Pei Er began to trace back the origin and tell the story of Zhao Tuo's appointment of his brother Zhao Guang as the King of Cangwu. I could only be a listener. When she mentioned that there were many disturbances around him when he was appointed this place, she couldn't help but glance at the Nanman girls. Seeing that they had no reaction, she felt relieved. But I still felt that this story was a bit abrupt.
"At that time, Empress Gao (Lü Zhi) was in power and had always wanted to annex Nanyue. Tuo appointed his brother as the emperor in order to place his trusted brothers and sisters in Cangwu to ensure the stability of the Xindao line. Later, Guang built the Cangwu King City, which might be his storage for future emergency needs."
Pei'er was smart. She should have realized that there were girls like this around her, and she came over in time. So, I can understand the second half of the sentence. Burying such a large and heavy thing outside the city would not be a big deal, and it would be easily discovered by the southerners who usually travel in the mountains and forests, which would be unsafe. Burying it in the palace seems to be the safest method. At least the facts have proved that even when my Han army entered the city and governed it for hundreds of years, no one would have discovered it. If it weren't for my pioneering mother-in-law who thought the rockery was an obstacle and the soil under the rockery was too shallow to grow vegetables, I don't know how many years it would have taken for it to be discovered.
This makes it very clear that farming is the top priority of the country.
"Why can't vegetables be grown if the soil layer is shallow?" I think this question still needs an answer. After all, I have seen grass growing out of cracks in rocks many times. Aren't vegetables just edible and delicious grass
"The shallow soil cannot hold water, and the roots cannot go deep and grow tall." My mother-in-law didn't seem to mind these shiny things at all, but had already started asking people to move the boxes.
I decided to continue helping, but my mother-in-law stopped me: You have more important things to do, so don't bother with the rest. Everyone, take out these gold nuggets first, and then the box will be lighter.
After a long argument, and unable to resist, he could only stand aside and support Pei'er and watch.
Good, it's the time when we need it. In the past, I took it from the people, now I will return it to the people. I will go to the court right away to see if there is any need for money. Oh. Pei'er. It's a pity that I found it too late... Hey, do you know about the lunar calendar? I can help this year.
Oh, my fourth brother asked me about this, but he didn't understand, so I explained it to him. I think later I heard that the gap was filled by transferring the salt and iron tax collected by Zhang Shijun of Nanhai.
I suddenly felt a chill on my back: "Whose idea was it that made you so bold?"
"It's the Lord Jia sent by the higher-ups." Pei'er was very calm. It was obvious that she understood the seriousness of this matter.
My emotions instantly calmed down and I was able to change the subject.
"Madam, you are not only knowledgeable and experienced, but you can also tell stories from past years so vividly. You see, they are so engrossed in listening. No wonder Xue'er and Yi Yue are so well behaved in your place. In the future, our children, by listening to your stories, will surely gain knowledge and grow up happily, right?" I always felt that I was trying to flatter her.
Madam smiled, and suddenly she pretended to be mysterious again, but her expression still made me feel relaxed, but the following words made me feel helpless: "Actually, I have always liked telling stories. After reading a book, I used to like to daydream and make up stories. Listen to father. The first story I told you was to you. I can't remember what story I told you. Zirui, do you still remember?"
I had no idea how to answer. According to the story the ladies had arranged for me, I should have seen her when I was wearing crotchless pants and could only crawl on the floor.
"I can't remember when it was. Pei'er. Let's take a walk together." The previous topic has a high possibility of leading to topics that hurt one's self-esteem. There are so many outsiders around, so it's better to move on.
Madam smiled happily. I always feel that pregnant women should not be offended, even such a virtuous Pei'er is like this, Yinling really gave me enough face.
I accompanied my wife to walk around the vegetable gardens of our family, admiring the green and delicious vegetable seedlings in the garden. Some of them are already quite lush, but I don't know what they are. I prefer them wrapped with meat, or the meat wrapped around them. If you feel tired of looking down, you might as well look up at the sky. Today is a good day. The shadow of the southeast tower has been reflected on the west wall of the palace. I guess there are people waiting outside the council hall. I guess Uncle Zhang should be the first in line.
I always felt that I was too stupid before, thinking of letting my wife sit among the ministers, but it was not necessary. That day, I asked her to wait for me behind the screen, and if she was tired or annoyed, she could go back and rest. I just sat there wearing the clothes I wore when I attended court in the past, wearing the court crown, but not the imperial crown.
I just want everyone to know that I am a Han minister.
This is what I want to convey to all the ministers of Yue State.
The Han Dynasty cannot be divided like this any longer, and its people must not continue to be displaced. I will eventually help it return to its prosperity. Perhaps that's too much to say, but at least we should restore its unity, because it was us who divided it.
I always feel like a sinner. Regardless of whether the border secession was my decision or not, after all, I was in a high position at the time and I failed to come up with a better solution.
All I can do now is to convey that I am a vassal of the Han Dynasty.
But I know some of the rough people don't understand. Although they are worshipping properly, I don't know when they started to hold a hu board after I left. Although it is only made of bamboo, it is still pleasing. Of course, I always feel that some people just hold it for decoration.
For example, General Gong and the man in her family. But when it comes to General Gong, I always feel that she will draw something on it; and I don’t expect her man to write anything on it. I should be glad that he doesn’t use the tablet to scratch my itch. But Zhong Nan in the crowd seemed to be scanning something up and down on it, which made me want to see what he drew on it. He seemed to have grown up and become much more stable.
General Gong seemed to have grown fatter and more gentle than before. Although he looked wild in his custom-made southern military uniform, he was very respectful when he sat there. However, the fat-headed man in her family looked at his wife from time to time after he finished his greetings.
The other couple was much better. Hua Rong had a serious expression, while Zhu Jie looked calm.
"Long time no see, everyone." This is how I started.
Everyone was silent for a moment.
"I haven't congratulated General Gong on his good deeds yet." I decided to ignore the other one. Someone in the audience seemed to have heard something and couldn't help laughing: "There are also the good deeds of the Imperial Physician and General Zhu. But for now, I can only congratulate them first."
The two couples thanked me. I continued to ask: "For the rest of you, those who need to get married should do so; those who need to take their families back should do so; if there is not enough space, we will build another one. I also brought back some reward money from Luoyang this time, so it should be enough."
Everyone laughed.
"Are the two sons of Lord Xu here?"
Uncle Zhang replied that all the officials here were officials with a salary of more than 600 stones. I nodded to indicate that I understood.
I saw Lord Jia among the officials. It was a little strange. I felt that he shouldn't be in the court of my Yue Kingdom. But since he was sitting, it must be the will of my foster father or the arrangement of my father. I smiled and greeted everyone and their work status, and then got down to business. My Grand Marshal really used the least words, while the Right Marshal used the most.
"The world is divided today... I'm afraid that the days of peace and tranquility will not last long. There will be chaos and turmoil. You should improve your political affairs at home and strengthen your military forces abroad. Be prepared for any emergency." I restrained my smile and my tone became serious: "Madam Pingguo, Lord Situ, Zuo Sima and others may not be able to return for a few days. But there are some things that must be done."
"Everyone has done a great job during this period, and I can rest assured to hand over the Kingdom of Yue to you. Because you may need to go to the capital frequently to report, the time of return is uncertain, so I must entrust many political affairs to you. You can also take a two-day break, and others can fill in at any time. Make sure that political affairs are not delayed, that's all."
I coughed lightly and said aloud: "Someone once told me that talent comes before virtue, which is the most important thing in troubled times. Zhishen disagrees. A person with virtue but little talent can be a model of virtue at the very least, and a person with the highest virtue can be a role model for the time being; a person with little virtue but much talent can bring disaster to the people if he cannot use it well, and a person with little virtue but high talent can be even more harmful. Therefore, I want to follow what Confucius said, to guide the people with virtue, to regulate the people with courtesy, and to make them know shame and be upright. (Not the original words from The Analects, the original words are: guide the people with virtue, regulate the people with courtesy, and make them know shame and be upright)"
Suddenly I realized why Brother Meng De was more talented than De. Could it be because of the Party Factions
"Well... so, officials should put the people first. This year's monthly order is to help the people, but I'm not here. I have to thank Lord Jia for his help in making the arrangements go smoothly." Suddenly I realized that I was distracted, so I quickly bowed and saluted. Lord Jia returned the salute and said it was my job. I will have to ask him about this matter after the court is dismissed, so now let everyone understand the necessity and importance of this matter.
"I don't blame you for deciding the Pingling matter, but don't abuse the people's manpower. Just send the male prisoners to do the work. There's no need to rush and don't make it too big. I'm not in such a hurry." Someone burst out laughing. My ministers are not very cunning.
"Also, your salary is lower than that of the court, but you can still live a good life. If you have a new child, relatives come to live with you, or you bring your wife home, as long as you feel that there is not enough room to live, you can write to me and our court will help you find one. If you have any difficulties, you can also report them to me. If you think my kitchen is good, you can come to my place for dinner more than once or twice, that's fine." Everyone was smiling and the atmosphere was relaxed, so I began to speak in a serious tone: "But if someone neglects his official duties and bullies others, He lied to his superiors and subordinates, took bribes and perverted the law, and exploited the people." I got to the back and my voice gradually got louder: "Don't forget, the people who died at the hands of Mr. Xie, or those who died because of their wisdom, should have filled up this palace a few years ago and overflowed from the top of the city. It doesn't matter to me if there are more or less people. Lord Gao Yao will definitely not blame me." Using the story of Gao Yao and Xiezhi is already a relatively effective means for me. Anyway, there is an unclear connection between me and that person in the legend. Even if I clear it, most people will not believe it, so I will shamelessly take his place.
After hearing these words, everyone immediately became serious and realized that such words are still very useful.
"I don't know when I will go to Luoyang again. Maybe I will have to go in response to the imperial edict. Before that, I need to do a few things. I will visit Lord Shi of Jiaozhi, Lord Zhang of Nanhai, pacify Hepu and Yazhou, meet the King of Tiannan, and go to the south of Yizhou to attack Dong." The last sentence was accompanied by several exclamations.
"Don't be alarmed, the attack on Dong is a promise I made to the people. We don't have the strength to attack Dong with all our strength, nor can we use all the people's strength to attack Dong with all our strength, but I have to start to rectify the areas in the south of Yizhou that are not occupied by Dong thief, as the foundation for the attack on Dong, so as not to break my promise to the people." I tried to smile to make everyone feel at ease, and then I told them something I just learned yesterday: "At least our Grand Herald has done a good job. Several cities are willing to serve us, and others will not be our enemies. The King of Tiannan and I are sworn brothers, and Dong thief is also his enemy. We are not powerful, so we will definitely be natural allies with him, and we should not be attacked from all sides. Besides, Dong thief is a disaster in Yizhou, and the people do not support him. Although he will not definitely help me, he will definitely not help the rebellion."
Now, I arranged various things as if I was chatting about family matters.
"The Secretariat drafted a proposal and ordered the scholars of Wu'an to measure the wasteland of dozens of miles around the Yulin Mountain Stronghold and distribute it to the southern tribes for cultivation, so as to teach them how to grow crops. After a few years of farming, they should know the hard work of farming, have enough food, and know the value of stability. They should be empathetic and should not plunder the surrounding Han settlements or attack each other." I remember that my last sentence was for Uncle Zhang. Because he was temporarily in charge of the Secretariat. I suddenly realized why they threw the second son of the Xu family to the Secretariat. In this way, it would be inconvenient for Lord Xu to take charge of the Secretariat. But it seemed inappropriate to let the Supervisory Historian take over the position of the Secretary, but I really couldn't think of a better candidate.
"Okay, now that I've finished what I want, do you have anything to play?"
My Grand Marshal was silent as usual, so the generals were also mostly quiet. Uncle Zhang was silent. The other civil officials did not interrupt.
Only Zhao Deli was an honest man. I seemed to notice someone making gestures to him, but he still reported honestly: "Lord Yue Hou. I sent people to investigate, and I also went to investigate myself. In addition, I asked the southerners about many things. It seems that there is another hidden reason for the death of the former Yue Hou. Here are the details of the investigation."
I took the large scroll of bamboo slips he handed me, flipped through it, and my heart started pounding.
"Okay, let's leave it at that. Don't worry about it for now." It seems that once upon a time, this was the sentence my father and I said the most. I didn't expect that I would use it too.
Because, if all the evidence is correct, then the former Yuehou may have been killed by the court. The most likely person to have issued this order is the top one, but the one who arranged how to execute it should be my father.
I suddenly thought of this. Although I didn't know who he was, I had vaguely heard of his previous title. I was very familiar with this other person in the Liu clan. As the son of the Marquis of Jie Du Ting, he could be supported by others (that is, Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong), and others could support the son of another Marquis of a certain Ting to replace him. If he was in this place where the emperor was far away, it would be natural for him to be supported by others. This would be a concern for Your Majesty, and I might be the successor that had been thought of long ago.
I think this is because we won't use outsiders to suppress Dong Zhuo. Most of the other people have no grudges against Dong Zhuo, and they can join forces with him to fight against us. Fortunately, everything I did before was helpful for me to block Dong Zhuo. But why did I only figure out now that the teacher and his arrangement had such a mystery? If it weren't for the support of these elders, I don't know what kind of chaos our Han Dynasty would have been in, and I would have often made trouble.
Your Majesty is actually only in his thirties, and he is already so weak. I know it is due to his past abuse. I have not heard of his evil deeds, and I am really sorry for my conscience. But I think it is unnecessary to overthrow the entire Han Dynasty because of his evil deeds. After all, the people suffer more in troubled times, and such a big country cannot be changed easily. I don’t know how many people will die in this battle of heroes. Fortunately, since the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the civil strife in Luoyang, it is said that Your Majesty has been frightened a lot and seems to have given up that idea. As long as he does not mess around again, with the protection of loyal officials like us, the Han Dynasty may continue, or even revive.
I suddenly felt that we should limit His Majesty's ultimate power of life and death, and that he and I should just have an empty title. For example, he is the emperor and I am the Xiezhi.
I collected my thoughts and looked at everyone. Seeing me thinking, no one spoke. Suddenly I felt that this was inappropriate, so I had to add: "I need to report this matter to the court and wait for His Majesty to deal with it. This matter ends here. Lord Zhao is really capable and hardworking!"
I suddenly remembered that there was someone who gave him gestures at that time. I looked at the approximate direction and had an idea in my mind. There are still some people in my court who understand the overall situation.
"Dongye is under the jurisdiction of my Yue State. The Shangshutai should draft a notice to appease the people." I suddenly found that Dongye was beginning to have a head start. I was going to send a general to station there, but now I find it is better to leave it undefended. Although Sun usurped the throne, he had no reason to offend me. If I don't show his strength in the south, he should be too lazy to deploy troops in the north. It is better to deal with Liu Yao, the unfilial descendant, and help me take care of Yuan's unfilial son from the north. At least I trust my Yan Dahonglu very much now. He actually cleared this line when I was still in Luoyang and took advantage of the time when the King of Tiannan sent people to pay New Year's greetings to me.
"When will our Minister of Rites come back? He has worked really hard this time."
The left and right counselors and Zhang Shu may be away for ten days, half a month, or even several months. He is still in the southern part of Yizhou, but he will send someone to bring back a letter in a few days. Fortunately, the Tiannan Kingdom is very friendly to our messengers, and sometimes even helps escort them.
I examined my arm, signaled to the ministers, and praised Brother Meng as a man of integrity. I also told them that before attacking Dong, I would visit him again. The ministers all said it was a good idea.
I need to prepare some gifts. Besides Hepu pearls, are there any other specialties in Jiaozhou, mainly those not found in the mountains
Answer: beeswax, coral, and seashells.
I don't want to say that I'm an ignorant person. But I really don't know why seashells can be considered a specialty. I've heard of coral, but I don't know what it looks like. Logically, I should have seen it in the palace, but I don't know which one is which. I have no idea what beeswax is used for. I don't know if it's sweet and edible, and how it tastes. Let's make the decision first. I can ask Nalan to prepare to buy some of the best ones, but they must come from my private treasury, not the national treasury.
I just happened to have a windfall today, so I am very confident when I say this.
Suddenly, I saw sunlight shining into the hall from the front door. The north-south axis of Guangxin City is slightly biased to the west. Although I have been here for a short time, I am still sure of this.
"Oh, it has been so long. It's already past noon. Let's adjourn the court! I will go to the Secretariat at 3:30 pm to look at the past documents." He sent away the ministers in this way.
But some people stayed.
Some were left behind by me, some were left behind by themselves, some were left behind by others, and some were left behind after discussing with each other.
These people looked at each other, seemingly hesitating about who should speak first. Only Nan sat there very quietly, his eyes fixed on the bamboo joint in his hand, as if he had sensed that I wanted to see his tablet.
"Master Jia, please take a rest first. I will talk to you in detail soon." I said to the person closest to me, and then said to the back: "General Gong, what's the matter?"
"Uh, Lord Yuehou, um, my wife..." A man interrupted, and slapped himself on the lips: "Uh, General Gong wants to invite you to inspect the two new southern armies when you are free to boost morale. Originally, Brother Bo wanted to invite you, but my wife... No, no, General Gong has to invite her herself."
"Oh, OK, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, I'll go when I'm free." My heart suddenly started beating fast, mainly because the southern female soldiers wouldn't have any unsightly appearances, would they? The customs of the southerners are different from ours, and if we really see something we shouldn't see, it would be a hassle to figure out how to deal with it. Fortunately, I can ask my wife who knows everything later.
The two people behind watched the couple leave, and then sat up, rising and falling. They hurriedly asked to stand up, and Sister Zhu spoke first: "Lord Yuehou, I don't know the seriousness of the matter, I acted on my own, and lied outside, which may cause you trouble. I feel very guilty."
"Oh, it's all right. Lord Hua and I have talked about it, I think it should be fine. If there is any problem, I will be outside. You are not familiar with me, so I can't blame you. Besides, this mission has made the southerners in all directions put aside their grudges and sincerely submit to me, which is a great achievement. If the problem is not resolved, it should be fine."
In fact, I really want to know what she did in the first place, but I always feel that asking now will show that I still care a little. In order to reassure her, and since this mission obviously made a significant contribution, we should weigh the pros and cons and choose the more important one. Why bother to question a meritorious official
"Well, if you have time recently, come to my place and I will make it up for you. Your father is not here, and I, as the lord, must do this, otherwise I will be sorry to my benefactor. But it won't be too extravagant, please forgive me, sister Zhu."
The two of them blushed, thanked him and left.
Walking south, I had already vaguely felt that there was something on his tablet during the court meeting today.
Nan really started something with me, and I never expected that it was him who started it.
"I just heard that you are going to the south of Yizhou. Have you ever thought that if you are in Luoyang and Jiaozhou has problems, you will not be affected. But if you are in the south of Yizhou and Jiaozhou has problems, you will definitely be implicated."
"How did you come up with that?" I asked in surprise.
"The reason why I live in my cousin's house is because if a war breaks out among the Xiongnu tribes in the fiefdom granted by the gods, most Han officials will not want to intervene or dare to intervene, and the higher-ups will not pursue anything. If it is in Han territory, the various Xiongnu tribes will not dare to act rashly, because Han officials have to intervene even if they don't want to." In fact, the two things are different in nature, but the principles behind them are indeed the same.
I hummed several times: "You are right, I understand. Let me see your tablet."
Nan handed it to me as I said. The writing on it was crooked, as if someone had just learned to write, but what was written on it was not what I expected.
"The south of Yizhou is far away from the mountains, and the most worrying thing is that the government documents are not smooth. What do you think?"
“How do you think about this?”
"Yan Rou and I are good friends, so I will naturally consider this matter."
"You and Wenwen have finally made progress together." I was happy and suddenly felt that there was a choice for me.
I didn't expect him to clench his fists and press his legs hard, as if he was forcing himself to do something. But he just looked up at me and smiled calmly, "Wenwen is gone. She thinks I'm not ambitious."
I didn't know what to say. It was just that this face no longer looked like the innocent boy, and I felt heartbroken.
I quickly sat down in front of him and patted his shoulder, but he still didn't say anything. I patted him a few more times and asked him where he lived now.
I know he used to live with his brother-in-law, but I think he has to live on his own.
He. He is now living in the military camp. Please ask Gao Sheng to teach him how to read, and ask Da Sima to teach him how to march and fight.
I patted him a few more times, and changed my tone to that of an elder brother: "Good boy, you are a good man. I have something for you to do. Go down and rest first!"
Looking at his back, I was thinking about how the two sides could communicate. I was at a loss for a moment, so I put the matter aside.
After Nan left, I quickly approached and held Master Jia's hand: "Master, you privately used the salt and iron funds to help the people. Zhi is grateful and in tears. However, this matter involves serious matters. Aren't you afraid of being blamed by the higher-ups?"
"Cong did not do this on his own initiative. It was actually the order of Your Majesty. The salt and iron funds of Jiaozhou are still used by the court of Yue Hou, but it is clearly stated that they can only be used by Yue Hou. Although Yue Hou was not here in the past, this matter is urgent for Yue Hou to govern, so Cong dared to use it first. I hope you will forgive me." This person has a dignified appearance, a loud voice, and bright eyes. He seems to be an important figure and should be of great use, but it seems inconvenient for me to include him in the court of Yue.
"Your Majesty, if you have any other wishes, please let me know if it is not difficult to express. I will see if Zhi can help you in any way."
"Your Majesty also asked me to open a salt field in the South China Sea to boil salt for Jingzhou. I have already done this. There is nothing else to do." I was a little confused, but I just nodded: "Since it is your Majesty's order, you just do it. I will write a letter to Envoy Zhang and give you more convenience."
Lord Jia knelt down to thank him and then took his leave.
"I still have to thank Lord Jia. I will immediately write a letter with you to present to His Majesty to explain the matter of salt and iron tax collection." I did my best to send Lord Jia off. I finished a letter quickly and also recommended that he be promoted to the position of governor to show my loyalty to the Han Dynasty. I wondered if Zhang He would also need to write a letter, so I thought it would be better to go there in person.
When I finished writing and was checking it, I found that my wife had sat next to me. She was silent and I quickly handed it to her: "Madam, what do you think?"
"Pei is not very familiar with government affairs, but I have stayed behind the scenes today to listen to my husband's opinions and see his proposals. Is this the heart of a minister of the Han Dynasty?"
"The one who knows me best is my wife." I suddenly remembered our identities. I was afraid that she had many grudges against the higher-ups. I quickly sighed and leaned closer to hug my wife and continued, "My husband and I's father was originally trying to uphold justice in the world and support the government. Today, the world is in chaos, and the only thing the people can ask for is peace. Now, only by clarifying the right path and being the pillar of the country, eliminating violence and protecting the good, can we prevent the night from daring to act rashly and keep the people of the world safe."
Pei'er didn't say much, she just leaned on my arm and said emotionally: "My husband is still the same as before, just as my father said, he is a real hero."
I thought to myself: That’s because you didn’t see me and Yinling together.
"Oh, Madam, you have worked hard. Let's eat quickly. After dinner, Madam, take a rest. I will go to the Shangshutai to check the past documents."
That day, Uncle Zhang, Nalan, and Huolan accompanied us for dinner. I invited them specially, so I had to take them to see the treasures in the backyard. I didn't expect that there were boxes under the boxes, and there were many rare treasures in the boxes below, and it seemed that there was the so-called coral. It seemed that my mother-in-law and those southern girls did it together. Now they have all been put into the warehouse. A huge deep pit was left on the ground, and the soil beside it had collapsed a lot. It seemed that several bags of vegetable seedlings had collapsed. In addition, my mother-in-law was mumbling about how to fill the big pit, so she was in a bad mood and was worried.
Comparatively speaking, the guests were in a good mood and felt that it was much more convenient to spend money downstairs.
But I suddenly realized a problem. This pit seems to be watertight. This big pit has been left to dry until now, but no water has seeped into it. A few steps away is the pool. And I remember that the water level in Guangxin seemed to be very high. Since I moved in, the water level of this pool seems to have been the same, neither higher nor lower, as if there is an underground canal running through it.
I couldn’t figure it out at the moment and haven’t come out yet.
The overall atmosphere at the dinner table was still very lively. Only Huo Lan seemed to be uncomfortable with that matter. (The original story can be found in Chapter 185) After asking her to dress up as a woman again. The woman's personality naturally took over. After some consolation, I mentioned very unnaturally: "Sister Huo, you are not good anymore, so maybe you should consider finding a husband."
Huo Lan's eyes turned cold: "Yue Hou seems to be much better than Lan. Why is he pretending to be a big brother?"
It seems that most of the people who are familiar with me don't take my status seriously, only Pei'er is very respectful to me.
As expected, my wife quickly came to my rescue: "Zi Rui is just like that. He just called Sister Zhu his sister."
"Don't mind it, Sister Huo Lan. Brother Zirui is just like that. Maybe he took his past life into account. And Brother is just like that. He likes to be a matchmaker whenever he has nothing to do."
"But, Huo Lan! If you want me, and you like me, then come out. You know that person rarely speaks a word a day. In the court today, there was nothing but a reply to the question from Yue Hou."
I stood up suddenly. I must explain that I wrote down this sentence to mean that I stood up quickly, not suddenly. Look at Holland's previous bad name, which has affected my ability to briefly describe my actions.
"Our Da Sima?"
Everyone was looking at me, and their eyes that revealed evil tastes really disgusted me, and confirmed my judgment. Although there were many people in the court who didn't talk much, there was only one person in my court who said the first sentence.
I slowly sat back down.
"Uncle Zhang, please invite Da Sima to have dinner with us tomorrow." Although it would be a bit boring to have dinner with Da Sima, it was a good thing.
"It would be better if you go and ask for it."
"Then ask Holland to go and invite him."
"I'm not going." I hate this kind of coyness the most.
"You have disobeyed my lord. I will punish you by sending you to the Grand Marshal's Central Military Camp as a soldier." I tried hard not to laugh out loud.
The final result: After using both soft and hard tactics, Holland was forced to agree to go.
"A lot of good things happened this spring." I smiled and recounted the incident.
Before they finished their meal, someone suddenly reported that a group of southerners wanted to see them.
Holland suddenly frowned: "Not good!"
"Your enemy?"
Holland glanced at me with dissatisfaction: "It's probably your in-laws!"
"I have no children yet, and my adopted daughters are all young, so how can they be called my in-laws?" I said, feeling no pressure at all.
"It might be the first house Sister Zhu went to..." Holland said a little unnaturally: "She told me. It seems that someone in that house has been waiting for you. He lives nearby and came when he heard you were back."
"What is it?"
"Sister Zhu was in a good mood and helped you find a husband..." This sentence was simple, but she spoke it in a discontinuous and up-and-down manner, which took me a while to recover.
"What kiss?" But I still felt something was wrong.
"At that time, Sister Zhu didn't know what you meant. She thought that you had two wives, and that the daughter of the village chief seemed to have a crush on you." She used the word "you" to describe me, and I was a little uncomfortable with it, but I still insisted on listening.
"Then Sister Zhu seemed to have drunk too much, and on a whim, she said, "Now my master already has Madam Pingguo and Madam Anguo. My master's name is Marquis Ping'an Fengyun, so it should be Madam Fengguo. The position of Madam Yunguo is still vacant..."
"She's just helping me get married?" I stood up suddenly, not even thinking about cursing someone's name again.
Someone's head.
"Is there a side door here? I remember there were two on both sides."
"Lord, what do you want to do?" This person actually called me Lord in private, which made me feel uncomfortable.
"Can the one on the east side lead to the Shangshufang?" I decided to get straight to the point and took a look at my palm.
"Yes." Nalan was more familiar with it: "In the past, firewood, oil, salt, vegetables and fruits were all brought in through the west side door. Although the east side door is not used, I have seen it outside. It can lead directly to the Shangshufang."
"Okay, let's do this." I have to admire myself. My quick intelligence allowed me to figure out the whole problem in an instant when it mattered, and even make up a perfect lie immediately, while taking into account Sister Zhu's nonsense: "I will go to the Shangshufang. Nalan and Holan will help the lady meet that family first. If she can put her mind at ease after seeing Pei'er's big belly, it will be a good thing. Then, if her family insists on seeing me, I will lead her to the Shangshufang."
Then I whispered a few words to Pei'er. Then I turned around and said to Nalan Huolan: Just pretend you know nothing.
The two were very clever: "We really don't know anything?"
I really think: Acting cute is shameful.
After saying that, I quickly found the side door and went out. Actually, when I was looking for the side door, I should have thought that I should ask Nalan where the side door was and the specific location of the Shangshu Terrace, but I couldn't bring myself to go back. I looked around and saw that there was no one on the corridor outside the wall. I saw that there was a door open in front of me. I slipped in and saw that it was the Shangshu Terrace. God helped me.
It was noon that day and no one was on duty. The doors were all closed. Only two young guards were resting in the shade under the hallway. When they saw me coming, they stood up. I quickly gave them instructions. Madam came and let her in.
The two kids were very honest. They stopped me and asked me who I was.
I suddenly found myself crouching like a thief.
I quickly stood up straight and put on a dignified and righteous look. The two kids looked at me and didn't dare to say anything. I went in directly without saying anything.
Several simple tables were placed at intervals. There were a large number of bamboo slips and wooden tablets on the neatly arranged wooden shelves next to them. As expected, just like Luoyang, there were also different departments, but our court put them all together. I hurriedly searched for what I needed until I saw the pattern I wanted on the wooden shelf with the sign of Ke Cao; there were fewer bamboo slips on it, so I took a few scrolls and found a table facing the door to pretend to look at them.
I had only read a few dozen words, all of which were about unknown places and people, when some noises came from outside. In fact, I couldn't read any more, and I was replaying all the details I had in mind over and over again.
Fortunately, the lady seemed to be very popular. She was not like someone who was ignored as a lord. After some concessions, she pushed the door open and came in.
Shamelessly I continued pretending to read seriously.
Madam called me gently. I looked up as if I didn't know what was going on. Pei'er was being supported by two other "uninformed" ladies-Nalan and Huolan, and beside them were several southerners who were wearing southern headdresses but were wearing my Hanfu. In the middle was a southern noble who was about 13 or 14 years old.
"Why is this?" I was silent for a moment, trying to pretend to know everything, and asked politely. I thought this would make me seem unfathomable.
"This is Huo Ran Linruo, the daughter of the leader of Yulin Dragon and Snake Village." Although Pei'er's voice was so gentle, what I thought of was that it turned out that this unfortunate name was not exclusive to one person.
But when I looked closely, I felt that this Huo Ran was somewhat familiar. Thinking of what Hua Rong had said to me, I suddenly understood who this girl was.
I stood up, put down the bamboo slips, and paid my respects with the courtesy of the Han people.
"Then what is the purpose of the young leader's visit?"
"I want whatever I like, and I admire heroes the most." The girl spoke very straightforwardly, with the implication of a bad boy, but her Chinese was fluent, unlike the last time when she only spoke a few words, as if she had practiced with Han people specifically: "Last year, my father wanted me to marry a son-in-law, and the young leaders of the nearby mountain strongholds all came, but they were all cowards, and none of them could defeat my pair of double swords. My second father, perhaps only a Han man in the north can defeat me, and that man is called Ping An Fengyun Hou."
I don’t know who her second father is, and I don’t know what’s going on, so I just let her finish.
"My second father is the owner of Panlong Cave."
It suddenly dawned on me, and I guessed that what my second father meant was probably my second uncle.
"I admire my second dad the most. He is invincible among the mountain strongholds and cave dwellings, and is known as the number one hero in southern Tian. I learned the sword skills from him, but I didn't expect that he admired the man named Xie Zhi, the Marquis of Ping'an Fengyun, so much. He always said that Xie Zhi, the Marquis of Ping'an Fengyun, was so elegant, so brave, so kind, and so righteous, like a god." I really want to say that you are not very polite.
"Is your second father's hand okay?" I interrupted and told her to stop saying my name.
"Well, it's okay." She seemed very happy: "I wanted to see you, and then I heard you were here."
I wondered if these southerners were a little more informed. Maybe they had spies among us.
"It actually snowed last year. It was the first time I saw snow since I was a child. So I ran out to play, and thought I would come here to see you. I didn't expect to hear that you had just been there in Lipu, so I chased after you." There is a problem with the confidentiality work of our Yue country.
"After the fight, I realized that what Second Dad said was true. You didn't seem to use any strength at all, so I lost. From then on, you are all in my heart. I think about you day and night. I want you." Although the girl looked innocent and pretty, she was still quite likable. But the word "want" was still hard to accept.
"I've asked your envoy... Although I'm unhappy that you already have a wife, since I like you, I still want you. I've thought about it. I want to be your Lady of Feng State, and since I can't beat you, I will enter your house." This girl's directness really made people feel uneasy.
"Haha, love between a man and a woman is all about mutual affection. There's no such thing as marrying whenever you want, marrying whenever you want, or just getting married whenever you want."
"So what do you want from me?"
"Actually, the problem is not here." I decided to start. I looked around helplessly and "suddenly found" the pattern on the wooden partition behind me: "Sister Huo Ranlin. You don't know, you should have asked about my past and future lives, right?"
People in the south believe in ghosts and witches, and ethics, morals, and social norms are like floating clouds to them. I just cater to their preferences.
"Well, the two brothers outside come in. It's you." I called in the two new guards who didn't know me yet.
"Do you know anything about me?" I think the rumors on the streets should still be very contagious.
The two children were really confused.
"Well, the young leader's sister can send someone out to ask, and you should be able to get the same result." I began to become confident.
"What's the matter?" The girl seemed very interested, but also seemed to be starting to feel a little uneasy.
"I think he has four wives." I decided to help Zhu Lanmei clean the floor first. "But not in this life."
The southern girl said she couldn't understand.
"Come and look at this." I pointed to a pattern.
"What is this?" The girl really didn't know.
I pointed at a guard boy and said, "Come here."
"Tell her what this pattern is."
"No one dares to call the lord's name without permission." This guy seemed to be an educated kid, his tone and words were elegant.
"But it doesn't matter."
"… Xiezhi…"
She was suddenly surprised, and then looked hard, and then looked at me.
Looking at her doubtful look, I felt that it seemed to have worked.
"I am its reincarnation. I returned to the human world because of the chaos in the world. Once, an immortal pointed to me when I was still ignorant and said that my four limbs supporting the ground in my previous life would be my four wives in the next life, called the Four Ladies of Ping An, Feng Yun, but because I am a human in this life, I only have two legs, so I can only have two wives. I still have one more life in the human world, and then my Lady of Feng and Lady of Yun will come to find me."
"It's impossible for me to get married again in this life." I lied calmly.
The girl seemed to be frightened by me. She looked at me with her big eyes, and there seemed to be tears welling up in them.
I decided to continue to be sentimental and spread out my left hand to her. There was a very clear fracture on it. I still remembered what Mr. Guan pointed at when he read my palm, so I pointed at it and said, "Look, this is my present life, and the next is my future life. Heaven has already determined it for me."
She bit her lips until they bled, and tears flowed from her eyes, but she didn't say a word.
"If you and I are destined to be together, let's wait until the next life."
"When is the next life?" The voice was trembling.
"If I die today and am reborn tomorrow, it may be more than ten years before I see you again. If it is destined, you will come to see me off when I die, and we will meet in the next life. But at this moment, Xie Zhi cannot die. The world is still in chaos, and my mission is not yet completed."
She was actually persuaded to leave, but she stubbornly left a sentence: "Even in the next life, I will definitely enter your house."
She said goodbye to me with a very strange etiquette, and I responded with Chinese etiquette.
She seemed to have no hostility towards Pei'er, and she held her hands with both hands and kissed them with her mouth, but she didn't know the etiquette. She seemed to say something to Pei'er's belly in the southern language, put her hand to her mouth, then touched Pei'er's belly, and finally bowed to Pei'er, and ordered her men to leave in the southern language, and never looked back.
I felt relieved.
Pearl was a little stunned.
"These words? Who taught you?" Even as the man walked away, she still seemed a little unbelievable.
"Gao Yaogong!" I pointed to the sky with a bamboo slip.
Then he walked over with a smile and hugged my wife, while ordering everyone else to turn around.
"I often hear Yinling praise your quick wit. Now my wife finally gets to see it." Pei'er seemed to have not recovered yet.
I leaned over and spoke to Pei'er's belly: "Guang'er, don't mess with this kind of sister in the future; Xin'er, don't learn to be like this when you grow up."
But there was a vague sense of uneasiness in my heart, just because of her resolute words: "I will definitely enter your house."
Then he made up his mind: "I will never give you a chance to take advantage of me." (To be continued.)