Chapter 198 Smuggling
Leaving Wangshan Hall,
Wang Hao led his men to fly in a rainbow shape.
Did not stop at Yilong Port,

It flew directly across the air and headed towards Roudeng Port.

Soft Light Harbor,
Fontaine is one of the important ports for foreign trade, and also handles most of the bulk trade from the south (mainly Xumi and Liyue).

Among these bulk goods, the most important are tea from Liyue and spices from Xumi.

The hydrological environment near Roudeng Port is extremely complex, with shallows, rift valleys and reefs everywhere underwater.

In order to ensure the safety of cargo ships, when cargo ships travel to and from Roudeng Port, the port often assigns a "navigator" on board to point out a safe and fast waterway to enter the port for these cargo ships.

At the same time, to facilitate navigation, Roudeng Port will regularly hire people to conduct comprehensive surveys of the waters near Roudeng Port, and integrate these hydrological conditions into the latest hydrological maps, which will be distributed to all navigators.

It is a port that is still developing, but it is already very formal.

When Wang Hao got closer,

It didn't land directly at the port.
Instead, he found a merchant ship that looked like it came from Liyue.

Fall directly down,

The crew was so frightened that they drew their knives.

When they saw the rainbow light fade away, revealing three people dressed in Liyue costumes, they dispersed their panic a little.

"Who are you?" a sailor shouted in a stern tone.

Wang Hao stepped forward and said, "I am Wang Hao from the Special Operations Office of the General Affairs Department. I have come to Fontaine for something and hope to take a ride on your ship."

As he said this, he took out his envoy credentials but did not give them to the other party.

In fact, if you give something to a sailor, he may not be able to understand it.

Wang Hao just kept them steady and waited for the captain to come.

Sure enough, not long after, a Liyue man dressed as a merchant came out of the ship's hold.
He saw Wang Hao and Xingqiu at a glance and immediately quickened his pace.

"Master Wang Hao, Master Xingqiu, I am so lucky to meet you two at sea."

"I am Jia Peng, the tea merchant from Qiaoying Manor. Welcome to my boat."

Wang Hao raised his eyebrows. Since he knew him, it would be easy.

"Sorry to bother you, I would like to take a ride on your boat to Roudeng Port." Wang Hao said.

The businessman nodded immediately: "Of course, of course, it's our honor."

Then he shouted to the sailors around him, "This is Lord Wang Hao, a big shot in Liyue, and this is Young Master Xingqiu from Feiyun Chamber of Commerce. Hurry up and put away your weapons."

Upon hearing this, the sailors around hurriedly put away their swords.

Perhaps because they were close to Fontaine, Wang Hao even saw several sailors carrying muskets.

"Are you a businessman who specializes in the Fontaine Line?"

Seeing that the atmosphere was no longer serious, Wang Hao started chatting with the businessman.

"Yes, I specialize in purchasing tea from Yilong Port and send it to Roudeng Port, and then purchase some Fontaine specialties and send them back to Yilong Port." The businessman stood beside Wang Hao, leaning forward slightly, feeling a little restrained.

"How's business?" Wang Hao asked with interest.

"Hehe, thanks to the adults, business is pretty good. Our Liyue tea is very popular in Fontaine. As long as there is a quota for tea, plus the ship is not empty, then one trip can earn at least hundreds of thousands of Mora."

The businessman said with a smile.

The profit he mentioned should be pure profit, which is the profit after deducting all costs.

One hundred thousand Moras for a small merchant ship, this is already a good number.

This is still a round trip.

In a year, he estimated that he could earn about one million Mora.

"Well, that's not bad. Are there many businessmen like you in Yilongbu?" Wang Hao asked again.

The businessman thought for a moment and replied, "There used to be a lot of them, but with the recent quota on tea exports, some people are changing their business."

"Tea limit?" Wang Hao paused. This was something he didn't understand.

Before the businessman could speak,
Shi Jie, who was beside Wang Hao, said, "The tea production at Qiaoying Manor has been low for two consecutive years, so the quota for tea exported to foreign countries has begun to be limited."

[The tea production is not good...isn't that the fault of the mountain owner? ]

[This plot is still far away. ]

[It is a long task for the Mountain Master to change the ground veins of Chenyu Valley. He should have started a long time ago.]

【Okay, that makes sense.】

【…】

In Wang Hao's eyes, the barrage gave clues.

Mountain master?

Wang Hao wrote down this information and it would not be too late to solve it when he had time later.

"The export of tea is limited, so why doesn't the income from foreign trade seem to have changed much?"

Wang Hao looked at Shi Jie.

As a senior executive of Liyue, Wang Hao knew a lot about Liyue's financial revenue.

Liyue's foreign trade tax on tea has not decreased in the past two years.

Shi Jie smiled and said, "Because the price will go up."

Wang Hao paused, then slapped his head and said, "I forgot the rules of the market."

In the market, if the quantity of something decreases and the demand remains the same, its price will go up.

This is a normal market rule.

The merchant next to him also gave Shi Jie a thumbs up: "This gentleman is knowledgeable. The price of our tea exported to Fontaine has almost doubled."

"Tsk tsk tsk, is there no response from Fontaine?" Wang Hao clicked his tongue a few times.

The purchase price has doubled, and the selling price in the Fontaine market will definitely increase even more.
Because it is impossible for a businessman to suffer this loss.

"Hehe, you don't know that the people of Fontaine love tea very much. I guess they can accept it even if the price is doubled."

The businessman said with a smile.

Wang Hao lowered his eyebrows and glanced at him: "You didn't raise the price privately, did you?"

The businessman froze for a moment, then quickly waved his hands, his face pale: "No, no, how dare I."

Just by looking at his expression, Wang Hao knew that this guy must have raised the price privately.

However, he didn't say much.

In business, one person is willing to fight and the other is willing to be beaten.
As long as it doesn't explode, it's nothing.

After all, it is impossible to expect businessmen to always behave themselves.

The word "cutting corners" was created for them.

“Don’t be nervous. As long as it doesn’t damage Liyue’s reputation, it’s okay to earn a little more.” Wang Hao said softly, but there was a warning in his voice.

The businessman wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and nodded repeatedly.

He just thought it was an honor to have such an important person come to his ship.

I almost forgot that this big shot's hands were covered in blood.

Thinking of what Wang Hao did in Liyue Harbor,

The wailing sounds of the three powerful families are still ringing in my ears.

[Wang Hao, you are going to scare people. ]

[Wang Hao is now scary if he says something serious.]

【That’s what power is all about.】

【…】

Seeing the businessman's nervous look,

Wang Hao shook his head helplessly: "How much do you know about Roudeng Port?"

He didn't care whether the other party was nervous or not and just asked directly.

The merchant felt better after being asked this question, and quickly replied: "Roudeng Port mainly receives merchant ships from us and Xumi."

(Schematic diagram of the sea freight route to Roudeng Port)
"We sell tea, while Xumi sells spices. I will also directly purchase their spices and bring them back."

"The current manager of Roudeng Harbor is Mr. Du Tai, but he seems to be having a hard time recently."

"There are still some underground forces in Roudeng Port. The largest one seems to be called the [Novelty Pants Club]. It is said to be very powerful."

"..."

The businessman told everything he knew at once.

Wang Hao listened quietly, and nodded slightly after the other party finished speaking: "You just said that the manager of Roudeng Port is not doing well? Is it related to the political situation in Fontaine?"

He is still very sensitive about this kind of official information.

On the side, Shi Jie also looked at the businessman. He was also sensitive to this kind of information.

"Oh, no, no, it seems that it's because Mr. Du Tai proposed a plan, which was probably to expand Roudeng Port, but the plan did not go smoothly, so he was not having a good time."

The businessman replied.

Now Wang Hao understood.

I guess he took too big a step and hit his balls.

Those in power fear this situation the most, as if they are not careful the entire situation will be brought to its knees.

However, since it is not affected by the political situation in Fontainebleau, Wang Hao is not interested.

Of course, Wang Hao still had to meet this port manager.

After all, he is an envoy, so he must report after entering the country.

While we were chatting, Roudeng Port was already within sight.

"Jia Peng... that's his name, right? We'll get off the ship when we get to the port. Thank you for your help."

Wang Hao looked at the approaching port and spoke.

The businessman waved his hand quickly and said, "It's my honor to give you a ride."

Merchant ships gradually arrived at the port.

Wang Hao took Xingqiu and Shi Jie off the boat.

Then I looked around the harbor.
Stopped a harbor attendant,

"Hello, may I ask how I can get there if I want to visit the Harbor Master?"

The stopped port attendant was stunned for a moment: "How many are you?"

"I am an envoy from Liyue. I came to Fontaine to discuss some issues. I hope to report to the port manager first."

Wang Hao said softly.

"Oh, dear guests from Liyue, excuse me, I am Yarad, the harbor attendant of Soft Light Harbor. Please follow me, I will take you to see Mr. Du Tai."

The orange-haired harbor attendant spoke immediately.

It can be seen that she doesn't seem to like working at the port.

I don't know if he is just slacking off under the guise of leading the way.

On the way, a harbor attendant named Yarad enthusiastically introduced the harbor manager Du Tai to Wang Hao and others.

"Mr. Duthey is a good man, hard-working and friendly. He always thinks of others."

"But he just loves reports, data sheets and meeting minutes."

“I think the reason why he proposed the plan to expand the Soft Light Harbor is because this project will allow him to fully and reasonably immerse himself in the ocean of meetings every day.”

Perhaps because of the social atmosphere in Fontaine, the harbor attendant did not seem to be afraid when talking about the harbor manager.

She also said some unpleasant words directly.

Wang Hao listened with a smile.

It's free information, it would be a waste not to listen to it.

Shi Jie would even take the initiative to talk to Yarad and ask some details.

During this journey, the two of them already had a rough character model of the harbor manager in their minds.

A good guy, but with certain flaws.

"Okay, this is the general manager's office. Please wait a moment. I will go and inform Mr. Du Tai."

Yarad said something to the three people, then went to knock on the door.

Open the door and go in,

"Mr. Du Tai, an envoy from Liyue is here and is waiting for you at the door."

"What? Ahhh, what should we do? Aren't they just some smugglers? Why are there even envoys here?"

In the office, a middle-aged man's panicked voice was heard.

Wang Hao's expression suddenly paused and he exchanged glances with the two people around him.

smuggling…

I heard this word again.

"Could the smuggling gang that Coach A-Lin mentioned in Yilongbu be the same one?"

Shi Jie said in a low voice.

Xingqiu also turned serious: "It seems that this matter has something to do with us."

Wang Hao lowered his eyes and whispered, "Then let's use this incident to open the door."

The three of them exchanged a brief conversation.
Soon, Yarad came out of the office.

There was a hint of inexplicable apology in his eyes as he looked at the three people.

"Excuse me for waiting, Mr. Du Tai, please come in."

"Okay, thank you Miss Yarard for leading the way."

As he spoke, Wang Hao reached out and took out a pendant.
"Liyue's Night Stone Necklace is not worth much, please be sure to accept it."

The orange-haired Yarad suddenly made a sound of surprise.

"Is this really for me?"

This is the first time she has received a gift in all the time she has been here.

"Of course, thank you for showing us the way."

Wang Hao said with a smile.

When he left Liyue, he took a lot of small things with him, all of which were gifts that could be given away.

Night Stone, Stone Amber, this product unique to Liyue,

Because of its crystal clear shape, it is very beautiful when made into jewelry.

It is a very good thing to use as a gift.

For diplomacy, a casual gift to gain a friendship that may be useful is well worth it.

"Thank you, thank you so much."

Yarad took the necklace, hesitated for a moment, and said,

"The smuggling incident may be related to the Novelty Pants Club. They have a lot of people in Soft Light Harbor. You better be careful."

After saying that, she left in a hurry.

Wang Hao smiled and glanced at Shi Jie: "An unexpected gain."

Shi Jie shook his head helplessly: "Let's go, don't keep Mr. Du Tai waiting for too long."

He had seen Wang Hao's habit of giving gifts to others in Mondstadt.

The three of them tidied up their appearance and then went into the office.

There are documents everywhere in the office.
Looks very professional.

There is a desk over two meters long near the window.

Behind the desk, a middle-aged man who looked somewhat bookish saw Wang Hao and the other two come in, and immediately stood up and walked over.

"You must be the distinguished guests from Liyue. I'm really sorry for the poor hospitality."

The first thing he said was an apology.

Wang Hao stepped forward and stated that he was the person in charge.

"Roudeng Harbor is very welcoming. Miss Yarad just now is a representative."

Wang Hao smiled and continued,

"Mr. Manager, I'm Wang Hao, the envoy this time. This is Shi Jie, my deputy, and this is Xingqiu, my friend."

It was a simple introduction so that the other party could understand the identities of the people.

After the introduction,

Wang Hao continued, "You should already know the reason for this visit."

In fact, there was no purpose for the visit at all. Wang Hao just saw that there was something going on, so he used it.

Because essentially, he came out this time just to travel.

However, having the identity of an envoy is indeed convenient. He can openly intervene in many matters.

Du Tai nodded quickly, then extended his hand and said, "Dear guests, please sit down and talk first."

The three of them walked to the sofa and sat down.

Du Taicai said helplessly: "Regarding the smuggling ships in Roudeng Port, I have ordered a crackdown, but the effect is not very good."

"Oh, can I ask why?"

When it came to the main business, Wang Hao's expression became serious and he looked quite majestic.

Du Tai also felt some inexplicable pressure and explained, "I have checked the smuggled goods sent from Yilong Port. They are indeed from the Academy of Sciences, but... the Academy of Sciences has completely lost its self-control ability and cannot check how these things were lost. We can only investigate among the sailors and ships in Roudeng Port, and the effect is very poor."

"That means that Soft Light Port is also unable to stop smuggling, right?"

Wang Hao asked softly.

The tone was slow, but the pressure was great.

"I have no intention of exerting pressure, but I must make it clear that many of the Academy's technologies are dangerous. Such rampant smuggling is a threat to both of us."

Du Tai also looked unhappy, but he couldn't refute it.

Yilongbu has reported the smuggling issue more than once.

But he just couldn't solve it.

A person who cannot solve problems has no confidence to talk to others.

Unless he is shameless.

But Mr. Du Tai is obviously a man who cares about his reputation.

He felt a little embarrassed after hearing what Wang Hao said, but he couldn't refute it.

"Please give me some more time. I will apply to the Shadow Chaser Court for help. I will definitely be able to find those smugglers."

Du Tai looked furious.

【Chasing Shadow Courtyard...】

[It's so funny. His application had to wait for half a month just in the enforcement court and the restoration court.]

[The administrative structure of Fontaine is not that outrageous. ]

[Anyway, in daily tasks, it is indeed ridiculously slow. ]

【…】

Ignoring the ridicule of the barrage,

Wang Hao nodded slightly: "How much time? We can't waste a lot of manpower to stop smuggling at the Yilong Port."

“This…” Mr. Du Tai hesitated.

Although he was very confident in Zhuyingting.

But he couldn't give an exact time.

"In that case, why don't you listen to me?"

Wang Hao said with a smile.

Du Tai could only nod slightly: "Please speak, messenger."

"When I came here, I also asked around. There are gray forces in Roudeng Port. Sometimes, we can't find any clues, and those people may be the clues."

Wang Hao's voice was very soft.
But to Du Tai's ears, it was heavy.

"The messenger means..."

"They are just a bunch of gang members. I don't think the butler can't solve them."

Du Tai: …

Doesn't he know that smuggling must be related to those gangs?

Of course he knows,
He just doesn't have the troops.

After thinking for a while, Du Tai nodded and said, "The envoy should take a rest in Roudeng Port. I can solve this matter in three days at most."

He planned to use the Liyue messenger's incident to send a request for help directly to the Supreme Inquisitor.

Bypass a lot of tedious steps such as the Shadow Chasing Court, the Law Enforcement Court, and the Privy Law Court.

When it comes to the existence of the Liyue Messenger, the Supreme Inquisitor will definitely be able to solve the problem the fastest.

Wang Hao didn’t know what the other party was thinking, but since the other party had given a time limit, Wang Hao couldn’t continue to be aggressive.

"Then let's enjoy the scenery at Roudeng Harbor. I hope to hear good news soon."

Du Tai nodded and said, "You guys haven't found a place to rest yet, please give me a chance and I will arrange it."

Then he shouted outside: "Come here, arrange accommodation for these distinguished guests."

In fact, he had to make arrangements.

Because the infrastructure of Roudeng Port is very poor.

There are not even hotels and hostels.
The largest entertainment facility is a rotten ship bar called "Rusty Rudder".

It was impossible for Du Tai to let the Liyue envoy find a room to stay in the bar.

……

That night,

In the room arranged by the butler,

Wang Hao and two others were in a meeting.
"So we have to crack down on smuggling?" Xingqiu asked excitedly.

During the meeting with the steward during the day, he didn't say much, mainly because he was afraid of affecting Wang Hao's affairs.

But now, in the small meeting of three people, he is very active.

He is mainly interested in combating smuggling and doing things that are chivalrous and righteous.

Wang Hao nodded, then shook his head: "Fighting smuggling is one aspect, but more importantly, I want to use this opportunity to understand the administrative structure of Fontaine."

Shi Jie also agreed: "This matter happens to involve both Liyue and Fontaine, so it is normal for us to intervene."

Wang Hao traveled out because he wanted to experience the civilization of a country that was different from Liyue.

The operation of the administrative agencies is also the greatest characteristic of a country.

For example, Fontaine.

Although Wang Hao had just stepped into the territory of Fontaine, he had already learned a lot about the administrative agencies of Fontaine.

Compared with Liyue’s administrative system.

The administrative system of Fontaine was quite different.

In Liyue, the Liyue Seven Stars can control almost everything in Liyue.

In Fontaine, the person in charge in name only is the water god Fucarus.

But this god basically doesn't care about anything.

Therefore, the one who is actually doing the work is the Supreme Judge Navilette.

Under the Supreme Judge,

Fontaine also has several major institutions.

The Privy Council is the integrated administrative agency of Fontaine. Normally, all matters of Fontaine, big or small, should be approved here.

The Court of Justice, the judicial institution of Fontaine,

Court of Compounding, Fontaine Civil Society Institution
The Court of Enforcement, the law enforcement agency of Fontaine.

As well as the Shadow-Chasing Court and Special Patrol Team under the Law Enforcement Court.

The Zhuying Court is equivalent to a standing police force.

The Special Patrol Team is an elite law enforcement force.

If you just look at the literal meaning, the administrative division of Fontaine is very clear.

It is obvious at first glance that the administrative structure is very good.

But in fact,

Wang Hao had already seen comments criticizing Fontaine's administrative efficiency, and after arriving at Roudeng Port, he also heard many Fontaine people complaining.

Responsibilities are not clear, division of labor is unclear, work is being done in vain, procedures are too cumbersome, and formalities are too complicated.

These are common problems in the Fontaine administration.

The seemingly clear administrative system of Fontainebleau is actually not clear.

It's even worse than the General Affairs Department before Ningguang took over Tianquan.

Of course, these are all said in the barrage and hearsay.

Wang Hao only considered it as a source of information and was not sure whether it was true.

This is why he wanted to get involved in smuggling.

A fact can best reveal the true character of the other party.

There are shortcomings, which can be used as a warning.

There are advantages and you can apply what you have learned.

This is the purpose of Wang Hao's travel.

"Okay, so when are we going to crack down on smuggling?"

Xingqiu didn't seem to understand what Wang Hao meant at all.
He was obsessed with combating smuggling.

Wang Hao was helpless: "At least we have to wait for the people from Fontaine to come."

"Okay, what should we do next?" Xingqiu suddenly became depressed.

Wang Hao looked at him and rolled his eyes: "Well, maybe you can catch a fish?"

"fishing?"

“I don’t have a pole.”

"Stupid, this isn't the fishing method."

"..."

The sound of murmurs of calculations echoed in the room, and finally fell silent.

……

the next day,
A service staff brought toiletries and breakfast.

The butler is still very careful.

After breakfast,
Wang Hao and Xingqiu went out.

Shi Jie didn't come. He was in his room sorting out some information he heard yesterday.

"So, how do we fish?"

Xingqiu lowered his voice, vaguely excited.

Wang Hao raised his head and glanced outside Roudeng Harbor.
"When fishing, you naturally go to where there are the most fish."

As he said this, he walked out of Roudeng Harbor.

In that direction, there was a damaged ship.

The Rusty Rudder Tavern, the only tavern in Softlight Harbor.

This kind of place is a real good place where good and bad people mix together.

Fish, definitely a lot.

Seeing Wang Hao walking out, Xingqiu hurriedly followed.

After taking a small boat, the two arrived at the opposite side of Soft Light Harbor, where the Rusty Rudder Tavern was located.

Near the Rusty Rudder Tavern,

A strange smell came to my face.

The salty smell of sea water, mixed with various alcohol smells, some sweet smells, and... the smell of sweat on the sailors.

A moment,
Wang Hao actually wanted to withdraw.

Xingqiu's face turned red.

In fact, neither of them is someone who cannot endure hardship.

Those who practice martial arts also have times when they are covered in sweat.

but,
The taste here is still too strong.

The two people's reaction,
It also lets people who come and go in the pub know that these are the two newcomers.

Because regular customers have long been accustomed to the taste.

"Hahahaha, there's a new person coming."

"It's really rare. A young master from Liyue actually came to this shabby place like Roudeng Harbor?"

"This delicate skin is so white."

"Hahahahaha."

Some sailors around began to tease the two of them, and of course, there were also some voices with a hint of malice.

Xingqiu glanced at Wang Hao and saw him nod slightly.

Walk straight to the bar.
Xingqiu threw out a Mora bag and said, "Any good wine? Give me a glass, young master."

Playing the role of a rich young master, he basically played himself.

The bartender stretched out his hand and the Mora bag disappeared, and a smile appeared on his face.
The bag is heavy and substantial.

"We have kerosene. Would you like some? It's a strong liquor certified by the Wine Industry Exchange Conference."

The bartender said,
"If you don't like strong liquor, we have other wines here, all of which are good wines that won awards at the wine industry exchange conference."

[There's actually a bartender, shouldn't he be the one at the helm? ]

[It’s definitely different in reality. ]

[What about the second mate? Where is my second mate? ]

【Hahahaha, wine industry exchange conference. 】

[It was like a bullet, crossing time and hitting Wang Hao between the eyebrows.]

[It’s so funny. Wang Hao probably didn’t even know that the Wine Industry Exchange Conference was so famous.]

【…】

The barrage burst into laughter.

The corner of Wang Hao's mouth twitched.
Of course, he knew.

As the wine industry exchange event between Mondstadt and Liyue continues to be held, it has already gained great fame.

Some wine merchants prepare in advance every year, and then win prizes at exchange meetings and become rich overnight.

How to describe the success of the wine industry conference?

Except when the wind dragon is rampant,
At every wine industry conference, the wind in the entire Shimen area is exceptionally warm.

"Two glasses of Sha Ye wine, please."

Wang Hao spoke.

He doesn't like drinking, but he likes coconut wine, which has a clear and refreshing taste and a hint of sweetness.

It can be drunk as a beverage.

The bartender quickly brought over two glasses of sake.

Wang Hao picked it up and took a sip.
“It’s actually real wine.”

He was a little surprised.

Sand coconut wine is a specialty of the desert. It is rarely exported. Only a small amount is exported to Xumi.

I didn't expect that there was real wine in this tavern.

Hearing Wang Hao's voice,
The bartender smiled smugly: "The money you two gave is enough for a glass of real wine."

In other words, if you don't pay enough, the wine won't be real.

After saying that, he picked up a wine glass and wiped it, and asked casually, "Are you two here to do business in Roudeng Harbor?"

Xingqiu put down his wine glass and said, "Well, I want to come to Fontaine to purchase some machinery."

"Purchasing machinery? That's big business."

The bartender became more enthusiastic.

Xingqiu nodded: "I'm from Feiyun Chamber of Commerce. Have you heard of it?"

"Feiyun Chamber of Commerce? I've heard of it. It's one of the largest chambers of commerce in Liyue."

The bartender's enthusiasm was hard to contain.

There was a hint of gold in his eyes when he looked at Xingqiu.

Mmm, the color of Mora.

"You have good knowledge. They say the bartenders in pubs are well-informed. It seems to be true."

Xingqiu acted like he was born into a wealthy family and praised the bartender.
To be honest, he really doesn't need any acting skills to play the role of a nobleman.

Just act yourself.

Of course, he cannot be allowed to write. If he writes, he will definitely be exposed.

Just based on that character of his, no one would believe it even if Xingqiu was really a nobleman.

"Hey, I make a living from this." The bartender laughed. Then he suddenly lowered his voice and said, "Have you two discussed the business? If not, I know someone here who has something to sell."

Xingqiu's eyes lit up, and he exchanged a glance with Wang Hao.
I didn't expect that I would come across the clue so easily.

Goods that can suppress sound cannot be genuine.

"Oh, we didn't say we wanted any machinery, so you think you have the means?"

Wang Hao suddenly interrupted.

The bartender lowered his head and chuckled, "Hey, don't worry, they have whatever you want, unless the Academy of Sciences doesn't have what you want."

Wang Hao raised his eyebrows. This was a big deal.

He could get all the machinery available at the Fontainebleau Science Institute. This was not something an ordinary smuggler could say.

"It seems that you have a wide range of paths."

Wang Hao seemed to sigh.

But the bartender glanced at him and said: "It's them, but not me. I'm just a bartender."

He really didn't lie.

He just gets the information from the middleman and is definitely not involved in the transaction.

This way, even if the smuggling group was exposed, he would not be implicated.
After all, it is normal to help find out some information or release some news in the tavern.

If someone from Zhuyingting really came to ask, he would directly tell them everything he knew.

It can be regarded as a kind of survival art for ordinary people.

"Okay, what about the price?"

Xingqiu asked.

The bartender chuckled and held up three fingers: "It's at least 30% lower than the market price."

"Okay then, help me introduce it and I'll give you this amount." Xingqiu tapped the bar three times with his fingertips.

The bartender thought about it, then nodded: "Wait a moment, both of you. I'll go ask for you."

After saying that, the bartender left the counter and went somewhere unknown.

Wang Hao held the wine glass and looked around casually.

Sure enough, there were already several people dressed as sailors, observing him and Xingqiu.

These people are probably spies from different forces.

Wang Hao took them all in, but did not say anything.

He just stared at his own shadow.

Four shadows spread out from under his feet.

Soon,
A man dressed like an ordinary sailor came back with the bartender.

Walking up to Xingqiu, the bartender whispered, "We can go to the small room next door to chat."

Xingqiu nodded and threw him another Mora bag.

Then he went to the small room next door with Wang Hao.

It is called a small room, but in fact it is a hold of a broken ship, a relatively confidential place.

"You guys want the goods?"

The man dressed as a sailor looked at Wang Hao and Xingqiu.
"I heard that you are the young masters of Feiyun Chamber of Commerce?"

Xingqiu held his head high and said, "I will keep my name and surname, Xingqiu of Feiyun Chamber of Commerce."

"Xingqiu?" The sailor glanced at him and nodded. "Feiyun Chamber of Commerce has a great reputation. I'm sure you wouldn't dare to lie to us. Tell me, what goods do you want?"

"We want some practical machinery, such as industrial machine tools, giant mining machines and the like."

Wang Hao interrupted.

Xingqiu also nodded in approval.

The sailors became more and more convinced that they were the young masters of Feiyun Chamber of Commerce.

Because normal employees would definitely investigate the energy source of Fontaine Machinery.

This kind of large machinery will not be used for long after leaving Fontaine.

Because there is no wild energy and no law-compensating mixed energy outside.

Fontaine machinery is dependent on specific energy sources.

However, the sailor did not say anything. After all, he was a smuggler, not a normal business.
There is no need to remind the customer.

"Industrial machine tools, giant mining machines, of course, 70% off the market price, when can you trade?"

The sailor agreed immediately.

“Maybe seven days later.” Xingqiu said.

He remembered that Mr. Du Tai had said that he would give an answer within seven days at the latest.
I guess the people from Fontaine should have arrived by then.

The sailor stood up and said, "No problem. Seven days later, five miles east of the Rusty Rudder Tavern, we will trade there."

After saying this, the sailor left in a hurry.

"It's that simple?"

Xingqiu gave Wang Hao a puzzled look.

Wang Hao shook his head and did not answer: "Let's leave here first."

After leaving the pub,

Fresh air returns to the nasal cavity.
comfortable.

We did not charter a boat directly back to Roudeng Harbor.

The two walked on the path along the seaside.

"We found the smugglers so easily, why couldn't that Butler Du Tai find them?"

Xingqiu asked a question.
Not only Xingqiu, but also the comments were confused.

It was such a simple fishing move and the other party was caught.

Then Du Tai also said that it is difficult to resolve. Isn’t this a conflict?
It can't be that Du Tai is a waste.

Wang Hao walked slowly, and in response to Xingqiu and the comments, he said:
"First of all, we are outsiders. They are definitely less prepared for us than they are for Du Tai."

"Secondly, although the other party sent someone to contact us, it may not be the smugglers."

"Finally, what if the other party also knows our identity?"

Wang Hao's words made Xingqiu stunned.

"They know our identities? Didn't I tell you that I'm the young master of Feiyun Chamber of Commerce?"

Wang Hao smiled and shook his head: "I mean, the identity of the Liyue envoy."

Xingqiu: "Huh?"

"Just now in the tavern, at least four people recognized us." Wang Hao continued, "They were good at stalking us, but for me, it's still a little short of that."

Hearing this, Xingqiu immediately began to recall.
"Hmm, it seems like someone has been watching us. I thought it was the name of Feiyun Chamber of Commerce that attracted them."

"No, they were staring at us before you revealed your identity." Wang Hao said.

To be precise, after they entered the tavern, the guys who were following them started staring at them.

They blended in with the crowd and joined in the fun, so they really weren't very noticeable.

But the other drinkers just made a fuss and went back to drinking.

But these few people have been staring at me, so there must be something wrong.

was saying,

Shadows returned to Wang Hao.

"What's going on?" Wang Hao asked.

The assassins emerged from the shadows, and Number Four stepped forward. "They are from the Novelty Pants Club. They are here to keep an eye on outsiders."

“Is it related to smuggling?”

"They didn't mention smuggling. Their job is just to keep watch."

Number Four replied.

Beside him, Xingqiu's eyes widened: "When did you send out the people?"

"Ha, when you were chatting with the bartender." Wang Hao replied and continued walking forward.

Xingqiu hurried to follow.

"So did our plan succeed?"

The waters of Fontaine are actually very beautiful;
The sun shines on the blue sea, and the waves sparkle like countless shining diamonds.

The waves gently hit the beach, making a soft rustling sound, as if seagulls were telling the secrets of the sea.

There are a few beautiful shells scattered on the beach, like treasures left behind by the sea god.

Well, the sea god didn't know, but the water god did seem to like shells.

However, Xingqiu no longer had the heart to appreciate this beautiful scenery.

He was eager to know whether his fishing was successful.

Seeing Xingqiu's anxious look, Wang Hao shook his head helplessly: "Don't worry, wait for No. 3 to come back."

He asked No. 4 and others to follow those who were following him.
And number three went to follow the sailor.

After hearing what Wang Hao said, Xingqiu could only continue to wait.

This wait lasted for more than half an hour.
Xingqiu was already waiting till he wanted to sleep.
Number 3 returned to Wang Hao's side.

"Sir, the other party is not from the smuggling gang."

Number Three dealt a fatal blow to Xingqiu as soon as he opened his mouth.

"It's very possible that he is a broker, or more likely that he is just a discarded pawn thrown out by the smuggling gang."

"How could it be!" Xingqiu opened his eyes wide, with a look of disbelief, "But he has already discussed the deal with me, how could it not be true?"

He completed his fishing plan perfectly, but you said he caught the wrong fish?

Xingqiu stared, hoping that No. 3 could give an explanation.

(End of this chapter)