Lin Shuhan didn't dare to speak, and he didn't want to speak. He pretended not to see it and continued reading: "So I discussed with Mr. Zhongli that we should do big things and spend big money, and we can no longer exploit farmers. I thought about getting some money from businessmen. . However, most of the ministers in the court are in business. I am afraid that there will be countless objections to the imperial edict. How much energy can I have to fight with them? I have to find the right time to make a quick move. Is it possible that they will starve to death after collecting a few taels of money? Is it a joke! I only told Zheng Miao and you about this matter - one is that your third brother is in charge of the chamber of commerce, so he can secretly come up with a charter to handle it calmly; the other is that he wants to use your Shanyin County as a Let’s try it out and see how effective it is, so that we can silence those officials.”
Lin Shuhan read this paragraph with a slightly lighter tone, then pointed with his hand and said: "Sir, this is another big thing. Raising taxes on businessmen will be of great benefit to the national treasury to increase revenue. Your Majesty is willing to entrust this matter to us. To your lord, it shows that your lord is deeply trusted by the Lord. Lin will also assist you and must get this matter done."
Qiu Yizhi pursed his lips, nodded, and said, "The Emperor has one more thing to say, sir, please finish reading."
The emperor continued to write: "These are long-term matters, so you don't have to worry too much for the time being. The current task is to wipe out the Japanese pirates who are harassing Jiangnan. Although these Japanese pirates are just clowns, Jiangnan is an important financial and taxation center for the Han Dynasty. There can be no chaos. The memorial you sent before is very good. I know a little bit about the situation in Japan. I have sent an envoy to Japan to find the general who conquered the barbarians and asked him to take good control of his subordinates. Find another country leader to replace them. It is expected that the Japanese's external strength will be effective. However, the small group of Japanese pirates currently running around in the south of the Yangtze River must be eliminated as soon as possible. You are the best candidate. In terms of the system, it is really outrageous to entrust the military power of Jiangnan to you, a seventh-grade official. Therefore, except for the central garrison in Jiangnan, which is still commanded by Cui Nan, the rest of the Jiedu army is still under the control of Liu Qing. You can speak freely. If Liu Qing does something wrong, feel free to correct him. I have another message for Liu Qing."
When Lin Shuhan saw this, he laughed in his heart and thought: "The current emperor is really eclectic. This arrangement does not seem to take away Liu Qing's military power, but in fact, he has found a supreme emperor for him. Now Liu Qing's life will be difficult. ”
Lin Shuhan was thinking about it, but he didn't expect that the emperor's next few sentences were specifically about Liu Qing: "I have always known Liu Qing, and thought he was quite mature in his work. Unexpectedly, not only did he have limited talents, but he also had very long hands. I'm afraid Only the words "loyalty and caution" are advisable. Let him be the governor of Jiangnan Province. He is just the leader of the guards. After the Japanese rebellion is calmed down, I will naturally transfer him from this post. It's good that you know this. Don't let your words out, so as not to shake the morale of the army."
Lin Shuhan thought about how Liu Qing had been putting on airs here just a moment ago, but he couldn't help but peel him clean with just a word from the emperor, and felt a burst of joy in his heart.
Look at what the emperor wrote at the end: "I think Liu Qingyuan's hands and feet were relatively clean when he was in Guangyang and Luoyang. Why did he develop the problem of long hands within a few days of arriving in Jinling? It can be seen that the colorful world of Jinling is too tempting. If you don't have self-control, I am afraid that it is difficult to be thorough in my efforts to restore rituals. Therefore, in addition to being diligent in royal affairs, Yi Zhi also needs to read more and read more books by sages, always pay attention to self-cultivation, and be cautious in everything. In this way, even if I make a small mistake, I will be thorough. Got it.”
After reading the word "Mianzhi", the emperor's long article was finally completed. It's just that this article seems to be all written out of curiosity, and there is no consistent theme throughout. However, there seems to be profound meaning everywhere, which is unpredictable.
After pondering for a long time, Qiu Yizhi remembered that there was still an envoy from Jiangnan Province and an imperial envoy waiting outside, and said: "The Emperor's holy concerns are far-reaching, and we cannot reverse them. It's just that the Emperor's letter contains a hint of unreasonableness. Qing is tired and worried. There is a saying that "the Lord is worried about the humiliation of the minister and the death of the minister." We still need to have a sense of loyalty and filial piety as ministers. After I come back, I will consider writing a greeting letter with my husband. How's that?"
When he saw Lin Shuhan nodded, he resigned.
In the middle hall, Shi Wei and Liu Qing were talking to Zhao Chengxiao. The three of them had known each other for a long time, and they were both warriors. When they talked about weapons and martial arts, they were quite speculative.
When Qiu Yizhi saw it, he smiled and said, "It seems that Brother Zhao is in a good mood, why don't we go to the building outside the garden to have dinner together?"
Zhao Chengxiao was a sensible person and quickly declined: "Brothers are still stationed here. I am here to take full responsibility. Sir, just feel free to deal with it."
Liu Qing didn't want to ask Zhao Chengxiao to go with him at first, so he immediately picked up Zhao Chengxiao's words and said: "General Zhao is indeed His Highness Yi's right-hand man. If I can have such a deputy, I don't know how much worry I can save! Your Highness Yi." Don’t let General Zhao’s kindness go down, just go with us. It’s already getting late, but I’m afraid there won’t be any good seats in the building outside the garden.”
The group of them arrived really late.
The Garden Outer Building is located on the side of the back gate of the Confucius Temple on the bank of the Qinhuai River, facing the back garden of the Confucius Temple. Therefore, it is called the "Yuanwai Building". For this reason, its location is the unique and most prosperous place in Jinling City. .
When Qiu Yi and his party arrived at the building outside the garden, it was the time when the lanterns were first lit. Every house on both sides of the Qinhuai River put up lanterns and every household tied up with colorful decorations. In a medium-sized county like Shanyin County, even during the holidays, there may not be such a lively scene. .
But one of Qiu Yi remembered that a few days ago, a bloody battle had just occurred outside the city. The corpses of thousands of reinforcements outside the city were still cold. The governor Qian Feng had just paid homage at Yanziji, but the city was still celebrating and feasting with such great fanfare. Qiu Yizhi felt very bored in his heart, and most of the interest he had barely raised had been lost.
Liu Qing and Shi Wei didn't seem to have such thoughts. Especially for Shi Wei, it was his first time back in Jinling, and it seemed like his first time to see such a bustling scene of flowers and brocades and fire cooking oil. Everywhere he went he felt fresh and curious. Just like a child going out to the market for the first time.
It had only been three or two months since Liu Qing took up his post in Jinling. However, as the saying goes, "It is difficult to move from luxury to frugality, but it is easy to move from frugality to luxury." He had already adapted to the splendor of Jinling, and he immediately felt at home when he saw this scene. , got interested.
So the Jiangnan Dao Jiedushi, who was wearing casual clothes, raised his hand and greeted him in a carefree manner: "Here comes someone! Is anyone out of breath?"
Immediately, a waiter from the restaurant ran over with a half-dry towel on his shoulders. As soon as he stood in front of Liu Qing, he bowed his head and said, "Hey, isn't this Mr. Liu Jiedu! I said it's daytime today Why were the two magpies circling the branch and chirping non-stop, and no one could get away. Then I shouted out - guess what, the two magpies saw me, circled three times, sang happily, and then flew north. . Sure enough, in the evening, you always come to the shop despite your busy schedule and wait for me. Isn't this fate?" His tone was very familiar and casual.
Liu Qing replied: "You are still so talkative, but just to hear these two kind words from you is worth my trip. Let me ask you, are there any seats left in the store?"
The waiter frowned and looked behind Liu Qing. When he saw that there were only two people, he said, "I'm not refuting your dignity. What time of the day is it now? Where are the private rooms left in the store? But there are still private rooms on the second floor. There is a secluded seat facing the street, just enough for the three of you. ”
"Then you still talk so much, lead us up quickly!" Although Liu Qing's tone was stiff, he was smiling all over his face.
But the waiter scratched his head and said: "This seat was specially reserved by Xiaochizi, saying that there are distinguished guests who want to use it. Xiaochizi has always been at odds with me, and I am afraid that he will refuse if I ask him for it. You are always the biggest general in Jiangnan. Yes, the Japanese pirates are making trouble now, and you are in charge of the security of Jinling. If we two fight, please come and say hello to make it easier and don't arrest us all and put us in jail."
"Okay, okay, I'm here, what are you afraid of?" Liu Qing listened to the waiter in the shop chattering a lot, and he felt a little impatient in his heart, "Isn't it just to ask for a few more coins? , This is three pieces of silver, take it and do the work quickly." He said and threw a piece of silver as big as a fingernail to the waiter.
The waiter in the shop took the money, immediately beamed with joy, and ran upstairs with great gratitude.
After a lot of effort, the waiter came back panting again and said: "This little pool is really nothing. I almost knelt down for him, but he refused to give up his seat. Later, it was me who named you old." When the call came out, that kid got cowardly—"
With that said, the waiter skillfully pulled down the towel on his shoulders, bowed and extended his hand, and shouted loudly, "Three distinguished guests, please upstairs -" the last word "please" was pronounced in a particularly long tone.
As expected, the building outside the garden was full of guests. All the private rooms on the ground floor and second floor had their doors closed and the lights brightly lit. There was a faint sound of people drinking and drinking. The hall was filled with people, and they were all crowded together, but it did not disturb their interest in eating and drinking. They were shouting and laughing, and seemed to have forgotten all the troubles in the world.
Qiu Yizhi and others followed the waiter and ran to a remote corner on the second floor. Although this place was not a private room, it was blocked by a sandalwood screen, forming a semi-independent small space that provided a sense of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle. feeling. The location is very good. From the window, you can see the colorful boats floating leisurely on the Qinhuai River. When you poke your head out, you can also see a corner of the garden behind the Confucius Temple. It is a beautiful combination. No wonder the waiter of the shop called Xiaochizi has to specialize in Keep it.
Liu Qing was satisfied when he saw it. He smiled and said to the waiter who was waiting for him: "It's better for you to save yourself trouble. I think I will keep this seat from now on."
But the waiter hurriedly refused: "Youngster doesn't have this right. If Liu Jiedu wants to reserve a seat, he should talk to the shopkeeper. Don't make it difficult for him!"
Liu Qing replied nonchalantly: "I just said it casually, you are so nervous. Stop making noises, boil a pot of daughter's red wine first, and then prepare some good dishes for three people. I am entertaining distinguished guests today, so don't I save money.”
Restaurant owners like this kind of customers who don't care about money.
When the waiter heard Liu Qing's instructions, his face suddenly burst into laughter, and he went downstairs full of flattery.
But when the time came, the waiter came back with a pot of wine in his hand, filled it for Qiu Yizhi, Shi Wei, and Liu Qing, and said with a smile on his face: "The young one has prepared all the dishes for Master Jiedu." , and even made a special trip to the kitchen to tell the chef to be careful, Master Jiedu, I guarantee you will be satisfied today!"
Liu Qing replied casually: "I know you are flattering, don't you just want to ask for a few more taels of silver reward? I'm afraid that if I give it to you now, you will be scorned next. After we finish eating, we will give it to you together. I'm afraid Can I run away? You go down first and don’t interrupt the conversation.” (To be continued)