Chapter 492: Deep Danger Moves a Thousand Miles

Ningrong Street, Count's Prefecture.

The sun had passed noon, the autumn sun was bright, and the season was approaching late autumn.

The parasol tree under the back eaves of Jia Cong's courtyard also had many withered yellow leaves. Every day in the afternoon, they would fall to the ground slowly and leisurely.

He was flipping through a collection of essays in the study, but his mind was somewhat unsettled. Through the window, he saw Lingguan taking Douguan, the two of them holding brooms to sweep the fallen leaves on the ground.

Last time, because of the national mourning, the Love Shenjing's Jiaofang Division cut personnel. Originally, five people including Douguan, Fangguan, Ouguan, Aiguan, and Kuiguan were to be sold, and their future was unpredictable.

It was Douguan who slipped out of the Jiaofang Division to ask Jia Cong for help. Jia Cong, through the relationship of Du Qingniang, bought the five of them into the prefecture.

Because Douguan and Kuiguan had long since lost their families, Jia Cong raised them in the prefecture.

A few days ago, Shi Xiangyun came to stay in the Jia family for a few days and found Kuiguan very congenial, so she wanted her to accompany her. From then on, she followed her day and night, playing together every day and inseparable.

Douguan had been the same as in Gusu, sitting, lying, and living with Lingguan every day, feeling very happy and proud in her heart.

Jia Cong also, because Fangguan, Ouguan, Aiguan, and the other three had parents, removed their status as servants and sent them home to live their own lives.

Actually, they envied Douguan and Kuiguan for being able to live in a wealthy family.

But they were strangers to Jia Cong and didn't have the connection that Lingguan and Douguan had with Jia Cong. Besides, they both had parents, so Jia Cong was willing to remove their status as servants, naturally there was no reason to keep them.

The world is unpredictable, and everyone has their own fate.

Perhaps for Fangguan, Ouguan, and Aiguan, this was the best ending and destination. Although Douguan and Kuiguan had no relatives, they had Jia Cong's protection, so they could live their whole lives without worry.

……

Under the bright autumn sun, Jia Cong saw a layer of fine sweat on Lingguan's snow-white forehead. Her small face was flushed with a hint of shyness. She swung the broom in her hand, her slender waist turning, her posture very young, beautiful, and cute.

Suddenly, he saw Lingguan turn her head to look at the courtyard gate and smile: "Sister Lin, Sister Hearing Zi Juan, you are here. Come in and sit."

Jia Cong finished his morning essay lessons, and Daiyu happened to bring Hearing Zi Juan over to visit, which happened to be Jia Cong's rest time.

Jia Cong brought Daiyu into the study, the two talked about idle things to relieve boredom, and then went to Yingchun's courtyard together, seeing Baochai, Seeing Tan Chun, and Xiangyun all there.

Jia Cong found that Baochai had been coming to the Eastern Prefecture much more often than usual recently.

Sometimes Baochai would come in the morning, spending time with the sisters in the garden, often waiting until sunset before going home, which was different from the past.

Jia Cong didn't see Yingchun and asked: "Why is everyone here, but the host, Second Sister, is missing?"

Baochai said: "Second Sister just took Xiuju to see Sister Feng."

Jia Cong asked: "Is Second Sister-in-law's health not good again?"

Baochai replied: "Isn't it? I went to see her once before coming here this morning. I don't know what happened in the past two days, Sister Feng's illness was almost better, but suddenly it recurred."

"Second Sister heard that Sister Feng's illness was difficult to cure, so she went to take a look."

Jia Cong thought of the day he met Yang Hongbin, after which Wang Xifeng had Ping'er come to invite him, asking him face-to-face about the news of Jia Lian being sent to the Dali Temple.

When she heard that Jia Lian had confessed to the salt and iron smuggling in Datong and was destined for exile to the border, Wang Xifeng cried in shock and pain. Jia Cong and Ping'er persuaded her for a long time, but she didn't improve.

It must be that Wang Xifeng was overly grieved, which triggered her old illness again.

Baochai saw Jia Cong's bad complexion and asked: "Brother Cong, is the situation with Second Brother Lian not good, which is why Sister Feng is like this?"

Jia Cong said: "Second Brother's crime has been confirmed. Now we are waiting for the Dali Temple's verdict. Second Sister-in-law is also overly worried."

The two were talking when Yuanyang entered the courtyard and said to Jia Cong: "Cong Sanye, Grandmother and Master are in Rongqing Hall, asking Cong Sanye to go over to talk."

On the way, Jia Cong asked Yuanyang a few questions. It turned out that Wang Xifeng's illness had worsened, and it had become so severe that she couldn't get out of bed in the past two days.

Grandmother went to see her once and knew it was because of Jia Lian's conviction that Wang Xifeng was overly grieved, triggering her old illness.

Grandmother had Lin Zhixiao invite Zhang Youshi to treat her, but she was still concerned about Jia Lian's matter, so she had someone call Jia Cong to discuss the cause.

……

Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Jia Cong and Yuanyang just entered the hall and saw Grandmother sitting in the middle, with Jia Zheng and Lady Wang sitting on the side, and Yingchun sitting below.

Grandmother saw Jia Cong and asked: "I went to see Sister Feng today, and she is getting sicker. I heard she asked you to inquire about Lian'er's matter two days ago, and she heard bad news, which is why she is like this."

"I asked Sister Feng, but she just cried and wouldn't say, so I had to call you over to ask."

"What is the talk about your brother's matter now? What crime is he going to be convicted of, and is there any room for maneuver?"

Jia Zheng also said on the side: "I asked my colleagues today and heard that Lian'er has been escorted from the Embroidered Uniform Guard to the Dali Temple for detention, but I have no connections in the Dali Temple, so I don't know the truth."

"I heard earlier that Brother Cong and the Dali Temple worked together on a case in Jin Ling, so you must be somewhat familiar."

Jia Cong said: "Master, the day before yesterday I went to the Dali Temple to inquire about news. Second Brother has confessed in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, admitting to the salt and iron smuggling in Datong, and the confession has been set."

"Now that he has been sent to the Dali Temple, he will be judged. The salt and iron trade Second Brother is involved in, although the amount is not too large, salt and iron trade has the suspicion of aiding the enemy, so he will be sentenced to at least ten years of exile."

"That day Second Sister-in-law asked me about the truth, and I couldn't hide it too much, so I could only tell her."

Grandmother sobbed and shed tears upon hearing this, saying: "This matter couldn't be hidden anyway. It's good that you told her, it was bound to happen sooner or later."

"Is this evil obstacle so short of silver to spend that he had to do such a life-threatening thing? I heard about this in previous years, smuggling salt and iron to the border is a capital crime."

"He and Sister Feng have been married for these years, but haven't left any offspring. Now he is going to be exiled for so many years. Sister Feng is still young, isn't this making a woman live as a widow? It's truly a sin."

Jia Cong felt sad in his heart upon hearing this. Actually, these disasters were all caused by Jia She, and Jia Lian was only intimidated by his father's power to go to Datong to contact, completely pitted by his father, but these words could not be said clearly.

……

Jia Cong said: "Exile to the border was still light. Now the situation has changed, I fear it will be more than that. I just didn't dare to tell Second Sister-in-law."

Grandmother was startled and said: "Exile for ten years is not heavy? Could it be that they want Lian'er's life?"

Jia Zheng also turned pale and asked: "Brother Cong, what changes have occurred in the matter?"

Jia Cong said: "Second Brother confessed in the Embroidered Uniform Guard that Second-Class Baron and Mobile Corps Commander of the Capital Battalion Xie Jing, Second-Class Baron Qi Jianhui, and Wucheng Military Commission Qiu Liang, these three noble families all participated in the salt and iron trade."

"The Emperor was furious upon learning of this and has ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate strictly. Once it is confirmed that these three noble families are indeed guilty,"

"the Emperor, in order to deter the lawless, will surely handle this matter strictly. By then, Second Brother will be implicated and will likely be in great danger."

Grandmother cried again upon hearing this, saying: "These families are all old noble families of generations. If they know they were sold by Lian'er, I don't know how they will hate our Rongguo Prefecture! The name left by the Duke is considered ruined!"

Jia Zheng also felt anxious upon hearing this and said: "This matter has alarmed the Emperor, I fear it is difficult to end. Brother Cong, you have always been esteemed by the Emperor, can you plead with the Emperor?"

"Even if you save his life, even if he is exiled for half a lifetime, he can only accept it."

Grandmother sobbed on the side: "Brother Cong, Lian'er is your proper brother, blood is connected to the heart."

"I won't force you to do difficult things. You just plead with the Emperor. As long as you save his little life, if the matter is done, it will be your merit."

Jia Cong said: "Second Brother is my eldest brother, I will not ignore it. I have already heard news these past few days that Xie Jing, Qi Jianhui, and Qiu Liang have all been detained by the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"The relevant shops and accounts of these three families have all been sealed and confiscated by the Embroidered Uniform Guard. I fear it won't be long before the crime is determined."

"The Emperor has granted me the right to report directly. I will submit a memorial to the Emperor these few days to plead for Second Brother."

"But this major salt and iron case has involved many noble families, and the matter is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly. Although I submit a memorial to plead, it may not necessarily be effective."

"I also ask Grandmother and Master to understand that things may be doable, but not necessarily successful."

Grandmother was still waiting to say more, but Jia Zheng said on the side: "Since Lian'er has broken the law of the state, there is nothing to be done. As long as Brother Cong tries his best, it is brotherly love. Man cannot win against heaven, and there is nothing to be done."

Grandmother and Jia Zheng were full of anxiety when they suddenly saw Lin Zhixiao enter in a hurry, with joy on her face, saying: "Grandmother, there is good news."

Grandmother still had tear stains on her face, feeling heartbroken for her grandson. Hearing Lin Zhixiao's wife say what good news, her old face sank.

She said with dissatisfaction: "Don't look at what time it is, and still say what good news!"

Lin Zhixiao's wife was startled by Grandmother, but immediately came to her senses and said: "Grandmother, it is indeed good news. Just now, Doctor Zhang diagnosed Second Young Lady, and she has a pulse of pregnancy!"

……

Nine Borders, Datong, Sun Zhanying's mansion.

The Sun family is a Datong family, not only serving in the army but also operating various businesses in Datong, and is one of the few wealthy households in Datong.

Because of the hereditary military position, although the Sun mansion did not dare to overstep the rules, it was still connected with courtyards, occupying a large area, and was wealthy and imposing.

In the main hall of the mansion, the daily serving servants had all been screened out. Only Sun Zhanying sat in the middle, reading a letter.

Sun Zhanying was in his early forties, tall and strong, with a straight nose and wide mouth, slightly protruding cheekbones, eyes shining with spirit, and a short beard under his chin, his behavior showing calmness and sophistication.

Behind him stood a young man, whose appearance was somewhat similar to Sun Zhanying. In the hall, there was also a strong man who had traveled far, seemingly from afar.

The Sun family had been hereditary Regional Military Commissioners in the Datong border army for three generations.

The Sun family's hereditary official position might not be worth mentioning in a place like the Love Shenjing where there are many nobles, but in a remote border town like Datong, it had quite a lot of weight.

After three generations of operation and accumulation, the Sun family's influence in the local area was constantly deep-rooted and had become a very famous military noble family in Datong.

Sun Zhanying was quite strategic, decisive, and gloomy in handling affairs, and had more means than his father and grandfather.

Since inheriting the military position, he had befriended his superiors in the army, obtained real power in the Datong army, trained his relatives and children in the family, operated various businesses in Datong, and accumulated family wealth.

Therefore, in the past ten years or so, the influence of the Sun family in Datong had grown day by day, and in the official and public circles of Datong, it had become increasingly important.

……

Sun Zhanying read the letter, his face gloomy and solemn. He asked: "Second-Class Baron and Mobile Corps Commander of the Capital Battalion Xie Jing, Second-Class Baron Qi Jianhui, and Wucheng Military Commission Qiu Liang and others participated in the salt and iron trade. Was this confessed by Jia Lian of the Rongguo Prefecture?"

The man replied: "Last month, First-Class General Jia She of the Rongguo Prefecture suddenly passed away. Later, the Embroidered Uniform Guard didn't know where they found the evidence and took Jia She's son into the imperial prison."

"After only a few days, the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the Love Shenjing moved out in all directions to investigate the details of these three noble families traveling to Datong. My master learned of the situation, so he sent someone to send an urgent message to Sun Master."

"As for whether these three noble families were confessed by Jia Lian, it is currently unknown."

Sun Zhanying's eyes flickered, and he asked: "With your master's ability, even he doesn't know?"

The man replied: "Sun Master doesn't know. Since the incident of Zhou Zhengyang of the Jin Ling Guard happened in July this year, the Dali Temple and the Five Armies Governor's Office in the Love Shenjing were involved in a leak case, causing the imperial prisoner to escape in advance."

"The current Emperor was furious and ordered the Pushiyuan to investigate the matter strictly, causing a bloody storm in the officialdom of the Love Shenjing. More than a dozen officials from the Ministry of Personnel, Dali Temple, and Five Armies Governor's Office lost their lives because of this."

"After this incident, all major government offices in the Love Shenjing strictly guarded their doors, not daring to have the slightest mistake, so as not to cause disaster."

"Key departments like the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Dali Temple, and Ministry of Justice are even more meticulous in their actions, not leaking half a gap or flaw."

"My master also spent some effort, but he was never able to contact the content of Jia Lian's confession. Since Jia Lian entered the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he even forbade his family from visiting, so he couldn't find out the details of this matter."

"However, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's actions in the Love Shenjing are obvious. They are strictly investigating the salt and iron matter involving these three noble families, which is half-wrong."

"My master knows that the salt and iron business of these three families is all contacted with the Cong Sanye of the mansion. Once the matter is revealed, the disaster will be great."

"My master, out of old friendship, ordered the little one to ride north quickly to send a message to Sun Master, so that Master can plan and prepare early."

"In addition, my master has other words that were not mentioned in the letter, and asked the little one to convey them to Master in person."

……

Sun Zhanying took a look at the letter in his hand. This letter didn't even have a signature. If it fell into the hands of a third person, he wouldn't know who wrote it. That person was also cautious and careful.

Even so, there were still words that were inconvenient to leave traces in the letter, but he let his confidant convey them in person for thousands of miles. What kind of words were so taboo?

The man said: "My master said, once these three families are found guilty, and confess the connection with the Cong Sanye, I fear the situation will be difficult. In times of crisis, moving north to avoid disaster and planning for the future is a good strategy."

Sun Zhanying heard the other party's words, his face changed, his eyes flickered with sharp light, revealing a trace of murderous intent. The atmosphere in the main hall became cold and solemn.

The strong man seemed to be unaware of Sun Zhanying's abnormal reaction, his face unchanged.

Sun Zhanying asked again: "Shaozu was ordered by me to go to Jin Ling to handle affairs, and half a year has passed, but there has been no news. Can your master find his whereabouts?"

The man said: "That workshop in Jin Ling was very secret that day. Lord Weiyuan Count Jia Cong went to Jin Ling to investigate the case and didn't know what means he used, joining hands with the Embroidered Uniform Guard to raid the workshop."

"The guards and all the craftsmen in the workshop were either killed or captured. Only the Cong Sanye escaped alone. Later, the Embroidered Uniform Guard searched the whole city, but didn't find the Cong Sanye's whereabouts."

"My master also sent people to search in Jiangnan, but didn't find the Cong Sanye's trace. It is likely that the Cong Sanye lost contact with us, knowing the matter was of great importance, so he hid in a place and didn't dare to show his face."

Sun Zhanying's face was cold and stern, saying: "Please bring a message to your master, and ask him to continue to search for the dog's whereabouts in the south."

The man replied: "The little one will definitely bring Master's words. The little one has already delivered the letter, so he will not delay anymore and will return to report to Master today."

After the man finished speaking, he bowed to Sun Zhanying, took two steps back, turned and left the main hall, walking away with big strides, his actions and behavior sharp, with a military style.

……

The young man standing behind Sun Zhanying looked at the man's distant figure and asked: "Father, that person in the Love Shenjing was not involved in the salt and iron business, why is he so kind to send a letter to Father for thousands of miles?"

Sun Zhanying smiled coldly: "He is not kind, but he has a handle in the hands of our Sun family, worrying that if the Sun family is found guilty, he will also be implicated."

The young man asked curiously: "Father, how could a person like him let the handle fall into our hands?"

Sun Zhanying said: "Shaorong, you are the eldest son of the Sun family. Compared to your two brothers, your temperament is calm and wise, more suitable for being an official than your brothers, and the Sun family's business will need you to take on in the future."

"So, I don't want you to be involved too much in some things. There is a taboo thing that I only let your Third Brother Shaozu handle, but I didn't tell you."

"However, your Third Brother went to Jin Ling to handle affairs, and half a year has passed, but he has been missing. He must have had an accident. Now that the situation has changed, I have to let you know the ins and outs of the matter."

"Do you remember the theft of firearms from the Ya Fu Pass military arsenal in Liaodong at the end of spring this year?"

Sun Shaorong said: "I naturally know about this. I heard that nine improved Lu Mi guns were stolen from the arsenal. This kind of firearm was modified by Lord Weiyuan Count Jia Cong according to the Ottoman Lu Mi gun."

"Although I have never seen this kind of new firearm, I heard that it is very powerful. When Lord Weiyuan Count relied on this kind of firearm to pacify the Jurchens outside Liaodong."

Sun Zhanying said: "Jia Cong is gifted with extraordinary talents and is proficient in Western barbarian techniques; he has created all sorts of unimaginable firearms for the Emperor."

"He also used various new firearms to pacify the Jurchens in Liaodong, establishing the most brilliant military merit in the Emperor Jia Zhao dynasty."

"Moreover, he led the construction of the Firearms Division and participated in the formation of the Shenji Camp, giving the Emperor the capital to compete with the noble forces in the army, reversing the trend of the Emperor's weak military foundation since his accession."

"From this, it can be seen how much the current Emperor values the secret technique of the improved Lu Mi gun. Once this kind of firearm is stolen and the construction method is spread, it is simply copying the Emperor's family foundation."

Sun Shaorong heard his father's words and felt a slight horror in his heart, asking: "Could it be that the theft of new firearms in Liaodong is related to Father!"

Sun Zhanying's expression remained unchanged, saying: "When the news of the theft of firearms in Liaodong spread, the Emperor ordered the military stations along the way and the Embroidered Uniform Guard to strictly investigate, set up checkpoints layer by layer, and strictly prevent the stolen firearms from being transported out of Liaodong."

"The person in the Love Shenjing took a strange move, not transporting the stolen firearms directly south, but transporting them north to Datong, and through our Sun family's route, detouring to the Love Shenjing, and then south to Jin Ling."

"Otherwise, how could he hide from the sky and cross the sea under the strict prevention of the imperial court!"

……

Sun Shaorong heard his father's words, his expression nervous, saying: "Stealing and transporting firearms has great hidden dangers. Father has always been cautious, why would he easily get involved in this matter?"

Sun Zhanying said: "Shaorong, I know you have always been cautious, but the Sun family has operated in Datong for several generations. Datong is a remote border town. It is difficult for the Sun family to have great achievements if they stick to one place."

"The current Emperor ascended the throne with a strange opportunity. This position of the Ninth Five-Year Plan did not come in a dignified manner. There have never been fewer people in the court and the public, royal blood, and people with ulterior motives."

"If it weren't for the current Emperor's talent and strategy, and his hard work for more than ten years, and his political achievements and prestige being obvious to all, I fear the world would have been in chaos long ago."

"However, the tree wants to be quiet but the wind does not stop. There are rumors in the court that the Emperor has been working hard for more than ten years and has overdrawn his heart and blood. I fear it is not a long-term phase."

"Therefore, there are people in the court who are ready to move, and the theft of firearms in Liaodong is someone planning for a rainy day, planning for the long term!"

"The person in the Love Shenjing once sent someone to send a message, promising the Sun family a key position in the Jiangnan military town, and let me assist in transporting the firearms taken from Liaodong."

"The Sun family has flourished in Datong for several generations. Although they are prosperous now, they have reached a bottleneck and it will be difficult to go further in the future."

"If we can move to the wealthy Jiangnan area, occupy key military positions, rely on the accumulation of several generations of the family, take root and develop in Jiangnan, and join the ranks of noble families, in time, the Sun family will be limitless! Our family has been trapped in Datong for three generations, such an opportunity is really too hard to meet!"

……

Sun Zhanying said this, his expression already showing excitement. For a family that can only toss and turn in a remote border town for several generations, having the opportunity to occupy a place in the wealthy Jiangnan is really a great temptation.

Sun Shaorong looked worried and said: "Father, the Sun family can have such an opportunity, of course it is very rare, but the risk is really not small."

Sun Zhanying said: "Things in this world are very fair. The greater the interest, the greater the risk. If the Sun family had followed the old ways for more than ten years, they wouldn't have today's family power."

"Moreover, the person in the Love Shenjing has a noble status and a deep foundation, and will surely become a climate in the future. If the Sun family doesn't take the opportunity to borrow his east wind, I fear they will be trapped in a place like Datong forever."

"Furthermore, as long as the transportation of firearms is done, it is a vote of honor for both sides. From then on, it will be difficult to cut off, and I am not afraid of him playing dark tricks. If he rises, the Sun family will also rise!"

Sun Zhanying looked at the letter in his hand and sighed: "Last month he also sent a letter to inform me that Jia Cong broke a major case in Jin Ling, and Jin Ling Regional Military Commissioner Du Hengxin was brought to justice."

"Many high-ranking officials in the guards under him were implicated and arrested. Many key official positions in the Nanzhili guard army were vacant, and he also said he would plan for his father, which could help the Sun family gain a foothold in Jiangnan."

"It's just that in the past month, the situation has suddenly turned downward. Once the three noble families in the Love Shenjing confess the details, the Sun family will face disaster."

"I didn't expect the most life-threatening firearm theft to be eliminated by that person without any risk, but the salt and iron business that the Sun family is most familiar with has had an accident. It is fate!"

……

Sun Shaorong's expression was solemn. Actually, his idea was different from his father Sun Zhanying's. He felt that the Sun family had a solid foundation in Datong, and even if they took root in Datong for generations, it was not a bad thing.

Although the Sun family could gain a foothold in Jiangnan, it would surely be better than the long-term benefits they could get in Datong, but as his father said, the greater the interest, the greater the risk.

With Sun Shaorong's steady temperament, deep in his heart, he felt that his father didn't need to take this risk at all.

But now that things have been done, as the eldest son of the Sun family, he cannot stay out of it and can only follow his father to the end.

Sun Shaorong said: "Father, the person in the Love Shenjing sent a message, asking the Sun family to move north to avoid disaster and plan for the future, is it to let us go out of the pass……."

Sun Zhanying didn't wait for Sun Shaorong to finish his words, and waved his hand to stop him. The father and son got up and entered the inner hall.

The father and son sat behind closed doors in the inner hall study. Sun Zhanying said: "The so-called moving north to avoid disaster is the meaning you thought of."

Sun Shaorong's face changed and he said: "Father, if the Sun family takes this path, unless the mountains and rivers collapse, the Sun family will never have a day to turn over!"

Sun Zhanying smiled bitterly: "Once the salt and iron matter breaks out, do you think the Sun family can have a day to turn over if they don't take this path?"

"The person in the Love Shenjing sent this sentence through his confidant for thousands of miles, and his intention is very sinister. As long as my Sun family takes the path of moving north, even if I hold his handle in my hand, I can no longer control him."

"He is turning the conspiracy into a conspiracy, borrowing the outbreak of the Sun family's salt and iron matter, without blood, first removing a disaster."

"This kind of thinking and planning is really not bad. I said he will be able to do things in the future, and it must be correct."

Sun Shaorong thought for a moment and said: "Father, the information from the person in the Love Shenjing will be delayed for ten days on the road. I fear the situation in the Love Shenjing has changed, so we must prepare early."

Sun Zhanying said: "You immediately mobilize personnel, keep an eye on the four gates south of Datong, strictly investigate the movement of people entering the city, and report immediately if there is any abnormality."

"In addition, select reliable children, lead a capable cavalry team, go 50 miles out of the city to the south, investigate the movement along the way, and if you find any movement, report back quickly, so we can arrange in advance."

"The family's wealth and soft goods should be counted and organized as soon as possible. The vehicles and horses of the clan children should be prepared in advance."

"In addition, prepare a generous gift for the birthday of Regional Commander Qian's third concubine the day after tomorrow."

"Find an opportunity to invite Assistant Regional Commander Zhang Tianlin to drink, and say that there is a batch of goods to go out of the pass this month, let him handle the customs clearance procedures, and give him half a percent of the profit in the past, this time you can give him two percent, and you can pay one percent first." (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 493 =====