your blueprints and copied the Lightning Gun?"

Currently, in addition to the firearms battalion, more than ten electric muskets have been sent to the northern border. These firearms sent to the northern border could not possibly have been stolen, let alone appear in the Western Mountains.

Zhao Shizhen replied with great certainty, "Impossible! Judging from the blueprints alone, it is impossible to replicate. In addition, the materials are rare and the molds are difficult to make. Unless you take away the lightning gun that I developed, it is impossible to replicate, but that would be extremely time-consuming and would take at least half a year."

"According to the coroner's examination, the deceased likely died last night. The most probable scenario is that someone took a stun gun from the firearms camp last night, killed the person, and then returned it."

"An internal traitor?" Wang Yi'e, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, couldn't help but show an angry expression.

What he detested most was internal traitors.

Shen Nian thought for a moment and said, "Wang Youtang, immediately seal off the firearms battalion and thoroughly investigate all the craftsmen and soldiers who have access to the electric musket!"

"Yes!"

"Prefect Jin, you are in charge of investigating the identity of the deceased and the murderer. Tomorrow morning, I will report this matter to His Majesty. Even if other departments are involved, they will only be assisting. If we cannot find this murderer who killed with a musket, I will make sure that your entire Shuntian Prefecture cannot have a good New Year!"

After saying that, Shen Nian strode away.

The officials of Shuntian Prefecture quickly bowed.

Shen Nian's words already expressed his extreme dissatisfaction with Shuntian Prefecture.

They knew the consequences of offending a high-ranking official, especially one who was on the rise.

After Shen Nian, Wang Yi'e, and the others left, Jin Lijing looked at the officials under his command and said, "If you want to keep your official hats, you must do your best to find the murderer in the next few days. Don't slack off!"

"Yes, Your Excellency!" All the officials bowed in unison.

……

After leaving the Shuntian Prefecture government office, Shen Nian did not go home immediately, but went straight to the Ministry of War's firearms camp. After giving some important instructions, he went home to lie down near midnight.

……

The following day, December 12th, early morning.

Shen Nian immediately reported the incident of the lightning gun killing people in Xishan to Emperor Wanli and Zhang Juzheng.

Emperor Wanli was relieved that the musket had not been lost, but he still took the matter very seriously. Because it involved firearms, he ordered Shen Nian to take overall charge of the matter, with the Ministry of War, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Shuntian Prefecture jointly investigating the matter. Other government offices were to follow Shen Nian's orders and cooperate in handling the matter.

At the same time, the Ministry of War's artillery battalion also began its self-inspection.

Wang Yi'e, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, personally oversaw the investigation, searching for traitors among the troops.

Once the thief of the firearms is found, we'll be close to finding the murderer who used the firearms to kill someone.

……

December 13th, near noon.

With the joint identification of many residents in the Xishan area, the identity of the deceased was finally confirmed.

The deceased's name was Qi Mancang.

Thirty-two years old, from Wanping County, western suburbs of Beijing, a farmer, his father has a leg ailment, his mother is blind, and his wife takes care of three children at home, two sons and one daughter.

The family was very poor.

Qi Mancang had to support his family, so in addition to farming during the busy season, he did some heavy lifting work in the Xishan area, such as delivering food and charcoal to temples.

Qi Mancang's family were honest people with a good reputation in the village. Qi Mancang had never had any conflicts with anyone, nor had he been involved in bad habits such as gambling or prostitution.

On the morning of the day he died, he went to the foot of West Mountain to look for work.

Recently, many wealthy people have gone up the mountain to see the snow, creating a large demand for food and bedding. As a result, these days are the most lucrative time for laborers.

According to a laborer who knew him, he took a job carrying meat and wine in the afternoon, but no one knew where he was going, and then no one saw him again.

After seeing this information, Shen Nian felt that it was probably not a revenge killing.

Even if Qi Mancang offended someone, that person couldn't kill him with firearms, because using firearms is a capital offense.

Those who could use firearms, especially those who could obtain the electric musket, were not in the same social class as Qi Mancang and it was difficult for them to have any interaction.

Shen Nian couldn't quite understand it.

"Who would steal a musket, kill an honest farmer, and then put the musket back where it was? But... his death must be related to the person who hired him."

If it cannot be found out who secretly took the stun gun and who secretly put it back, Shen Nian will definitely not be in the mood to celebrate the New Year.

……

December 15th, afternoon.

Neither the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Shuntian Prefecture, nor the Ministry of War's Firearms Battalion had any news regarding the progress of the case.

Just as Shen Nian was sitting in the Ministry of War's hall, pacing back and forth in frustration.

A soldier on guard duty in front of the Ministry of War reported that a soldier from the West City Garrison claimed to know clues about the murder by firearms, but could only report to Minister of War Shen Nian.

"Let him in!" Shen Nian said without hesitation. Having no clue whatsoever, Shen Nian desperately needed a lead on the case.

After a while.

Accompanied by two soldiers from the Ministry of War, a man who looked to be in his thirties, dressed in the patrol uniform of the Five Cities Garrison, appeared before Shen Nian.

This person had a handsome face and fair skin. He didn't look like a soldier, but more like a scholar or a shopkeeper.

Upon seeing Shen Nian, the man immediately knelt on the ground.

"Peng Sanwang, a patrol soldier from the West City Garrison, pays his respects to Your Excellency. Because if some intelligence is reported to the wrong person, I may lose my life. Therefore, I have no choice but to overstep my bounds and report this. I hope Your Excellency will forgive me!"

Shen Nian smiled.

This person is very polite. For a low-ranking soldier to say such a thing, he is probably well-educated.

"I hereby pardon you, speak!"

Peng Sanwang raised his head and glanced at the two soldiers from the Ministry of War beside him.

Shen Nian said, "There will be no outsiders inside this pavilion, so you can speak freely!"

As the Minister of War, Shen Nian was surrounded by soldiers who were all loyal to him.

If he didn't have this ability, he wouldn't have been able to enter the cabinet at the age of thirty-one.

Peng Sanwang paused for a moment before speaking, "Your Excellency, I suspect that the person who killed Qi Mancang with a firearm was very likely someone from the western suburbs."

Shen Nian looked puzzled.

Not knowing where the western suburbs courtyard was, I gestured with my eyes for him to continue.

"From what I understand, Qi Mancang is just an honest and simple commoner, while those who can wield firearms are either rich or noble, otherwise they would not have the ability to obtain them. Those who can obtain firearms have countless ways to kill an honest and simple commoner, and would never waste a few bullets to kill him."

"Therefore, my guess is that Qi Mancang died in an accident, that some powerful and influential people accidentally killed him during their leisure time!"

Shen Nian frowned slightly.

When he heard words like "suspicion" and "guessing," he concluded that the person's information was all based on his own speculation. However, he was very interested in the other person's deductions, so he listened patiently without interrupting.

If the other party's deduction is too far-fetched in the end, it cannot be true.

Shen Nian would definitely make him get a beating before leaving the Ministry of War. "I'm not just guessing blindly, but in the past two years, with the booming of commerce, the rich have become richer and richer, and their hobbies have become more and more peculiar. In the past, most young noblemen would just summon Yangzhou courtesans in their own gardens, serve wine with brothels' shoes, or watch some erotic films, or keep bastards, etc. But now, they are pursuing more exciting things, such as taking pleasure in injury."

"The amusement I'm referring to isn't playing tricks on monkeys and snakes, but rather playing tricks on people!"

"I personally witnessed someone place fruit on a servant's head, shoulders, and hands, then throw a dagger at him. The servant was stabbed to death on the spot, and then... and then they just paid twenty taels of silver to settle the matter!"

“Since the winter month, the Xishan area has become a place for countless wealthy families to relax and enjoy themselves, partly to appreciate the scenery, and partly because there are even more fun things to do hidden in the mountain scenery.”

"The West Suburb Courtyard is a place in the Western Hills for the wealthy and powerful to enjoy themselves. I don't know where it is, but I've heard that when men go there, it's like they've gone to heaven. They can get whatever they want, and it seems they can even do business there!"

"I've also heard that the people in the West Suburbs Courtyard drink only imperial wine and use tableware from the palace. The reason I suspect Qi Mancang died in the West Suburbs Courtyard is because the important person who could obtain firearms, especially the latest ones, must be from there. He was most likely accidentally killed by some wealthy young master while he was being mutilated for amusement. If we follow this lead, we'll definitely find out the truth. However... however, the West Suburbs Courtyard might be related to some important figure in the palace, so I dare not report this to anyone else!"

After saying that, Peng Sanwang hesitated for a moment, then said, "Although what I said is just a deduction and there is no evidence, I believe it is the truth. I also want to use this matter to gain merit in front of the Grand Secretary."

Shen Nian looked at him and said, "If what you say is true, I will transfer you to the Ministry of War!"

"Thank you, Your Excellency!" Peng Sanwang quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude, Shen Nianzhi's words had struck a chord with him.

The patrol soldiers of the Five City Garrison were the lowest-ranking military personnel in the capital. Their daily tasks were patrolling, clearing roads and ditches, and their monthly pay was very low, but they could not resign without permission.

Although what he said was a deduction, it provided clues for Shen Nian, who had no leads whatsoever.

"You may leave now. I will summon you if necessary!" Shen Nian said.

"Yes, sir, I'll take my leave!" Peng Sanwang kowtowed to Shen Nian again, then retreated and left.

Shen Nian sat on the large chair and began to think seriously.

According to Peng Sanwang's account, if such a western suburb courtyard really existed, it would probably have been a place for wealthy merchants and officials with resources to conduct business and for them to enjoy themselves.

Such places have always existed in the capital.

Using royal tableware and drinking royal wine was actually quite common.

Because Emperor Wanli bestowed so many gifts, some officials would secretly sell them, or the wine and tea sets were all fakes.

"They can do business and indulge in extravagance, which is none of the court's business, but why would they risk their lives by stealing firearms and killing people?" Shen Nian asked, puzzled.

Although some wealthy people may seek extreme thrills after achieving financial freedom, very few would engage in thrills that could kill others, let alone dare to steal a stun gun, which is a heinous crime that could cost the entire family their lives.

"Could the owner of the West Suburbs Courtyard be Feng Bao? Or Zhang Cheng? Impossible! Impossible!" Shen Nian shook her head.

Since the eunuchs had just been criticized for holding a talent selection ceremony, they would never do something so foolish.

Murder and murder by stealing a stun gun are two completely different concepts. No matter how stupid they are, they would never kill for pleasure.

Suddenly, Shen Nian slapped his head.

"correct!"

"Perhaps using fire-starting weapons privately isn't about seeking extreme thrills, but rather about demonstrating strength!" Shen Nian murmured.

Places like the West Suburb Courtyard clearly profit from earning commissions from merchant collaborations and providing pleasure services.

To attract wealthy and influential people in the capital to their businesses in the West Suburbs Courtyard, they needed to make these people believe that the West Suburbs Courtyard had an extraordinary background, that no merchant would dare to break their contract there, that their privacy would be protected, and that this would enhance their influence and allow them to earn more money.

Clearly, the lightning gun was the best tool to demonstrate strength.

The new type of repeating firearm, which had not yet been mass-produced, was in the hands of the owner of the West Suburbs Courtyard, who used it as a recreational tool or even for murder, before others had even seen it.

This is incredibly impressive!
Suddenly, Shen Nian felt that her reasoning had reached a closed loop.

"The owner of the western suburbs courtyard, could it be... could it be His Majesty?" Shen Nian suddenly muttered to himself.

Emperor Wanli was a miser and always tried to find reasons to transfer money from the national treasury to the imperial treasury, but now that Yin Zhengmao was holding back, he could not get more money.

It's possible.

Soon, Shen Nian shook her head again.

Although the young Wanli Emperor had the ability, Shen Nian was certain he would not do so. If the young Wanli Emperor dared to profit in this way, the civil and military officials would be willing to change the emperor for the Ming Dynasty!

"Who is it? Who has the ability to do this? Never mind, let's stop thinking about it. Now that we have a lead, let's investigate!" Shen Nian said.

About half an hour later, Aji appeared in front of Shen Nian.

The courtyard in the western suburbs was a place for private meetings, and Aji was quite skilled at gathering intelligence among the common people.

He was able to use his informants to investigate the matter covertly, and it was not easy for anyone to discover it.

The last time Aji investigated You Qi, Zhang Juzheng's steward, it was discovered by the eunuch Zhang Cheng, entirely because the latter had been keeping an eye on You Qi, and Aji walked right into the line of fire.

Furthermore, if Shen Nianruo ordered the Shuntian Prefecture or the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate the western suburbs courtyard without any evidence, it would easily alert the culprit, allowing them to hide even deeper.

After receiving the order, Aji began the operation.

……

Two days later.

No further discoveries were made at Shuntian Prefecture, Jinyiwei, or the Ministry of War's Firearms Battalion.

Wang Yi'e, the Minister of War, was convinced that there was a mole in the firearms battalion, otherwise the firearms could not have been lost and returned, but he just couldn't find a suspect.

……

December 18th, near dusk.

Aji approached Shen Nian and said he had made a new discovery.

Aji said his informant learned of the existence of the West Suburb Courtyard from a silk merchant.

The West Suburb Courtyard is a commercial and leisure venue established in early winter this year. The West Suburb Courtyard is not a fixed courtyard; its location will keep changing, but it will always be in the Xishan area.

Those who could enter the western suburbs courtyard were all extremely wealthy, noble, and refined individuals.

"Great wealth" refers to a wealthy merchant; "great nobility" refers to an official or noble; and "great elegance" refers to a renowned scholar or scholar.

And they are all introduced by acquaintances; it is very difficult for strangers to break into their circle.

The prices inside are very high, but the entertainment options are abundant; if you can imagine it, you can see it. You can also close big deals and acquire extraordinary resources there.

The owner of the West Suburb Courtyard is known as the West Suburb Hermit, but no one knows who the real owner is.

In addition, on the 21st of this month.

A banquet will be held at the West Suburbs Courtyard, and more businessmen are invited to participate.

There are no minimum social status requirements, and it doesn't matter if you're introduced by an acquaintance, but the entrance fee is one thousand taels of silver. The banquet is free, and some special programs are charged separately.

One thousand taels of silver is almost Shen Nian's annual salary, but for many big merchants, it could be several times the amount earned from a single deal.

This move is clearly an attempt by the West Suburbs Courtyard to amass more wealth before the year-end.

Shen Nian thought for a moment. To understand the West Suburbs Courtyard and find out who its owner and main organizer were, he probably needed someone from his own group to pose as a businessman and attend the banquet.

"Aji, do you have a suitable candidate to pose as a businessman and attend the banquet in the western suburbs?"

Aji thought for a moment and said, "Young Master, among my men, I have the most refined demeanor, but none of them seem like businessmen. To others, they look like intelligence agents."

Shen Nian smiled and rolled her eyes at Aji.

Aji is even less likely to go.

Because of Shen Nian, Aji was a familiar face in the capital, and many people knew that he was Shen Nian's butler.

“Like a merchant, he can investigate this matter? That’s right… Peng Sanwang!” Shen Nian’s mind conjured up the image of Peng Sanwang wearing a merchant’s robe.

Although Peng Sanwang was a soldier of the Five Cities Garrison, he looked very much like a shopkeeper. With proper attire, he could definitely have the air of a businessman. He was not afraid of the cabinet ministers and spoke in a logical manner.

In addition, he knew something about the West Suburbs Courtyard and was thinking of jumping to the Ministry of War. If Shen Nianruo gave him a chance to make meritorious contributions, he would definitely seize it with all his might.

His only flaw is that he's bad at business.

Shen Nian thought for a moment and said, "Aji, I'm entrusting Peng Sanwang to you. He's the patrolman from the Five Cities Garrison who provided the clue about the courtyard in the western suburbs. You need to disguise him as a merchant, a pawnbroker who came to the capital from out of town. Then find an experienced manager from the Yaodong Trading Company who knows about pawnbroking and teach him the rules of the pawnbroking business. He's very smart and should be able to handle it! There are many nouveau riche in the capital these days. If he knows a little bit, others shouldn't be able to tell."

“No problem!” Aji replied very readily.

……

December 21st, near dusk.

At the foot of Xishan Mountain, in front of a wide mountain road.

Wearing a silk robe, a mink hat, and carrying a bronze hand warmer, Peng Sanwang stepped off the carriage and handed the invitation to a young man in a blue shirt who was already waiting there.

This invitation was purchased by Peng Sanwang yesterday for one thousand taels of silver, which is the admission fee for tonight's banquet in the western suburbs.

Of course, this money was given to him by Aji.

Peng Sanwang's current annual salary is equivalent to ten taels of silver. He would have to work for a hundred years without eating or drinking to earn a thousand taels of silver.

In addition, he had twenty paper tickets in his pocket, which he had exchanged for two thousand taels of silver. Each paper ticket was worth one hundred taels of silver and was specifically for the banquet in the western suburbs tonight.

This means that the minimum cost for the banquet is one hundred taels of silver, and of course, any unused portion can be refunded upon leaving the banquet.

Yesterday, Peng Sanwang said he wanted to exchange twenty tickets. The charming woman in charge of exchanging the tickets even pursed her lips, which clearly indicated that he was a rather poor businessman attending the banquet.

When others exchange their money, the starting price is five thousand taels of silver.

He also wanted to exchange it for five thousand taels, but Shen Nian couldn't come up with that much money at the moment.

Shen Nian paid for all of this herself.

If Shen Nian wanted to come up with five thousand taels of silver, he would have to draw it from the Ministry of War, but the process would have to go through the young Wanli Emperor, the Grand Secretariat, and the Ministry of Revenue, which was very troublesome and required explaining the reasons.

Fortunately, many businessmen were just looking to broaden their horizons, and some even exchanged ten tickets for more.

This threshold is set up brilliantly.

Even if the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the soldiers of Shuntian Prefecture were highly capable of investigating cases, they simply couldn't come up with that much money.

Without special privileges, one simply cannot attend the western suburbs banquet.

"Master Peng, the invitation is correct, please get into the carriage!" The young man in blue led Peng Sanwang into another carriage and then blindfolded him.

Behind him, the two servants arranged by Aji could only wait here, either late at night or early the next morning to pick him up.

The mountain road was rugged, and the carriage swayed and rocked.

Blindfolded, Peng Sanwang couldn't remember the way at all.

At this moment, he felt only excitement and a little nervousness, but not a trace of fear.

He considered himself a pawnbroker who had made a fortune overnight. His shop was in Jiangnan, and although he didn't know much about the industry, he had made a fortune through sheer luck.

He was particularly curious about what he could see in the courtyard in the western suburbs.

Today could become a turning point in his life.

……

About half an hour later, the carriage slowly came to a stop. Peng Sanwang, supported by the young man in blue, got off the carriage and walked forward.

Soon, he heard the sound of the wooden door opening.

Then he heard the young man in the blue shirt seem to take out his invitation and hand it to the person at the door.

Immediately afterwards, the young man in the blue shirt released his arm, and another person took his place.

"Master Peng, come, step up the stairs!" a strange voice rang out.

Immediately, Peng Sanwang stepped over the steps and walked inside.

He felt that he first went around a screen wall, then another door opened, and he was reminded to step over the stairs. After that, another person took his arm.

He could clearly sense that it was a different woman, because he could smell a woman's fragrance.

Just as he stopped, the blindfold was removed.

"Master Peng, welcome to the banquet in the western suburbs. I wish you a pleasant evening!" The voice was soft and charming.

Peng Sanwang slowly opened his eyes and saw a tall, beautiful woman in a light pink dress smiling at him.

Ahead, four beautiful women stood in two rows, bowing as if to invite them.

The beauty of these five women was comparable to that of the most talented courtesans in the capital's brothels, and their demeanor gave Peng Sanwang a comfortable feeling of "I am the master, and they are the servants."

Immediately, the woman in the pink dress bowed to Peng Sanwang, then presented him with a document smeared with gold powder, and said softly, "Master Peng, these are the rules and procedures for tonight's banquet. Please take a look carefully. Before the banquet begins, you are free to move around in the courtyard, make friends, enjoy tea and wine as you please. If you need anything or have any questions, just wave to the woman walking by. However, you must not cross the third gate in front. I wish you a pleasant time!"

After Peng Sanwang received the document, the five women bowed again and then slowly withdrew, giving Peng Sanwang ample emotional value.

Peng San looked at the screen wall ahead, knowing that beyond it would be another world. He was very excited. He first read through the document and understood it thoroughly, then tidied his appearance and strode inside.

Tonight might very well be the most extravagant moment of his life. Of course, he hadn't forgotten his mission; his future was the most important thing. (End of Chapter)