In the afternoon, the prince's mansion sent someone over, saying that the banquet had been set up at home, and the local officials were already waiting, and everyone was invited to go to the banquet together.
"I knew it wouldn't stop." Ye Jin changed positions in Shen Qianfeng's arms.
"Don't want to go?" Shen Qianfeng straightened his hair for him, "Then just push it away and rest at home."
Ye Jin shook her head: "If you don't go, the local officials may say something."
"Are you still afraid of what others will say?" Shen Qianfeng was surprised.
"Of course not." Ye Jin pouted, "It's just that Chu Heng has been stationed in the East China Sea for so many years, since he can bribe officers and soldiers, there's no reason why he shouldn't bribe officials. I just took this opportunity to check the situation."
Shen Qianfeng laughed and said: "If the emperor knows, he will be very happy."
Ye Jin wondered: "Chu Heng bought local officials, why is he happy?"
"I mean, if the emperor knows that you care about him so much, he will be very happy." Shen Qianfeng pinched his nose.
"Who says I'm thinking of him." Ye Jin didn't even think about it, "I just have nothing to do." After all, we don't know each other very well, so it's not easy to talk like this.
Shen Qianfeng dressed him with a smile, and took him out together.
"When you go to the banquet today, you have to be careful." In the small courtyard on the other side, Wen Liunian also warned.
"Worried about me?" Zhao Yue asked.
"Li Jiao is one of his people. Since I traced your background back then, no one can say what Chu Heng knows now." Wen Liunian said, "I didn't want you to go at first." Added, "I don't want to go either!" Reunited after a long absence, and it's the first day of the new year. We were supposed to go shopping hand in hand, and then eat a delicious meal of dumplings stuffed with fish and meat, and finally get into the warm bed and talk about love. I'm going to the palace to have a banquet.
"Even I don't understand my life experience, and the master doesn't want to say more, so what can he know." Zhao Yue helped him put away his shoes, "Besides, even if I know, what can I do?"
"That's true." Wen Liunian sat by the bed, "Forget it, I'll go as soon as I go, just to see what kind of people these East China Sea officials are." It just so happens that it's been windy and cold recently, so maybe I can blackmail...to raise some money for the people.
Shang Yunze was originally not interested in such banquets, but Mu Qingshan couldn't hold back his curiosity, so he agreed. Before going out, he took out the cloak to wrap him tightly, and put on a hat, for fear of catching a cold in the wind. The three carriages drove all the way to the prince's mansion, and all the officials came out early to wait after hearing the news. Although the smiles on their faces were similar, the thoughts in their arms were different.
"Here we are." Zhao Yue said after the carriage stopped.
Reluctantly, Wen Liunian took his hand from his chest.
It's strong and warm.
Still want to touch.
"See you, my lord, Mr. Wen." All the officials outside knelt down and bowed. As soon as Mu Qingshan lifted the curtain of the car, he was scared back.
Shang Yunze smiled lowly, and pulled the cloak to cover him more tightly, before getting out of the carriage with his arms in his arms.
"There's no need to be too polite." Ye Jin waved his hand, "You should be more casual during the Chinese New Year."
"Come on, everyone, hurry up and sit down." Chu Heng smiled all over his face, "The banquet is all ready, Cheng'er specially bought wine from Qianye City in the south of the Yangtze River, but it is a good old wine."
"My son is bothering you." Shen Qianfeng said.
"President Shen, you don't have to be polite." Chu Chengqian was polite, "I've heard that the young prince likes it a long time ago, and a friend happened to drop by, so he brought two altars with him."
Ye Jin glanced at him upon hearing this, but didn't say much. Chu Cheng knew that he had always had such a temper, but he didn't take it to heart.
Chu Yuan didn't like extravagance and waste, so Chu Heng naturally didn't dare to make a fuss. He said it was a banquet, but in fact he just cooked a few more home-cooked dishes. The people sat at three tables in the hall, and after toasting in turn, they began to eat without any singing and dancing, only the sound of chopsticks and dishes.
Mu Qingshan felt a little regretful, if he knew it was so boring, he might as well cook noodles at home.
"Come on, Master Wen, try this." Probably feeling that the atmosphere was too awkward, someone finally broke the deadlock and handed over a bowl of white crab fried rice.
"Thank you." Wen Liunian took the bowl with doubts in his eyes.
"The county magistrate of Lower Bitao City is named Yao Cheng." The other party hurriedly introduced himself.
"So it's County Magistrate Yao." Wen Liunian was stunned, and then began to eat fried rice cakes with his head down, without any intention of continuing to speak.
Yao Cheng was anxious on the sidelines, logically speaking, shouldn't he exchange some pleasantries and ask how the people are doing recently, there is no reason to start eating without saying a word.
"The sauce is not bad." After eating a small bowl, Wen Liunian praised.
Yao Cheng hurriedly said: "This is the unique sauce of Boss Wang Shouwang's house in Bitao City. If you like it on weekdays, it's okay to give it a three or five jars, but there are some things in his family recently, and I'm afraid I can't make it in time. "
"It's fine if you don't make it in time." Wen Liunian was very open-minded, and made another big spoonful for himself, so he could eat more for this meal.
So Yao Cheng was choked back again, why didn't he ask why he couldn't do it in time
"I offer a toast to the head." Chu Cheng poured a glass of wine.
Zhao Yue clinked glasses with him lightly.
"I heard that the master is practicing kung fu in the East China Sea," Chu Cheng probed, "I don't know what sect or sect he is from?"
"Master is not from the rivers and lakes, so he has no name." Zhao Yue smiled, "Even the kung fu he practices is unique. I'm afraid that even if he tells it, the prince may not have heard of it."
"I also have some friends in Donghai." Chu Chengdao, "But I have never heard of such a hermit in Donghai."
"Your Majesty has many friends in the East China Sea?" Wen Liunian turned his head abruptly upon hearing this.
Unexpectedly, he would have such a big reaction, Chu Cheng paused slightly, and then said: "I often train troops in the East China Sea, and I also have some trade contacts, so I know some merchants."
"That's good." Wen Liunian seemed quite happy.
Chu Cheng was puzzled: "What's the matter?"
"Of course there are." Wen Liunian nodded, "But let's talk about it after dinner, so as not to spoil the fun."
…
This sentence was already disappointing enough. The rest of the officials became more and more anxious, but no one dared to ask. Chu Cheng also felt that he had dug a hole for himself to jump into.
The table became more and more quiet, but Wen Liunian's appetite was not affected at all, and he picked up another piece of fish and ate it slowly.
"Lord Yao, why don't you look very well today?" Chu Heng asked casually after drinking for three rounds.
Yao Cheng finally got the chance, so he quickly answered the question: "Recently, all the villages under the jurisdiction of Bitao City have been hit by the cold, and the people's food and clothing are worrying. How can the officials sleep peacefully?"
"Cold disaster?" Ye Jin frowned.
"Yes." Yao Cheng nodded, "The people in the fishing village depend on the sky for their food. This year's weather is unusually cold for no reason. Except for Bitao City, the people in other towns are not having a good time."
As soon as the words were spoken, the rest of the officials also echoed. The rhetoric seemed to have been rehearsed beforehand. They all said that they could not bear the suffering of the people, and some even wiped their tears on the spot.
"Is it really so difficult?" Wen Liunian was finally willing to put down his chopsticks.
"Your Excellency may not be clear when you come here for the first time." Chu Heng said, "The people in this big Kun city may be able to do other jobs to make a living, but the coastal fishing villages can only make a living by fishing. In such bad weather, It’s best to barely eat and wear.”
"Where are the silver taels allocated by the court?" Wen Liunian asked.
"Let the adults distribute it equally to all the people in the East China Sea." Chu Heng smiled, "Actually, according to the previous rules, it is necessary to deduct part of it and put it in the palace. of the people."
Shen Qianfeng shook his head secretly when he heard the words, and after playing for a long time, he was still beating around the bush to explain the whereabouts of Yinzi in the past few years, and it was lucky that he could find so many people to perform together.
"In this way, I am wrong." Wen Liunian complained, "Why didn't the prince remind me?"
"Although these practices are forced by helplessness, they are still against the rules. My lord is selfless and upright. At that time, the people in Da Kun City were all joyful. Who would dare to come out to stop it." Chu Cheng's tone was lukewarm.
Zhao Yue frowned when he heard that, but Wen Liunian stepped on him lightly under the table, and then said solemnly: "It is true that I did not think carefully about this matter, and I have caused trouble for you all."
"My lord speaks seriously. After this period of time, the weather will be hot, and everything will be fine." Chu Heng said, "It's not a big mistake."
"My lord's words are wrong. The people are the foundation of the country. How can we let the people go hungry and cold?" Wen Liunian stood up, took out a bank note from his pocket and patted it on the table again, "I donate one hundred two!"
…
The officials at the table looked at each other, why did they donate? It was never mentioned before that there is still this crop.
Besides, it was clearly his own fault, so how could he ask others to donate? !
"Master Wen really came from a big place, and his hands are really generous." Chu Cheng raised his eyebrows, "It's just that most of the officials in the East China Sea are poor, and I'm afraid they don't have much money to donate."
"Donate more if you have it, and donate less if you don't have it. Even if it's just a bowl of rice and a jacket, it's a gift from the parents and officials. People who hold it in their hands will definitely keep their bodies warm." Wen Liunian's voice was eloquent and his tone was restrained, obviously. I poured a lot of emotion into it.
"It's true." Shang Yunze also put down two golden leaves, "It's just a wish, I hope it can make the people of this side suffer less."
Ye Jin glanced at Chu Cheng: "Let's not talk about whether the local officials have money, but the emperor should have rewarded the son just now, right?"
Chu Cheng: "..."
"It is true that the emperor rewarded some jewels and cloths just now." Everyone was watching, and Chu Heng could only say, "This king took out all of them."
Wen Liunian quickly praised: "Your Highness is really a role model for the world, it really makes me feel ashamed."
"Master Yao." Ye Jin said again, "Looking at your brocade padded jacket, you don't look like you come from a poor family. I heard that your family is from a wealthy family in the East China Sea?"
Wen Liunian was surprised when he heard the words, seeing that the owner of the valley didn't know anyone well, and he thought he had no interest in court affairs, yet he even knew what a local official's family was like
"The lower official's family does have some savings." Yao Cheng's brow was sweating, "But it's all earned from earning a living, so I ask the little prince to check it out."
"My lord Yao is overthinking. Didn't the young prince say that you are corrupt and perverting the law?" Wen Liunian explained from the side, and then sighed, "I saw that your lord didn't care about food and drink for the people before. This response should be able to donate a lot, one thousand taels of silver. Is it enough?"
"Enough is enough." Yao Cheng wanted to cry but had no tears, enough.
"Very good, very good." Wen Liunian was very happy, "Then what about the adult next to Master Yao, how about donating some rice noodles?"
The other party forced a smile and nodded.
After asking one by one, Wen Liunian simply sent someone to bring a pen and paper, and after writing it down, he asked Chu Heng: "With so many things, can the people last until the weather gets warmer?"
"Yes." Chu Heng nodded.
"That's good, the main thing is the prince's box of silver, it's a big deal." Wen Liunian was satisfied, "If the emperor knows, he will definitely be highly praised by the officials."
Chu Chengpi smiled, "That's really a great grace from the emperor."
Wen Liunian folded the paper carefully, and called a hidden guard in: "Put it away for now, after the meal is finished, I will go home with the adults to pick it up, but don't forget it."
The dark guard agreed with all his heart, put it in his sleeve happily and went out the door.
After all, he is someone who has received protection fees from all over the world... especially experienced.
It's really not easy.
Chapter 161 [When a mascot meets a real matchmaker] This little boy, you just got married at the age of seventeen
Originally, I was thinking of finding an excuse so that I could cover up all the money I had been short of all these years, but I never thought that I would be extorted a large sum of money instead. All the officials present were in a complicated mood, so the dinner table became more and more silent—why not? Dare to speak again, otherwise there may be some trap waiting ahead.
Wen Liunian didn't think much of it, he didn't come here to greet and greet, and he thought it was a good idea to not disturb the meal when no one was talking. So everyone watched him slowly and non-stop chopsticks, and almost ate up the whole hot pot - there were countless balls of taro, sea cucumber, abalone belly, and green bamboo shoots in it, and most of them were empty in the blink of an eye.
It was the first time for Chu Heng to see him eating, and he felt a little surprised. Seeing that he was a weak scholar, how could he eat better than a burly man.
"What are you doing looking at me?" Wen Liunian raised his head in wonder.
"Ahem." Chu Heng choked on the soup, "Master Wen, do you want another bowl of rice?"
"It's not enough, it's not good to eat too much." Wen Liunian put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth and said, "Are you all full? If you are full, then let's get down to business."
Everyone on the table put down their chopsticks collectively. With this sentence, they will be full even if they are not full.
"What business do you want to talk about?" Chu Heng asked.
"I just heard what my son said, and it seems that there is quite a connection in the East China Sea." Wen Liunian said, "When I was an official in Cangmang City, I received a secret report saying that there is a group of heresies hidden in the vast East Sea. A wolf's ambition cannot be underestimated."
"Heretic cult?" As soon as this remark came out, everyone was a little surprised, as if they had never heard of it before.
Chu Heng also shook his head: "Where did your lord receive the secret report, and the way is accurate? I have led the army to take root in the East China Sea for more than 20 years, but I have never heard of it."
"Yes, my lord." Yao Cheng also said, "The East China Sea is not peaceful, but it is all caused by pirates and Japanese bandits, and heresies are unheard of."
Wen Liunian waved his hand: "It was a friend in Jianghu who overheard it, so it should be reliable."
When mentioning "friends in the rivers and lakes", the first thing everyone thinks of is Qin Shaoyu. After all, Wen Liunian was a county magistrate in Yunlan City, which is something that everyone in Chu State knows. And once the matter involved Shadow Chasing Palace, no one would raise any doubts, and it was really unbearable.
"Then what is Master Wen's plan?" Chu Cheng asked.
"The emperor also knows about this matter. If the son has connections, why not check?" Wen Liunian said, "If you really gain something, it can be considered a great achievement."
"Since your lord has said it, I will do my best." Chu Cheng nodded in agreement.
"It's so good." Wen Liunian smiled, no matter how he looked at it, he had a calculating face.
Chu Cheng frowned slightly in his heart, always feeling... It seemed that there was another pit waiting for him, but he couldn't figure out what it meant.
"Thank you, my lord, for your hospitality today." Wen Liunian obviously did not intend to explain further, "If there is nothing else to do, then I will leave first."
"My lord, go slowly." Chu Heng nodded, and led the local officials to send the group of people out. The smile on his face gradually disappeared until he watched the carriage disappear at the corner of the street.
Wen Liunian burped in satisfaction.
"Is it really not enough?" Zhao Yue touched his stomach.
"I didn't eat much." Wen Liunian was very calm.
Zhao Yue: "..."
That's not much.
Wen Liunian was still thinking about the intimacy of the two on the way here, so he reached out and pulled his clothes away.
Zhao Yue couldn't laugh or cry.
Wen Liunian explained: "It's okay to be idle anyway."
"What is there to touch?" Zhao Yue tapped his head.
"You don't understand." Wen Liunian straddled his lap.
Nature is easy to touch, strong and warm, and the more you touch it, the more addictive it becomes.
"Master Wen." This Mr. Wen is still pulling on Mr. Zhao's clothes, while Ye Jin on the other end has already lifted the curtain of the car.
Wen Liunian turned his head innocently: "Huh?"
"Ahem." Seeing Zhao Yue's disheveled appearance, Guzhu Ye obviously hesitated, but finally stepped in and sat down opposite the two of them, as if he didn't see anything.
…
"What's the matter with the owner?" Wen Liunian asked calmly.
Zhao Yue lifted the man off his body, and put it squarely on the chair.
Ye Jin said: "There is indeed one thing I would like to ask an expert."
"The owner of the valley wants to ask, why did you ask Chu Cheng to lead his troops to search in the East China Sea?" Wen Liunian guessed.
Ye Jin nodded.
"Qingqiu is dead, but his old nest is still there." Wen Liunian said, "The two survivors brought back from the attack on Sanchilang last time have been interrogated by King Duan, and they are indeed the remnants of Baiwu Island." Qingqiu is dead. , and his subordinates could not escape the crime of plotting treason, so naturally no one would have the courage to step into the border of Chu State. On the day of the sea battle, Shen Qianfeng took the head of the leader named Hai Ying, who was originally Qingqiu's confidant, and had had several contacts with Chu Heng on his behalf. When the group was about to come to Great Kun City, Chu Heng arranged for them to act in a play at Sanchilang—it was just a bit unlucky, and before long, the entire army was wiped out in a daze, and he himself lost his life.
"So?" Ye Jin asked.
"The people on Baiwu Island are not the only ones taken away by Haiying." Wen Liunian said, "According to the testimony of those two people, Baiwu Island is still connected to dozens of small islands, and its strength should not be underestimated. Let it go, I'm afraid it will be a disaster for fishermen sooner or later."
"My lord, aren't you afraid that the rest of the people will secretly go to the Chu family and his son like Hai Ying?" Ye Jin asked.
"Compared to going to Chu Heng, I'm more afraid that they won't show up." Wen Liunian said, "If the imperial court is to search deliberately, firstly, it will consume too much manpower, and secondly, we don't know when the results will come. Throw the hot potato to Chu Cheng, at least draw the person out from behind before talking."
"If you throw a hot potato in the past, Chu Cheng may not be able to pick it up." Ye Jin said, "If he only talks about us, but actually doesn't do anything, what should my lord do?"
"There are the emperor and the common people, but he can't help it." Wen Liunian scratched his face, his eyes were quite meaningful.
Ye Jin: "..."
Um
In the early morning of the second day of junior high school, Wen Liunian got up from the bed and went to the study while yawning.
"What are you doing?" Wuying asked curiously.
"I don't know." Mu Qingshan looked in on tiptoe, "It seems to be writing something, it's better not to disturb."
"Writing something requires such a large piece of paper." Wu Ying still wanted to know the answer.
"This paper is not that big." Mu Qingshan gave him orchid beans to eat, "When I was in Cangwu City, the paper used to draw the master was bigger than this."
Zhao Yue was amused when he heard it, and continued to lean against the pillar with the knife in his arms, watching him bow his head and write, and it took him a whole morning. In the end, even Ye Jin was puzzled, wondering what the hell was going on, and it wasn't over yet.
"My lord, it's time to eat." Mu Qingshan cautiously poked his head in.
"It's just right." Wen Liunian hooked his hands at him, "Master, come and take a look."
"Look at what?" Mu Qingshan stepped into the threshold.
Wen Liunian "Hula" shook out a large piece of paper, it was called a golden light...
So Master Mu was a little stunned.
The rest of the people who followed Mr. Mu to watch the fun were also a little stunned.
"Don't be afraid of hardships and dangers, go deep into the enemy's army, take the lead and lead the soldiers, it's amazing." Shang Yunze glanced, "Who?"
"Chu Cheng." Wen Liunian spread the paper flat.
Wuying opened his mouth wide: "Such a big piece of paper, are you all praising Chucheng?"
"That's right." Wen Liunian nodded.
"Why?" Wuying was very confused.
"After lunch, I will take it to the prince's mansion." Wen Liunian said, "After showing it to the Chu family and his son, I will send it to Wangcheng quickly and report it to the emperor."
"I've already boasted. If Chu Cheng doesn't do anything, it will be a bit of a disappointment to the great grace." Ye Jin picked it up and looked at it again. I feel that as long as Chu Cheng is willing, it only takes a finger to pacify Donghai."
"That's right." Wen Liunian said, "So in the future, whenever something happens in Donghai, it will be because of Chu Cheng's inaction, and there will be no second reason."
"What is this?" Mu Qingshan picked up another stack of papers on the table.
"This is to spread among the common people." Wen Liunian explained.
"But it's too fake, isn't it?" Mu Qingshan hesitated, and there was actually such a plot as to face Thunder Mother Thunder.
"It's true, it's true." Wen Liunian shook his head, "There is no fire-breathing lightning these days, so I'm too embarrassed to say it's just a story." Besides, the point is not this, but to let the people know that Chu Heng is going to the East China Sea to wipe out the cult. . Baiwu Island should have an eyeliner in Da Kun City, and he is not afraid that the news will not spread.
As long as the other party can take the lead, then everything is easy to talk about.
"There is one more thing." Wen Liunian said, "Sun Moon Villa is unrivaled in the lightness of the world. I wonder if it is possible for Gu Master to send someone to take turns watching the Chu family and his son?"
"Naturally." Ye Jin nodded.
"Thank you." Wen Liunian was very satisfied, and after lunch, he sat in a soft sedan and went all the way to the Prince's Mansion.
"Why didn't the boss go together?" Mu Qingshan asked.
Zhao Yue spread his hands.
Mu Qingshan understood, it turned out that the adults did not let him go.
Wuying squatted on the roof with his hands supporting his cheeks, his eyes were very sympathetic.
Pointing east and not daring to go west, kneeling on the washboard for life...
Zhao Yue's brows twitched, and just as he was about to call him down, the butler ran in: "Master, a guest has arrived."
"Guest?" Zhao Yue asked, "Who?"
"Aunt Lin." The butler replied.
"Who is Aunt Lin?" Zhao Yue said, "But she came to be the cook?"
"What kind of cook? Aunt Lin is a well-known matchmaker in this city. She said she wanted to be a matchmaker." The housekeeper said, "I'm quite happy to see it."
Zhao Yue was shocked: "A matchmaker?"
The news quickly spread throughout the house, and the rest of the people were also shocked when they heard the news: "Who do you want to be a matchmaker for?" Don't say it is Mrs. Wen.
"I didn't ask about that." The housekeeper said, "But everyone knows that Mr. Wen and Mr. Zhao are a couple, and Aunt Lin has been in this business for some years, so she shouldn't make such mistakes."
"I want to see it." Mu Qingshan held on to Master Shang.
"I'm afraid the world will not be chaotic." Shang Yunze laughed, reached out to knock on his forehead, and dragged him to the front hall. The rest of the people also huffed and followed, for fear that they would not be able to see the excitement if it was too late. If they thought about it, they would be at a disadvantage.
"Ah, so many heroes have come." Aunt Lin was drinking tea, and was quite shocked by the battle, but fortunately, she had seen the world, and she soon smiled like a flower. As soon as the fragrant handkerchief was waved, Mu Qingshan sneezed immediately.
"Take a look, this handsome guy." Aunt Lin looked Shen Qianfeng up and down, obviously she liked it very much.
Ye Jin began to roll up his sleeves aggressively.
The hidden guard grabbed him, calm down!
"This aunt." Zhao Yue tentatively said, "I heard from the butler, are you here for a matchmaker?"
"That's right." Aunt Lin couldn't help being overjoyed, "I'm sure I won't deceive you all, the girl I mentioned is more virtuous than the other, she is pretty and lively, has a good figure and a good personality, whoever marries her will be truly blessed. "
The dark guard quickly wrote down this passage for future use, after all, we also like matchmaking.
"I don't know who to speak for?" Zhao Yue asked.
"To be honest, someone has taken a fancy to this young master." Aunt Lin smiled with her mouth covered, and then stretched out her hand to point.
Everyone's eyes flicked away.
Wu Ying held half a piece of peanut candy, and Wu Lei was stunned: "Me?"
"Yes." Aunt Lin stepped forward with a smile, "May I ask, how old is the young master this year?"
"Turn over the seventeenth year of the new year!" The dark guard replied eagerly.
"Seventeen is good. It's time for Seventeen to start a family." Aunt Lin smiled happily, "It's the time when your physical strength is good, and you can hug a big fat boy next year."
Ye Jin laughed unkindly.
Mu Qingshan also felt a little... wanted to laugh.
"I'm not married." Wuying collapsed.
"Nonsense, how can a man not get married." Aunt Lin complained.
"That's right, how can a man not get married." The secret guard rushed to chime in, and then watched the excitement, "I don't know whose family's young lady is it?"
"I don't know if you have heard of the daughter of Pinglang's gang leader Liu?" Aunt Lin said.
Wuying shook his head like a rattle.
"Of course I've heard of it." The dark guard held him down and grinned, "Let's find a day and have a meal together first."