Seeing Yi Zhi's unthinking promise, Xu Yixuan was not surprised, although she did not have much contact with the other party in Guangzhou, she knew that the other party had always been in favor of and even spared no effort to promote women's economic independence, advocating women to fight for their due rights and status, and tens of thousands of high-paid female silk reeling workers in Guangdong were able to emerge, which was the credit of the other party. Pen ~ fun ~ pavilion www.biquge.info

With a roll of her eyes, she said with a sly face: "How does Brother Contentment plan to support?" ”

He took out a cigar from the table and lit it slowly, and then he said, "Miss Xu, can you stop pretending to be a man in the future?" ”

These words were very abrupt, Xu Yixuan paused for a moment, and then said tentatively: "What does Brother Contentment mean, is it to let the little girl openly show up in women's clothes in the future?" ”

"Not bad." Yi Zhizhi said, "I hope that Miss Xu can lead the way in Shanghai." After a pause, he continued: "I need Shanghai, like Guangzhou, to become a window for the Qing Dynasty to understand the world, and I also hope that Shanghai will become the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty's feminist movement, fighting for women's employment, economic independence, the right to education and other rights, so as to gradually improve women's social status and finally achieve equality between men and women." ”

Equality! Xu Yixuan looked at him as stunned as if she didn't know him, speechless for a long time, men and women are equal! This is to subvert the tradition of male superiority and inferiority! Is this possible?

"Don't look at me like that, it's easy for me to misunderstand." Yi Zhishu teased and asked seriously, "Are you willing?" ”

"Yes!" Xu Yixuan said with a solemn expression, she faintly felt that her life would be colorful from now on.

"There's a lot you can do." Yi Zhifen smiled and said: "I founded a newspaper for women to read, "Women's Daily", opened a women's Western-style apprenticeship, organized a women's association, opened a factory that recruited female workers, organized women's activities, and ......so on. As he spoke, he sat up straight and said, "Yuan Qi is your strongest backing, and he will give you the greatest support regardless of manpower, material and financial resources." ”

There's so much waiting for her to do? Xu Yixuan calmed down from the initial shock, and smiled after a little thought, "In this way, the little girl has also become Yuanqi's person?" ”

Yi Zhizhi smiled, "Suffice it to say, if you want to." ”

"Yuan Qi has a big shopkeeper like Brother Contentment who spares no effort to protect women's rights and interests and improve women's status, how can a little woman be unwilling?" Xu Yixuan stood up as she spoke, and arched her hand: "I've seen the big shopkeeper." ”

"No need to be polite." Yi Zhifen said with a smile: "From today onwards, Yuanqi has one more female general. ”

"Then ask the big treasurer to assign the task." Xu Yixuan said heartily.

"Founded the "Women's Daily" in Shanghai" Yi Zhizhi said: "Machinery and equipment, all personnel, I will arrange it for you, originally planned to let Ling Xuan take the lead, you came just right, you will take the lead, with Ling Xuan, Xia He two people trying their best to assist you, Yuan Qi is now promoting the machine silk reeling factory in Jiangnan, and a large number of female silk reeling workers are ......needed. ”

Before he finished speaking, Li Wang reported at the door: "Sir, the shopkeeper Yan is asking to see you outside." ”

"Let him in." Yi Zhicontent said casually.

Seeing that Yi Zhishu looked indifferent, Xu Yixuan estimated that it should be Yan Shikuan, this fat man is now the big shopkeeper of Yuanqi's Shanghai branch, and it was in Xiguan that he was teased and robbed of the hat by these two people that he would have the later entanglement, now that she thinks about it, it is really interesting, and soon, she put her mind back and said: "The big shopkeeper, in addition to the silk reeling woman, what other work can a woman do?" ”

"That's too much." Yi Zhishu said in a relaxed tone: "Women are more suitable than men in factories such as silk reeling, spinning, weaving, etc., and teachers in Western-style schools, doctors and nurses in Western-style hospitals, newspaper editors and reporters, stock and securities companies, bank clerks, etc., are all extremely suitable occupations for women." In other industries, women are also indispensable.

If the Qing Dynasty wants to develop industry and economy, many jobs suitable for women will be derived, which is also the fundamental reason why Yuanqi will spare no effort to fight for women's rights and interests and improve women's social status. ”

Hearing these words, Xu Yixuan couldn't help but be excited, and said excitedly: "The big shopkeeper can rest assured, I will definitely not let the big shopkeeper down." ”

Yi Zhizhi smiled and said: "Okay, let's go to the 'Yongyuan Building' for dinner tonight, I invite you." ”

Even if she is invited at home, women never go to the table, but now she is invited to eat at the most famous restaurant in Shanghai, which is in the public, Xu Yixuan couldn't help but be stunned, "Just the two of us?" Wearing women's clothing? ”

"Wear women's clothes." Yi Zhizhi said with his head in his jaw: "If you are not used to it, I will let Ling Xuan and Xia He go too." ”

Hearing this, Ling Xuan and Xia He also went, Xu Yixuan breathed a sigh of relief, it seemed that the big shopkeeper wanted to lead by example and lead the trend, so he immediately nodded and said, "Okay." ”

Yi Zhixiang smiled: "Hello girl, at five o'clock, I will wait for you at the gate of the 'Yongyuan Building'." ”

Hearing this, Xu Yixuan arched her hand and said, "Retire below." After speaking, he turned around, and saw Yan Shikuan stepping in, although Yan Shikuan had lost a lot, but his appearance had not changed much, Xu Yixuan recognized him at a glance, and immediately glanced at him, and quipped: "I haven't seen you for a few years, but I have lost a lot." ”

Xu Yixuan, who suddenly saw her, appeared here, Yan Shikuan couldn't believe it, and said in surprise: "You...... You're not ...... ”

Xu Yixuan glared at him and walked straight out of the study, Yan Shikuan looked at Yi Zhicontent, and then pointed to the door, "Miss Xu?" Banquet Miss Xu at 'Yongyuan Building'? ”

Yi Zhixiang asked knowingly, "Is there anything wrong?" ”

"No, no, what's wrong?" Yan Shikuan hurriedly denied it, although he was said to be the eldest brother who was easy to be content, it was normal for a man to have three wives and four concubines, besides, he had long known that these two people were not clear in Guangzhou, so he said curiously: "How could this Miss Xu be in Shanghai?" ”

Yi Zhixiang didn't hide it from him, and told Xu Yixuan about the situation before saying, "Since we met, let's eat together at night." ”

Yes? Yan Shikuan couldn't help but pause, "This is not very good, right?" Isn't this a sensation in Shanghai County? ”

"It's just a meal at the restaurant, what's the fuss?" Yi Zhishu changed his head as he spoke, "Now that Shanghai has opened its port, how is the development of the gang?" ”

With the support of Yuanqi, there are two major underground gangster forces in Shanghai - Xingqing Gang and Zhongxin Society, the backbone of the two gangs is composed of Shanghai Yiyong and Yuanqi intelligence organization elites, and the members are selected from the victims.

It is said that this time Yuan Qi wants to fight for a year for Donghuang to promote machine silk reeling in Jiangnan, and to monopolize the raw silk trade in Shanghai, it is necessary to use the hands of the gangsters, if Yuan Qi comes forward directly, it will inevitably damage the reputation, of course, the formation of two gangsters is also for the sake of balance and control, so as not to once the gangsters expand, there will be a situation that is difficult to control.

"The Xingqing Gang has grown to a scale of 300 people, and the climate has been initially formed. The Faithful Society is slightly worse, less than three hundred. Yan Shikuan said tentatively: "Does the big shopkeeper take time to meet the two big gangs of people?" ”

Yi Zhifen nodded and said, "You look at the arrangement." After a pause, he said: "Shanghai's foreign trade season is coming, and it's time for them to make their debut." ”

Before the words fell, Li Wang hurried to the door to report: "Sir, the British consul in Shanghai, Bafour, is out asking to see you." ”

Why did you come so soon? Yi Zhixiang was surprised, he estimated that it would be at least May or June, this Bafur came, naturally it was impossible for people to close the door, and he groaned slightly, before he said: "Invite them to the hall." ”

Yan Shikuan didn't understand English, so he immediately got up and said, "Retire first." ”

Yi Zhishu stood up and asked, "What is the approximate land price now?" ”

Premium? Yan Shikuan was overjoyed, and hurriedly said: "The place where Yingyi plans to establish a concession is on the outskirts of the city, and the geographical location is excellent, with the news of the opening of the port of Shanghai and the news that the victims built a river embankment to level the land along the river, the price of land in Shanghai has risen steadily, and now that area has risen to 30 silver and silver dollars per mu ....... ”

"What is the price for us?"

"When we bought it, it was cheap, and the barren beach basically didn't cost any silver, and the one far away from the river beach was only seven or eight silver dollars a mu."

Yi Zhizhi didn't say anything, walked out of the study slowly, and stood on the steps, the increase in land price was not large, three times the price did not rise, and he groaned slightly, before he spoke: "The British came to you to negotiate the price of renting land, and the rent of one mu should not be raised by three silver dollars per mu, a cycle of ten years, and the two sides will renegotiate the rent price after ten years." ”

Three silver dollars a mu? It's also dark! Don't recover the cost in three years, Yan Shikuan turned around with a pair of small eyes, and said, "Big shopkeeper, will it be a little higher?" Those Yingyi are not stupid, they will inquire about the price. ”

Yi Zhizu waved his hand and said: "It's not high, the price of land in Shanghai will continue to rise, this price looks high now, and it won't be high in three years." ”

With chestnut curly hair and pale blue eyes, George in a tuxedo and bow tie. Led by the porter, Bafur walked into the West Garden, full of novelty to look at the scenery in the garden, he was only in his early thirties, he was originally a captain and staff officer stationed in the Madras Artillery Corps in the Bay of Bengal, India, and was appreciated by Yilu to serve as the British consul in Shanghai, and also the first time he became a diplomat.

Going all the way, he found that this garden not only covers a vast area but also has a very beautiful scenery, Bafur couldn't help but secretly envy himself, if this place can be used as the consulate of England in Shanghai, it is really the most suitable, however, he knows that this is just a beautiful idea, the people who live here are not something he can offend, on the contrary, he must strive to get the support of the owner of this place, the first viscount of the Qing Kingdom, the governor of Nanyang, and the treasurer of Yuanqi, otherwise, he will not be able to gain a foothold in Shanghai at all.

He felt that the officials and people of Shanghai of the Qing Dynasty were quite hostile to them, and they arrived at the Daguan Wharf of Shanghai Shiliupu on the "Maidosa", but no one greeted them at all, and they were also watched by onlookers.

Seeing Bafur and his entourage walking into the courtyard, Yi Zhizhi greeted him with a smile, took the initiative to stretch out his hand, and said in English: "I am easy to be content, on behalf of the Qing Dynasty and Yuan Qi, welcome you to Shanghai." ”

"Your Excellency, it is such an honor to meet you." Bafur hurriedly stretched out his hand enthusiastically, and after shaking hands, he introduced the assistant behind him to the other party.

After some greetings, Yi Zhizu let the group into the hall, and after taking their seats, Bafur said: "Yilu and Sir Pudingcha, as well as the Superintendent of Justice, have entrusted me to extend my sincere greetings to Your Excellency, and have repeatedly told me to visit Your Excellency as soon as I arrive in Shanghai, and the Inspector of Righteousness will come to Shanghai in May and June. ”

Yi Zhishu nodded and asked, "Her Majesty the Queen of your country has agreed to the Treaty of Jiangning signed by the two countries. ”

"Yes." "The contract is on the ship, and I'll deliver it myself later." ”

Hearing that Britain agreed to the "Jiangning Treaty", Yi Zhixiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and said with a smile: "You are new to Shanghai, you are not familiar with the place, if you need any help, just ask." ”

"We wanted to find a place to stay in the county first." Bafur said unceremoniously: "Of course, it would be better if I could find a spacious enough place as a temporary consulate." ”

"Don't worry, this is the case for you."

"Thank you very much." Bafur said, "I saw merchant ships flying the American flag moored at the docks of Shanghai, and I wonder if they have demarcated the concession?" ”

Seeing that he cared about the concession, Yi Zhizhi smiled contentedly: "The concession area that your country has taken a fancy to is reserved for you, but I hope you will implement it as soon as possible, the peak season of maritime trade is coming, and I don't want to cause trouble." ”

Bafur hurriedly said: "Your Excellency, don't worry, we will settle it as soon as possible." ”

But said that Xu Yixuan returned to the inn courtyard, and began to dress up, in preparation for going to the 'Yongyuan Building' restaurant to go to the banquet, in Guangzhou she did not have a girl pretending to be a man and messing around with a group of salt merchants' children, this matter may be a shocking thing for the average lady from a large family, but she has no pressure, besides, no one knows her in Shanghai, and she has no burden in her heart.

She was grooming herself in the mirror, and the maid Ziling came in to report: "Miss, Mr. Xi is here." ”

"Nope." Xu Yixuan said simply, she has now been suspended from the Xi family, and she has nothing to do with the Xi family, and she doesn't want to have any contact with the children of the Xi family again.

Ziling faintly felt that something was wrong, she was Xu Yixuan's personal maid, and she was also a wedding girl, she had followed Xu Yixuan since she was a child, and after hesitating, she said: "Miss is now Yuan Qi's person, and Yuan Qi is ..... Xi family." ”

"That's enough." Xu Yixuan said: "You go and tell Mr. Xi that if you have something, go directly to the West Garden, Miss Ben is now Yuanqi's person, and it is not suitable to thread the needle, with the temperament of the big shopkeeper, it will only backfire if you do this." (To be continued.) )