Zhao Tai and his party did not stay in the post house arranged by the Chuzhou government, but guarded the three official ships.

Nowadays, the north is in war, various places are dilapidated, and there are no profitable businesses. It is difficult to make money in the north.

The Southern Song Dynasty was different. Relying on maritime trade, the economy was prosperous and the products were rich. For Zhao Tai, opportunities were everywhere.

Fighting wars and raising troops require a lot of money and food. The Mongols have already invaded the Central Plains, and there is no danger to defend north of the Huaihe River. The Mongolian cavalry raids from time to time, making it impossible to carry out production and development.

In this case, neither farming nor breeding can be peaceful, and may be destroyed by the Mongols at any time. If you want to fight against the Mongols, you will only become poorer and weaker.

Therefore, Zhao Tai needs a large rear area to provide himself with resources.

When he came to the Southern Song Dynasty this time, Zhao Tai wanted to buy some profitable properties. After making money here, he would then transfer them to his own territory in the north.

Although Zhao Tai's territory is not yet visible, it does not prevent him from planning ahead.

As an outsider, if you want to make money in the Southern Song Dynasty, you must first understand the market and see what things are profitable.

In addition, he must find a local backer or a cooperative partner, otherwise if it is confiscated by the Southern Song Dynasty, his work will be in vain.

Zhao Tai originally wanted to contact the county captain Zhou to see if he could corrupt him, but he didn't expect the man named Zhou to refuse to accept money.

At first, Zhao Tai thought that the way he sent the money was wrong. Later, he tried more tactful methods, but Zhou Quan declined them all.

But that doesn't matter, Zhao Tai can just find someone to understand the situation.

"Sir, what are you looking at?" Seeing Zhao Tai standing at the bow of the boat in a daze, Hu Zhen asked.

When there were outsiders, Hu Zhen addressed Zhao Tai by his official title, or respected him as a lord, and privately called him son.

Zhao Tai pointed at the Song soldier standing guard on the pier, "Did you see that Song soldier sitting and drinking?"

Hu Zhen nodded and saw the officer sitting in front of a broken table, drinking and making money with several subordinates.

This Song army was sent by the Chuzhou government. It was a protection mission in name, but in fact it was to monitor Zhao Tai and his party.

Zhao Tai smiled and said: "Go and get my guy, I'm getting a few kilograms of pork, mutton, vegetables, and a few jars of good wine."

Hu Zhen's eyes lit up, "Sir, let's have barbecue again."

Zhao Tai nodded, "Be smart and take down those officers for me later."

On the way to the Southern Song Dynasty, Zhao Tai made a barbecue stove, prepared his own condiments, and had a meal with Wanyan Chenglin and others when he had nothing to do.

Although there was no chili pepper, Zhao Tai got some Parthian fennel, also known as cumin, and the taste was just passable.

Hu Zhen and Zhao Tai ate it once, and then they fell in love with this way of eating.

At this time, on the dock, Liu Boxian, the commander of the Song Army who was responsible for monitoring and protecting the Jin envoy, was drinking broad beans and gambling with his subordinates.

This Liu Boxian's ancestor also had a rich life, and he was a descendant of Liu Guangshi, one of the four Zhongxing generals in the Southern Song Dynasty.

However, over the past hundred years, the Liu family has been divided many times. Except for the direct lineage, which is still prosperous because of the support of the imperial court, most of the others have declined.

At this time, several people were gambling. Zhao Tai led a few people over and said with a smile: "Liu Dutou, how are you lucky?"

Zhao Tai had lived in Chuzhou for a few days and had basically figured out the details of Liu Boxian. He knew that he was a descendant of Liu Guangshi, so he thought of winning over him.

Of course, this was Zhao Tai's helpless move. It didn't matter that he had no connections in the Southern Song Dynasty. He could only build his own network starting from the people he could contact.

Liu Boxian raised his head and asked, "Where are you going, Mr. Zhao?"

Zhao Tai mentioned the two jars of wine and said, "Brothers, you have worked hard to protect us here. I will bring you some wine and food to reward everyone."

The Song Dynasty was a relatively wealthy dynasty in Chinese history, and the treatment of officials could make Ming Dynasty officials cry, but that was only for civil servants.

In fact, the treatment of the Song Dynasty army was not high, it could even be said to be low.

Their military pay is limited, their social status is low, and there is no place to make money, so most sergeants can only live and feed themselves.

As the head of the capital, Liu Boxian is considered the number one figure in the county. He cannot eat and drink so much every day, let alone his subordinate sergeants.

At this time, when everyone saw Zhao Tai bringing two jars of wine, they all smiled and quickly made room for Zhao Tai, "This is really a big thank you to Mr. Zhao."

Zhao Tai put the wine on the table, waved his hand and said, "It's not enough. I'll treat you all to wine and meat today. You won't come home until you're drunk."

After saying that, he ordered his subordinates to light the charcoal stove and start a barbecue.

Liu Boxian and others looked surprised, but did not ask.

After all, grilling is not a new thing.

At this time, Hu Zhen picked up the wine jar, filled everyone with rice wine, and started eating and drinking only the broad beans.

After a bowl of wine, the relationship between everyone became closer, and the topic started to open up.

Zhao Tai took a sip of wine and said with a smile: "The Song Dynasty is better. The Jin Kingdom has wars every year, unlike the Song Dynasty which is peaceful. If possible, I really want to be like Brother Liu, drinking wine and eating meat every day. It is really comfortable.

"

Liu Boxian said: "Sir, you are joking. With that little military salary, you can eat and drink a lot every day. It would be nice to have a tooth sacrifice once in a while."

At this time, the barbecue stove has been lit, and the skewers of mutton are roasted by the charcoal fire until they are oily. The soldiers who operate them brush the sauce and sprinkle with cumin, and the aroma is immediately overflowing.

"It smells so good!" Liu Boxian and others' eyes lit up.

Zhao Tai immediately ordered his subordinates to serve a plate first, "Come and try it!"

Everyone followed Zhao Tai and took a bunch, then put it into their mouths, and they were all amazed.

Zhao Tai picked up the wine bowl and drank another round with them, and then continued: "The Song Dynasty is rich and prosperous. I heard that many generals are doing business. Brother Liu, don't you have some side business?"

Liu Boxian took a bite of the mutton and sighed: "Oh! I want to do it too, but I don't have the capital!"

Zhao Taidao: "I have some money in my hand. I want to do some business in the Song Dynasty. If I can't survive in the Jin Kingdom, I can still become a rich man in the Song Dynasty. I don't know if Brother Liu has any

What recommendation.”

After a few bowls of wine, everyone was in a tipsy state and no longer had any worries when speaking. Liu Boxian said: "The Song Dynasty is rich and there are many profitable industries, but you don't know something. The Song Dynasty was founded nearly 300 years ago.

In the new year, those things that can make money have been carved up long ago, so where are the opportunities for us!"

Zhao Tai nodded slightly, "Brother Liu, please tell me in detail!"

Liu Boxian said: "For example, salt and iron are closely related to people's lives and can earn a lot of wealth. However, they are monopolized by the government. Only a few businessmen with connections can obtain official approval to operate the salt and iron industry. You can do the rest privately.

If caught, he will be imprisoned and sent to the army, or even beheaded!"

Salt and iron are indeed huge profits, but they are not suitable for Zhao Tai to invest in. Zhao Tai will definitely not be able to get involved.

Liu Boxian continued: "In industries such as silk weaving, tea, and porcelain, they are also very profitable, but if you don't have tens of thousands of gold and no skills, you don't need to start at all! Although the Song Dynasty is rich now, it doesn't have the opportunity for us. At most, we can do
Chapter completed!