After two months, Xu Fengnian didn't return from outside the customs until the end of winter, and it was snowing heavily. If there is no accident, this should be the last snow in Beiliang's second year in Xiangfu.
Entering the city late at night, neither Xu Fengnian nor Xu Beizhi took a carriage. Behind them were eight hundred white horses Yi Cong, with white armor and white horses, blending in with the snowy night.
On this snow-melting morning, Xu Fengnian put on a fox fur that had not been changed for many years, walked out of the Wutong courtyard that had been expanded a lot, and came alone to the Huxin Pavilion in Tingchao Lake. It is said that two women in the house earlier used the lotus flowers on the lake as small wishing pools, and often threw copper coins into the lake, but it didn't take long for them to be smashed into hornets' nests. When I was young, the four children surnamed Xu in Qingliang Mountain, two boys and two girls, together with Xu Xiao himself, did not seem to be too yin and yang, but now it is different, Xu Fengnian and Huang Man'er are not in Qingliang Mountain all the year round, But there are quite a few more women, not to mention Lu Chengyan and Wang Chudong, Xu Ying who likes to wear red robes, the girl who wears a sable hat, Chen Yu who is beautiful and beautiful, and the girl Chen Xiliang took with him when he went to Liang. , Yu the green robe left by the groom at the mansion, and occasionally Huyan Daguan's daughter would secretly come to Qingliang Mountain to play, and even there were seven more "female bachelors" in the Wutong courtyard, who were the second and third of the Wutong courtyard in name. Waiting for the maidservant, one of which is called firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and tea. It seems to be Lu Chengyan's bad idea. Compared with the names he, the young master of Wutongyuan, gave to the maids in the early years, such as green ant, white wine and cucumber, they are really comparable. In the same vein.
Xu Fengnian stayed late at the yamen of Song Dongming and Bai Yu last night, not talking about general affairs, even if some important matters involved the promotion of officials of the fourth and fifth ranks, as long as they did not involve sensitive local military affairs, Xu Fengnian would give them a free hand Power, so Song and Bai were mostly doing routine work similar to the king's performance last night, and Xu Fengnian, the hands-off shopkeeper, could just be the "nodding vassal". There was only one troublesome matter, Song Dongming, the Deputy Manager of Economic Affairs, specially threw it to Xu Fengnian as the finale. At that time, Mr. Bai Lian was drinking hot tea with his head down, smiling and having fun. Xu Fengnian also had a headache when he heard it. It turned out that after Lu Chengyan was finalized as the concubine of Beiliang, Lu Dongjiang, the old man who was well-known in the Central Plains in the past, became more active, thinking about competing for the seat of Liangzhou governor. The former governor Tian Peifang No matter what the original intention was, whether it was a wise retreat, or due to the situation, after returning to Liangzhou from Jubei City, he submitted his resignation to Qingliang Mountain. Next, the governor of Liangzhou will be included, and don’t be outside. , the pattern of "internal and external assassins" outside the customs is already a firm fact. This made Lu Dongjiang, who was only coveting the position of other leaders, suddenly change his tone. With the help of his father and daughter, he hoped that he would be in place in one step. The third in command of civil servants in the Taoist officialdom. Xu Fengnian didn't do anything about it, so he had to use a dragging formula. Xu Fengnian knew exactly what the Lu family's children did after they entered the Liang Dynasty. Such a useful talent is also something that shouldn't be encouraged, but Lu Dongjiang doesn't think so. Even though Xu Fengnian has compensated the Lu family for the construction of the new city, Lu Dongjiang obviously doesn't think this is the treatment that the Qingzhou wealthy Lu family should have. It's a pity that Beiliang, after all, It is not the imperial court, there is no Hanlin Academy to support idlers, and there is no such title as a scholar of palaces and pavilions to give away. After all, the Beiliang Road where his son-in-law Xu Fengnian is in charge of the family is not because he does not want the Lu family to be able to feel proud in Beiliang. I really can't afford this face.
Xu Fengnian raised his head and saw Bai Yu walking slowly. Xu Fengnian didn't put on a polite gesture to greet him, but just sat up straight. Bai Yu walked into the lake pavilion, stomped heavily on the steps, shaking off the snow. The two sat facing each other, and Bai Yu was the first to smile and said, "Since I entered the mountains when I was young, over the years, I have seen a few snowstorms in the south of the Yangtze River that I thought were quite spectacular. After all, it can’t compare to the north.”
Xu Fengnian smiled and said: "I heard from Xu Xiao that the snow in Liaodong is actually even heavier in winter, and the heavy snow of goose feathers is not enough to describe it."
Bai Yu jokingly said, "Snowflakes are as big as a hand. The poems written by the General were like thunder to my ears in Longhu Mountain."
The corners of Xu Fengnian's mouth curled up, "The civil servants here in Beiliang feel that Xu Xiao is not easy to serve, because flattery is always on the horse's hoof. Only my second sister's husband, Wang Jijiu, can get it right. In fact, the secret here is very It's simple, it's just how shameless you are, and you must not put on the airs of a literati, because Xu Xiao can't understand things that are too profound and subtle. Listening to the cloud, it is very difficult just thinking about how to answer. Wang The sacrificial wine is very straight to the point, two stinky chess baskets, they fought against Xu Xiao on the chessboard, and even praised Xu Xiao, "the national player is amazing, this move is so domineering", of course Xu Xiao can understand these good words , so I am very happy. Well, there is also Huang Man'er's master, Zhao Xituan, who also knows Xu Xiao's Qicun very well. I remember the first time I came to our place, he said that Huang Man'er was born with wisdom and good looks. He is worthy of being a general. My son, and so on. At that time, even I couldn’t stand it, and thought that the old man was probably a charlatan. In the end, I asked someone to take a dog to scare the old master. Looking back now, the real person doesn’t show his face, this sentence It's true."
Xu Fengnian didn't know if he had opened up the chatterbox, but he couldn't stop it all at once, "I remember when I went to Wudang Mountain to practice martial arts, the first time I saw the old head teacher Wang Chonglou, at that time I heard too much about Duanjiang. There are rumors in the rivers and lakes that I admire this Taoist god of the Beiliangtian brand, but after meeting, the old head teacher is indeed a fairy, and he did not disappoint, but soon revealed his secrets, what do you think is it?"
Bai Yu shook his head.
Xu Fengnian smiled, narrowed his eyes, full of coquettishness, and said softly: "At that time, I curiously asked the old head teacher if he really pointed at Duanjiang, the old man first shook his head and said no, then stretched out two fingers, saying it was two fingers. Means. At that time, apart from being stunned, admiring, and fascinated, I actually felt that this old head teacher was quite earthy besides being full of immortality. You didn’t see the expression on the old man’s face after he said the words, obviously He was trying his best to pretend to be that kind of expert, but he didn't pretend well. After thinking about it afterwards, he felt that he was just an old man who made great achievements in his early years. When he got older, he was remembered by young people, especially I mentioned it to my face again, and then I was so happy that I couldn’t hide it.”
Bai Yu said softly, "The Heavenly Master's Mansion is different."
Xu Fengnian looked towards the lake, and murmured: "It was only later that I figured out that Xu Xiao is such an old man, but when I was young, I never praised him face to face, but I often scolded him and even chased him away." Hitting, always thinking of embarrassing him. At that time, I only thought that you killed my mother. Now I don’t have a tutor and don’t know how to be polite. In fact, it’s all caused by you, Xu Xiao, no wonder I, Xu Fengnian.”
Bai Yu missed Xu Fengnian's shoulder, looked at Chaohu Lake on the other side, was silent for a long time, and said slowly: "My parents passed away on the way to Hongjia North, because I was a great pilgrim in Wudang Mountain in the early years, and then I was taken away. Went to the mountains."
Xu Fengnian said: "Don't hold grudges?"
Bai Yu said frankly: "In the beginning, I held grudges very much, not to mention the common people, but we scholars read history, and when we read about those subjugated monarchs, there are only words in the history books such as treacherous ministers in power to deceive the saints, so we can't blame the emperor, let alone those who The civil servants in Liyang's new "Records of Loyal Officials" can't blame those generals who died in battle, so after searching, they can only find your father, the general Xu Xiao who is nicknamed Rentu. A child who witnessed the country's destruction and family destruction , the mountains and rivers are full of old people, how can I not complain?"
Xu Fengnian was silent.
Bai Yu suddenly said with emotion: "In the end, I can't complain."
Xu Fengnian didn't ask whether he should complain, or whether he should complain.
Bai Yu turned his head and looked at the path leading to the Huxin Pavilion in the distance. There was a graceful figure at the end of the path. She probably came a little closer and found them sitting in the pavilion. She turned towards the frozen lake and walked faster and faster. Far.
Bai Yu smiled apologetically and said, "It seems that I'm spoiling the scenery, otherwise, the prince will face her face to face, and it's better to enjoy the scenery than to enjoy the scenery."
Xu Fengnian glanced at that figure, and said helplessly, "I have nothing to do with her."
Bai Yu's eyes were strange.
Xu Fengnian was even more helpless, "Really."
Bai Yu looked at the figure again, and joked, "That would be too regrettable."
Xu Fengnian smiled and said nothing.
While the two were enjoying the scenery quietly, Song Yu, the steward of the palace, came quickly and said that the Jiedu Envoy Yang Shenxing had come to visit, and Xu Fengnian asked him to lead the Jiedu Envoy who had recently entered the cold to the Huxin Pavilion.
Bai Yu said with a smile: "Old General Yang has suffered a lot in the city these days. The mansion of the Jiedu Envoy was smashed almost every day. Scholars threw books on the gate, and ordinary people threw stones into the walls. It is said that some even threw kitchen knives. , it was very lively, and the servants in the house were frightened and regarded it as hard work."
Xu Fengnian saw that Mr. Bai Lian got up to leave after finishing speaking, and said suddenly: "Mr. Bai Lian, why don't you accompany me to see Yang Shenxing."
Bai Yu just bent over and got up, hesitated for a moment after hearing this, and sat down again.
When Yang Shenxing strode up the steps, he saw the young feudal lord sitting with fur and sleeves folded, but an unidentified elegant literati stood to greet him, and when he looked at him, he smiled, not the kind who hides a knife in his smile, on the contrary, he was very kind , and naturally.
After Xu Fengnian introduced the identities of the two parties, Yang Shenxing was shocked, only to realize that the person in front of him was actually a celestial master with the surname of Longhu Mountain who was bestowed by the late emperor as Mr. Bailian. When she heard Bai Yu personally say that she would go to the Jiedushi's mansion to beg for a drink if she was free, Yang Shenxing felt close to Bai Yu no matter if it was true or not, whether it was polite or sincere. After all, after he arrived in Liangzhou, the reason why he closed the door to thank guests was because he knew that if he stepped out of the door, he would be a street mouse that everyone shouted to beat or even kill. The servants and maids in the house also had some unkind eyes. Yang Shenxing came to Qingliang Mountain brazenly this time because he had previously implored Xu Fengnian to say hello when he returned to Zhoucheng from outside the customs with a secret letter, whether the old man had entered Qingliang Mountain Palace, or whether Xu Fengnian would let the Jiedu envoy Entering the door, the whole Beiliang officialdom is waiting to see. If it succeeds, Yang Shenxing may not be able to take power in Beiliang, but if it fails, Yang Shenxing will definitely not be able to live in the future. Yang Shenxing's initial thought was to take such a trip today, and she didn't expect Xu Fengnian to put on a big show, as long as she could save face, but Bai Yu's appearance was definitely a surprise. Yang Shenxing, as an old fox who has been immersed in Liyang officialdom for most of his life, now that there is a disturbance in Beiliang, only a few words from the people in the house are needed, and the old man can often grasp the key points, such as the choice of the concubine, and the resignation of the governor Tian Peifang, two things The matter seems to be irrelevant, but in fact, the clues here are very particular. Tian Peifang is secretly expressing his friendship with Lu Dongjiang. There is a lesson from the replacement of Lingzhou governor. Instead of waiting for a year or two, he is forced to abdicate For foreigners, it is better to take the initiative to let the virtuous, and have a heart-to-heart relationship with the Lu family, the future governor of Liangzhou Lu Dongjiang, and even the princess Lu Chengyan.
The three of them had a very happy chat in the pavilion in the center of the lake. They didn't talk about state affairs, but only talked about Fengyue.
After they parted happily, Bai Yu took the initiative to send Yang Shenxing out of the palace.
Bai Yu stood at the door and watched Jiedushi leave with a knowing smile.
Since Song Dongming is a deputy economic envoy who holds more power than Li Gongde, as long as Xu Fengnian nods and agrees to Lu Dongjiang becoming the governor, then the entire Lu family will accept it, and the Lu family also needs a "person in the court" in Qingliang Mountain. Lu Dongjiang, a famous scholar in the Qing Dynasty, and Linquan, a businessman, choose one of the two, and it is regarded as the lesser of two evils. Of course, Song Dongming will choose the former. He, Bai Yu, was more embarrassed, and didn't even have a chance to choose. But now that there is Yang Shenxing who comes to his door, Bai Yu's situation is different. Now that Yang Shenxing can't speak in the official circles of Beiliang Dao, it doesn't mean that it will still be like this in the future. As long as Liang Mang still fights, as long as Yang Shen Xing is smart enough, he is not afraid that he will not succeed one day. Then, no matter how busy the Jiedushi's mansion is, Bai Yu will always be the one who "knows him at the end" with Yang Shenxing.
Just as Bai Yu was about to step over the threshold, he suddenly withdrew his feet, turned and walked down the steps, and then turned to look at the gate.
This Mr. Bailian looked up at the imposing plaque, and then at the couplets on both sides that were about to be replaced with new ones. Thinking of the young man at the Huxin Pavilion, he said to himself: "Beiliang, Liyang, In this world, with you Xu Fengnian, is it a gift in a timely manner?"
…
Just as Bai Yu was filled with mixed feelings, he turned back and walked into the palace, passing by Tingchao Lake, only to see a scene that almost made Mr. Bai Lian jump and scold his mother.
As soon as he walked on his front foot, the gentleman who kept saying that he had nothing to do with Rouge's comments on women had already walked side by side with her on the lake.
What's even more exaggerated is that when the guy saw him, instead of feeling guilty, he raised his hand to greet him.
Bai Yu muttered angrily.
On the lake in the distance, Xu Fengnian laughed loudly.
Chen Yu asked curiously, "What's wrong?"
Xu Fengnian smiled and said, "Mr. Bai Lian thought I couldn't hear him because of the distance, but I could hear him clearly."
Chen Yu asked, "What did you say, sir?"
Xu Fengnian said solemnly: "He is ashamed to praise me as a jade tree facing the wind."
Chen Yu let out an ooh, then took his leave and left.
Then she went straight to Mr. Bailian.
Xu Fengnian was dumbfounded.
Finally, Xu Fengnian, who was alone on the lake, smiled.
Looking around, everything is peaceful.
In this kind of Beiliang, no matter whether the women are beautiful or beautiful, and whether the men are studying martial arts or ordinary people, they are all safe and sound. The sounds of reading, selling, horseshoes, snoring, and quarreling are all lively and lively.
Xu Fengnian put his sleeves together and looked up at the sky.
Everything this young man does is to seek a "spring and autumn no longer blame the Xu family".