Seeing the tragic state of Ping Zheng Sheng, his confidant Hirata Masao was also anxious at this moment.
All his life, honor, and disgrace were tied to Ping Zheng Sheng. If Ping Zheng Sheng fell, a ruthless purge would await him and his family.
Whether for himself or his family, he could not stand by and watch Ping Zheng Sheng be imprisoned.
However, this was the capital of the Great Song, and as a mere Japanese, he had no connections to bribe officials at this moment.
To quickly ascertain the situation, as soon as he was released from the prison, Hirata Masao hurried to inquire with the innkeepers.
After spending nearly a hundred guan of copper coins, he finally managed to reach Wang Fu's manor through someone's introduction.
"Steward Wang, it's this young man. This is his token of appreciation for you!"
Upon seeing the small box full of gold dust before him and weighing its contents, Wang Chao An's eyes widened.
Although the box was not large, by his estimation, this box of gold dust was worth at least three to five hundred guan.
"Speak, what is it?"
After clearing his throat, Wang Chao An asked directly.
"My master and his retinue accidentally offended General Zhe a few months ago in Kaifeng Prefecture, and they have now been imprisoned in the Kaifeng Prefecture prison. We wonder if Prime Minister Wang could intercede for them..."
Seeing Wang Chao An nod, Hirata Masao quickly whispered.
"General Zhe? Which General Zhe?"
Wang Chao An was taken aback. He pondered for a long time but couldn't recall who the man was referring to.
"He's talking about Zhe Ke Cun. Their people drew their swords in front of the Zhe family's business, and were caught red-handed by the patrolling constables..."
A young servant standing nearby quickly whispered.
"Such a trivial matter?"
Even Wang Chao An himself did not expect that such a small matter would be worth so much money.
If it were a Bian Liang native, they could probably get out of prison for a hundred or so guan.
"To you, it might be a small matter, but to my master, it is a matter of life and death!"
Hirata Masao said quickly.
"You are not wrong to say that, but for our Prime Minister to act, this little..."
Wang Chao An spoke while patting the box in front of him.
"Sir, please rest assured. If my master can be released, I am willing to present another thirty jin of gold dust!"
Hirata Masao had clearly misjudged the difficulty of the matter. His words almost made Wang Chao An jump.
Thirty jin!
This time, even Wang Chao An had to admit that these Japanese were indeed very wealthy.
"In that case, you go back and deliver the goods. Deliver the goods before tonight, and your master can be released tomorrow morning!"
Thirty jin of gold dust for such a small matter, and Wang Chao An could handle everything himself without Wang Fu even needing to show up.
"Thank you, sir!"
After so many days of rushing around, there was finally a result. Although the price was indeed a bit steep, Hirata Masao finally breathed a long sigh of relief.
"Alright, no need for more pleasantries. You can go back and prepare the goods yourself."
After sending him away, Wang Chao An quietly went to Wang Fu's study.
"Do you have something to report at this hour?"
Seeing Wang Chao An enter, Wang Fu stopped writing and asked casually.
"Indeed, it is a small matter. A Japanese merchant sea trader came just now. Their companion committed a minor offense in Bian Liang City and was imprisoned in Kaifeng Prefecture by people from the Zhe family. They are willing to pay thirty jin of gold dust to resolve this matter..."
"Is there such a thing?"
"Prime Minister, please rest assured. I have already had people investigate. These people are rootless. They will leave after selling their goods. When they return next time, it will be at least a year later. They will absolutely not cause you any trouble!"
Seeing Wang Fu raise his eyebrows, Wang Chao An immediately understood. Wang Fu seemed to have agreed, but was concerned about potential trouble afterward.
"In that case, you can take my note and get them released!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Fu casually agreed.
"Yes!"
Hearing Wang Fu's agreement, Wang Chao An could not help but feel overjoyed.
"Is there anything else?"
Seeing that he did not intend to leave, Wang Fu asked again.
"Prime Minister, the goods they brought are rare items. However, the Zhe family has released news that anyone who dares to do business with them will have their prices increased by thirty percent for future dealings with the Zhe family. This is indeed a bit bullying..."
"Do they have any good merchandise?"
Wang Fu asked with some confusion.
"They brought a lot of gold dust, bronze ware, and also five hundred carved ivory folding fans this time. I specifically had someone inspect them. The craftsmanship is exceptionally good. This is a sample I had someone bring you!"
As Wang Chao An spoke, he took out an ivory folding fan from his sleeve.
"So much?"
This time, even Wang Fu was somewhat surprised.
After all, ivory itself was quite valuable. A good ivory carving piece could sell for at least a hundred guan in Bian Liang City.
"This is quite interesting!"
Wang Fu took it, fanned himself a few times, and immediately nodded with satisfaction.
"This walrus ivory is indeed excellent. You handle these matters as you see fit. If you need money, take it directly from the accounts. Say it is my instruction!"
After speaking, Wang Fu placed the fan on the table.
"Yes!"
Having received Wang Fu's permission, Wang Chao An became even happier.
At this moment, since those Japanese were seeking his help, if he seized the opportunity to lower the price, he would definitely be able to acquire all these goods at an extremely low price.
Although the Zhe family had made their stance clear, forbidding other businesses from dealing with this batch of goods, no matter how overbearing they were, they could not reach Wang Fu.
As long as this batch of goods could be released, he could at least take the opportunity to make a fortune and also impress Wang Fu.
This was a win-win situation!
——————————————
"Young Master, those Japanese have approached Wang Fu. It seems they might be released tomorrow! Furthermore, our people have also learned that the steward of Wang Fu's manor sent someone to take some samples from the Japanese goods..."
No sooner had Wang Chao An agreed than Han Mo received the news.
"Since our Mr. Wang wants to get involved, I will give our Mr. Wang a good lesson and let him know what it means to change fortunes with a flip of the hand!"
Others might fear Wang Fu, but Han Mo was not afraid of him now!