At the end of the month, the hottest scene of the year, and under the scorching sun, there is a kind of depression and discomfort that makes people breathless.

On the ship dock, a large number of people had already set off and opened up the show, red carpet, incense table, brass band, sunshade hang... A lot of foreign things were cleverly combined, making people sigh at the creativity of the people of the times and the practical power of "Chinese and Western use", which made the audience admire the vitality of the Taoist masters "keeping pace with the times".

"Master Zheng, why haven't the imperial envoy come yet? Did the China Merchants Bank ship begged again?" An official wearing a mandarin duck uniform and fanned his palms desperately on his face stood up from the chair, asking anxiously, while talking, his eyes staring at the upstream, as if he could see through the air.

"Please rest assured that this ship was carefully selected by the China Merchants Association. Whether it is the captain or the sailor, they are all old-fashioned craftsmen who have sailed for many years. Now it is smooth sailing. Where will it be missed?" The replyer took out his pocket watch, "Look, there are more than 10 minutes left before the time of the first time..."

"That's good, that's good. The China Merchants Group has made such a big mess. If there is another mistake, I'm afraid the gods will not protect you... Humph." He shook his sleeves and hid under the awning and went to Xiaoyao.

Lord Cai Naihuang, who just took office last year. This time, Cen Chunxuan's southern tour as an imperial envoy is really worried - he is known for his "official slaughter", and his purpose this time is quite unfavorable, no wonder Shanghai is so nervous. Cai Daotai has made such a big posture and pomp, hoping to leave a good impression on the imperial envoy.

The reply was Zheng Guanying, the general office of the Steamship Merchants Bureau, whose courtesy name was Zhengxiang and his nickname was Taozhai. He was from Xiangshan, Guangdong. Although he was over 60 years old and his hair was white, he was energetic and vigorous. He was not as quick as his prime, which was in sharp contrast with Cai Daotai's figure of body hollowed out by wine. He did not want to sit under the sunshade, but he turned his head and looked silently at the river flowing down the river, but his brows became deeper and deeper.

Last month, he received shocking news from the capital at the first time - the postal and distribution agency of the China Merchants Bank, in charge of the Steel Shipbuilding Agency, was suspended for trial due to the impeachment of Grand Secretary Na Tong. He took out a "appreciation of the Summer Palace and the summer vacation" result - anyone with a discerning eye knew that it was just a synonym for isolation and review. What is even more anxious is that the court sent Cen Chunxuan as the imperial envoy to investigate and deal with it with full power, and the key investigation was the China Merchants Bank.

If we want to disperse Sheng Xuanhuai's private party and confidant, Zheng Guanying is definitely the best person to be the first. He is the most capable and famous assistant in almost every major project undertaking by Sheng Sui. During the ups and downs of the officialdom and the ups and downs of the past, Zheng Guanying was also like Sheng Xuanhuai. The two were firmly tied together, and they share the same destiny and advance and retreat.

So no one expressed optimism about his prospects. When Sheng Xuan was in power, Cai Naihuang kept circling around the Investment Promotion Bureau in order to coordinate many issues such as Shanghai finance and finance. He spoke "Sheng Da Ren" and "Master Zheng" at a time, and wanted to follow the courtesy of his subordinates. As soon as the news of the investigation came out, let alone the humbleness of the past, the expression of the relationship disappeared without a trace. Even the three words "Master Zheng" were lazy and had no energy.

Everyone thinks that Zheng Guanying is over, and it is still impossible to guess how Sheng Xuanhuai will end. But as long as you look at the fate of the Yang brothers and the fate of Chen Bi, Li Deshun and others, those who are familiar with politics have sentenced Sheng Xuanhuai to death and the contenders are nothing more than the last breath. Although Zheng Guanying is still the head office of the Investment Promotion Bureau, those who have the opportunity are asking around to find out how to end the situation. The situation has been panic, and any movement can be alarmed overnight. There are a few who are second only to him and who are not in the same way as him, either secretly tidy up his black materials or move up and down, preparing to replace them.

What a storm is coming and the wind is filling the building.

Yes, can the official tyrant come to an end without killing a few officials? Can it be worthy of this reputation? Can it smash your own sign?

The situation is treacherous and people's hearts are sinister. Zheng Guanying felt exhausted both physically and mentally. He seemed to have grown a lot overnight. There is no way to start who is right or who is wrong. But now that he is still in charge of the title of general office, he can only strive to support the overall situation and never fall down.

——Jiangbei Admiral Duan Rui immediately sent troops to seal the archives of China Merchants Bureau. He did not confront or fight, but just silently endured it and allowed these officers and soldiers to put seals on the door;

——In newspapers, all kinds of

Suspicion, slander, and even insult, slander came one after another. He did not distinguish, nor did he selectively ignore it, and allowed others to pour dirty water on his head.

The only thing he felt regretful was that due to Sheng Xuanhuai's accident, the final signing of the China Merchants Commercial Office Plan was ruined. The gentry and businessmen who swear to invest and verbally support the development of the China Merchants Bank changed their minds overnight, using various excuses to evade.

Only a few people pointed out the pessimistic atmosphere directly: "Mr. Tao Zhai, the situation is unclear now, and I am also in a difficult situation. I think I'd better wait until the situation is clearer..."

He ran around all sides, hoping to have the power to turn the world back, but he hit a nail without exception. Where to go, it really made people feel confused and helpless!

"Here you come", someone suddenly shouted on the shore, interrupting his thoughts. Looking up, isn't it? The ship of China Merchants Corporation was coming quickly, and the Yellow Dragon Flag and the Imperial Commissioner Flag floating on the mast were fluttering under the blowing of the river wind.

—

The boat leaned steadily against the shore, and firecrackers rang out on the shore. Cai Naihuang, who had just looked impatient, had already changed into extremely humble eyes, and stood in front of the greeting crowd with his body, preparing to help Cen Chun onto the red carpet with his own hands.

When everyone looked up, someone was already strode from the cabin, followed by a series of guards and followers. Who would it be Cen Chunxuan?

"I welcome the imperial envoy, long live my emperor." A group of knelt down on the dock.

"Get up."

"I would like to pay my respects to the emperor, long live my emperor!"

"Sage, Gong You!" Cen Chunxuan's sharp eyes swept over Cai Naihuang's face, making people feel a little numb.

After the ceremony, Cai Naihuang said in an extremely flattering voice: "Thank you for your hard work in Cen Zhongtang, and Cai Naihuang is here to lead everyone to welcome him!"

But Cen Chunxuan was quite unhappy. He raised his eyebrows and pointed to various decorations on the shore. He scolded: "Didn't you tell me before you come and don't make a big statement? Why did you show such a big show?"

"How can the imperial envoy come to Shanghai? How can the etiquette be neglected? Besides, the number of officials has been reduced a lot." Unexpectedly, he scolded him in person without mercy. Cai Naihuang couldn't help but curse in his heart, but his mouth became more and more respectful and his body bent lower.

After walking two steps, the crowd consciously lined up in two rows and gave up the red carpet laid out in the middle. Looking at the scarlet and dazzling carpet, Cen Chunxuan stomped his feet angrily: "Forget it, forgot, I'll be a joke for the newspaper industry tomorrow."

"The Lord Zhongtang was joking." Seeing that the horse flattered in the wrong place, Cai Naihuang was sweating profusely and explained quickly, "This is the most fashionable welcome etiquette in Shanghai at present..."

"This southern tour is for investigation and prosecution of the case of impeachment of Sheng Xuanhuai. The focus is on the Steamship Merchants Bureau and other departments. It has nothing to do with the Shanghai Yamen. Except for necessary assistance, the official affairs of the government should not be abandoned. If we mobilize the troops, what will I explain to the emperor? Let's go and do it..."

"This..." The crowd was like a pot of snow water was buried in midsummer, and they all looked at each other.

Cai Naihuang's reaction was quite fast: "Since the adults don't like this, I will take the adults to the place where I stay to rest."

"Mr. Cai doesn't have to worry. I have lived in Shanghai for a while. I have been familiar with the customs and customs and residences, so there is no need to worry." Before Cai Naihuang's embarrassing expression faded away, Cen Chunxuan shouted directly, "Where is Mr. Zheng Zhengxiang?"

"The lower official greets the emperor of the central hall." Hearing his name, Zheng Guanying walked out of an inconspicuous corner, his expression was neither humble nor arrogant.

"You are polite, sir." Cen Chun's attitude towards him was stronger than Cai Daotai. "I must understand that it is better to choose a date than to meet the day. It is better to be the host of the teacher today. Find a secluded place and bring a few followers with you. Let's start a conversation first."

"Sir, this..." Zheng Guanying looked at Cai Naihuang in embarrassment, and the latter quickly replied, "The officials have prepared a reception banquet for the imperial envoy. Please be sure to attend to comfort the expectations of all walks of life in gentry, business and education."

Cen Chunxuan waved his hands repeatedly: "No need, no need. I have a tight task and I don't have time to spend time drinking and drinking. Lord Zheng, please lead the way!"

"Sir, I dare not obey my orders!"
Chapter completed!