In the carriage, Lei Jiu knelt on one knee in front of Zhou Chen.
"Owner."
"Get up and sit down."
Zhou Chen asked Lei Jiu to get up and sit down next to him. Lei Jiu sat half-assed with an expressionless expression, and then started to report.
"Master, according to your instructions, we have arranged for twenty-six people to go to the north to join the army. They are all carefully selected and can be trusted."
Zhou Chen nodded. For the side mission of the Sixteenth State of Yanyun, he had already begun to arrange his personnel to go to the northern border. As long as his people could infiltrate it, even if they ended up just being middle- and low-level officers, they might be able to serve in the future.
to effect.
He not only asked Lei Jiu to arrange people, he also arranged some people privately. Although the number was not large, they were all loyal arrangements.
"Very well done. Next, please notify me and make everyone hibernate in silence. Unless it is my order, they will live in peace and stability."
He has arranged certain positions for his men in various places. There is absolutely no problem in normal life. He doesn't know how long it will take for them to go to the battlefield again, but there is a high probability that these people will not have the chance to go to the battlefield again, so they are allowed to live a normal life.
Life can be considered worthy of their loyalty.
"Yes, Master."
Lei Jiu didn't ask anything and just agreed. Then Zhou Chen waved his hand and he quickly disappeared from the carriage.
Rubbing his head, Zhou Chen remembered that during the reign of Song Renzong, there seemed to be no large-scale war between Song and Liao. Renzong Zhao Zhen was also a soft-hearted emperor who was bullied and targeted by Manchu officials all the year round. In the end, he
Named 'Benevolence'.
Renzong sounds good, but in Zhou Chen's opinion, it is not a good posthumous title for the emperor. The emperor's benevolence means that his ministers are strong. Can this be a good thing?
Not only Renzong Zhao Zhen, but also Empress Dowager Liu, who had been in charge of politics for the past ten years or so, also wanted stability. To be honest, it was not easy to expect the Song-Liao War to start during their reign.
That's why Zhou Chen felt a headache. He didn't know how long it would take for him to start a war. He couldn't really wait for a few more decades, right?
The New Year is approaching, and the city of Tokyo is obviously much more lively and festive than usual. The streets are full of colors, and there is an endless stream of pedestrians. Young ladies and young ladies who are rarely seen in normal times have also walked out of their homes and played around happily.
The day passed quickly. When duty was over in the evening, a group of people from the Dianqian Division went to the Jiaofang Division with great fanfare.
Today, a new squad commander took office and invited everyone from the Dianqian Division. However, it was obvious that he was from Zhou Chen's side, so the Commander Guo Fen, who was the highest officer of the Dianqian Division, did not attend.
A group of people also didn't come.
A dozen people go to Jiaofangsi, and the consumption is actually relatively high. Usually, people rarely come to such high-standard Jiaofangsi, but when there is an important event, they will still choose this place. After all, the people here are all official prostitutes, and their standards are high.
Definitely much higher than the ordinary hook bar.
Zhou Chen drank and talked with his men, and he didn't leave until everyone else dispersed.
In fact, when the Palace Department sent someone to the Jiaofang Department to reserve a seat, Zhang Haohao already knew that Zhou Chen would come, so she was already prepared and waited for Zhou Chen to find her.
Under the leadership of the maid, Zhou Chen came to a small courtyard of Jiaofangsi. Zhang Haohao, as an oiran, had been greeted by Zhou Chen, so she was now treated very well in Jiaofangsi and had her own independent courtyard.
After the maid brought him, she left. Zhou Chen walked straight into the courtyard, and then saw a woman wearing pink palace clothes and beautiful makeup walking towards him.
"I have met the Marquis."
Different from the heavy makeup she wore during previous performances, Zhang Haohao only wore light makeup at this time because she felt Zhou Chen liked Zhao Pan'er very much, and Zhao Pan'er always wore light makeup, so he thought Zhou Chen preferred light makeup.
"No need to be polite."
"Master Hou, please come inside."
Zhang Haohao led Zhou Chen into the house. In fact, she was somewhat uneasy. Since she confessed her feelings to Zhou Chen last time, Zhou Chen has not come to see her since.
Seeing that the New Year was approaching, Zhou Chen suddenly came, and she was really nervous and excited.
After Zhou Chen sat down, Zhang Haohao poured tea for Zhou Chen in a familiar manner.
"Master Hou, I don't know much about tea as Mrs. Zhao, so I can only use these to pour tea for you. Please don't be surprised, Master Hou."
"It's okay."
Zhou Chen picked up the tea and took a sip. It tasted good. He often drank tea brewed by Zhao Pan'er, and his taste had already improved. Zhang Haohao's tea was considered good.
"No one is giving you any trouble during this time, right?"
Zhang Haohao replied gratefully: "Since Lord Marquis has said hello to me, no one here dares to embarrass me. I thanked Lord Marquis."
Zhou Chen said matter-of-factly: "Since you have decided to follow me, I will naturally not let you be wronged. Come here."
Zhang Haohao felt nervous, but he still walked over obediently, with a smile as bright as a flower.
Zhou Chen suddenly stretched out his hand, grabbed Zhang Haohao's arm, and then pulled him hard towards him.
Zhang Haohao's body turned lightly, his clothes were flying, he exclaimed, and fell into Zhou Chen's arms.
Leaning on Zhou Chen's chest, Zhang Haohao looked blushing and did not dare to look at Zhou Chen.
But Zhou Chen gently held her chin, turned her head around, looked at him, and watched as her cheeks and ears turned red.
Smiling softly, Zhou Chen gently rubbed his smooth face with his fingertips, from the tip of his eyebrows to his cheeks...
Zhang Haohao's face became rosier and her body trembled slightly, but she still looked at Zhou Chen and did not avoid Zhou Chen's eyes.
The touch felt good. Zhou Chen kept moving his hands and said, "Ms. Zhang, you still have time to regret now. After today, you will never have a chance to regret again."
Although Zhang Haohao's face was red and his expression was shy, he still spoke firmly and answered decisively.
"I have no regrets. Being able to serve the Marquis is the greatest blessing in my life."
Zhou Chen smiled, and then told her with practical actions. Amidst Zhang Haohao's exclamations, he picked her up.
Zhang Haohao's voice is really nice, and Zhou Chen likes this unique feeling.
An hour passed quickly. At this time, Zhou Chen was really refreshed, but Zhang Hao was leaning against Zhou Chen tiredly, unable to raise any strength in his body. She still hasn't recovered yet.
Zhou Chen picked up Zhang Hao and placed her in front of him, caressing her hair and comforting her in a low voice.
"In a few days, I will ask someone to redeem you and evacuate your country, but it will not be in my name, and I will not be able to include you in the marquis' mansion."
Zhang Haohao's eyes dimmed. Although she had already guessed that this was a possibility, she still had hope in her heart.
But her mentality has been adjusted very well. She cannot enter the Hou Mansion as a concubine, but she can leave her citizenship and have Zhou Chen as her backer, which is enough.
And thinking about it conversely, if she enters the Hou Mansion, she will be a concubine, and with her experience, she will probably be looked down upon as a concubine in the Hou Mansion. It is better to stay outside and be free.
But in this way, her relationship with Zhou Chen would be shady and unprotected.
"I am now one of the Marquis's, and I will listen to him."
Zhou Chen couldn't hear the hint of resentment in Zhang Haohao's tone. Although he didn't come to the Jiaofang Division some time ago, and he didn't see Zhang Haohao, he still arranged for someone to investigate.
Zhang Haohao did not lie to him. Since that conversation, she has indeed not seen Chi Pan again. She is very content and has no other thoughts. She has been staying in Jiaofang Division.
For Zhang Haohao, Zhou Chen is naturally far from being comparable to Zhao Paner, so his standards for her are naturally different.
He likes Zhang Haohao's knowledge and wisdom. Maybe Zhang Haohao has her own little thoughts, but he can also see that she is still very calm when facing him, and this is enough.
There was no relationship between him and Zhang Haohao. They were willing to give in. With her, he could have a different experience and be more unrestrained.
Isn't a man's happiness just that simple?
"You don't have to worry about the future. I have arranged a house for you. You will live there. I will not force you to do anything, let alone stay at home. If you want to go out for a walk,
, you can go out at any time, even if you want to continue singing, you can also come to Jiaofangsi to be a teacher, or if you want to do other things, as long as it is not difficult, I will try my best to satisfy you and help you."
Zhang Haohao had been listening carefully to Zhou Chen's words. She originally thought that Zhou Chen did not connect her to the Hou Mansion because he was preparing to hide his beauty in the golden house and let her be a canary in a cage.
However, her heart suddenly trembled when she heard Zhou Chen say that at the end, he did not restrict her freedom and allowed her to go out at any time. Moreover, she could continue to sing, even work as a teacher in the Jiaofang Division, or do other things.
Having been in Jiaofangsi for a long time, she knew very well what others thought of women from Jiaofangsi, especially those high-ranking officials. Even if they were redeemed, they would only be concubines with no freedom. What's more, they would not be free.
They may be treated as goods and given away to others at will.
So if Zhou Chen can really keep his promise, even if she is not given the status of a concubine, she still feels that such a life is far better, more free and relaxed than being a concubine in the Hou Mansion.
Isn’t it better to just look at Zhou Chen’s face than to look at the faces of many people?
Zhou Chen continued: "As for the future, you don't have to worry. As long as I am still here, no one can bully you; if we have children in the future, I will not treat our children badly, let alone let others bully them.
If it is a son, I will arrange a bright future for him; if it is a daughter, I will also arrange a good marriage for her."
Zhang Haohao's body trembled, with a look of disbelief on his face: "Master Hou, are you, what you said is true?"
Zhou Chen gently stroked her cheek and replied kindly: "Of course."
Zhang Haohao hugged Zhou Chen hard and said excitedly: "Master Hou, thank you, um..."
…………
After a long time, Zhou Chen and Zhang Haohao had already stood up. Zhang Haohao put on Zhou Chen's clothes gently. What was different from before was that when she looked at Zhou Chen again, her eyes were as tender as water, her eyebrows were open, and she was full of energy.
Very exciting.
If Zhou Chen could help her deregister, she was grateful and willing to follow Zhou Chen, then the future that Zhou Chen just told her had completely conquered her heart.
For these women, who were born in Jiaofangsi, most of them are confused about the future, and few of them have plans.
Even if she is redeemed by someone and taken back to be a concubine, she is still under someone else's fence and cannot be free.
Even if you redeem yourself after reaching age, the future will be very difficult.
As for heirs, it is unimaginable for them. Who would think highly of the descendants of official prostitutes?
But Zhou Chen gave Zhang a good guarantee, not only expressing his willingness to have children with her, but also promising to give her children a bright future. This was even happier for her than Zhou Chen helping her deregister.
What woman doesn’t want to have children of her own? What woman doesn’t want her children to have a future?
Although these are still very far away for Zhang Haohao, it does not prevent her from imagining a bright future.
"I will arrange for someone to help you with your derogation. It will be done before the year. Then you can go back to the yard I arranged to celebrate the New Year."
"I have already arranged the house for you, but as for the servants, I have only arranged a few maids to clean the house and guards the house. You can find the maids and stewards yourself, and I will have someone bring you the banknotes.
"
Zhou Chen told Zhang Haohao all his arrangements.
Zhang Haohao said hurriedly: "Master Hou, there is no need to give me any money. I have saved some money over the years, which is enough."
Zhou Chen smiled and touched her cheek: "Your money is your money. Now that you are with me, it is only natural that I spend money for you. You don't have to refuse."
After Zhang Haohao listened, he stopped insisting and smiled sweetly at Zhou Chen: "Okay, I will do whatever you want me to do."
Zhou Chen acted very quickly. The next day, someone came to help Zhang Haohao redeem his life and renounce his citizenship. The person who came to do this was an official from the Ministry of Rites. Of course, the Department of Jiaofang did not dare to let him go, so everything went smoothly.
It's done.
Once she was freed from her citizenship, Zhang Haohao was extremely excited. She left Jiaofangsi that day, and without taking anything with her, she went directly to the house arranged for her by Zhou Chen.
The Spring Festival is coming in two days, and Zhou Chen also has a rare holiday. Song Dynasty officials still have a lot of holidays. During the festival, as long as nothing major happens, he, the deputy commander of the front department, can also rest at home.
Under the command of Zhao Pan'er, the entire Hou Mansion was decorated with red lanterns and hangings, making it very festive.
"Master Marquis, there is something I want to discuss with you. During the Spring Festival, I want to call Yinzhang and Sanniang. They have no other relatives in Tokyo except me."
"Of course it's no problem. You can make up your mind on this matter. It will be more lively if there are more people during the New Year."
Zhao Pan'er's face was filled with a smile, and Zhou Chen went along with many things for her, which made her very satisfied.
"After the New Year, the Queen will hold a banquet in the palace, and she will invite ladies from all over the country to the banquet, and she will also invite me."
"Go if I invite you. If there is someone at the banquet who doesn't have a good eye, don't be polite. You are my wife, Zhou Chen, and no one can bully you."
"I understand, my officer is the most capable and caring officer in the world."
Zhao Pan'er leaned happily on Zhou Chen's body.
Fushanfang!
It has been a few days since Zhang Haohao moved to Fushanfang. The environment here is beautiful and secluded, and the house is large. It is better than she thought, and the place is very comfortable.
Zhou Chen made good arrangements. There were several nuns in the courtyard, who were there to help with cooking, cleaning, etc. He also arranged for six nursing homes.
However, Zhang Haohao still felt that there was something wrong with it, so she went out with two nurses and a nun.
Having lived in Tokyo for many years, Zhang Haohao was very familiar with Tokyo. She wanted to buy some maids, so she went directly to the dental shop.
In ancient times, this kind of tooth shop was quite common, because many people who could not survive would sign contracts to sell themselves, and many people who were trafficked would also be caught in the tooth shop, like many people's maids and servants.
Wait, we will all buy and sell from the tooth shop.
With the contract of sale, those servants who were bought and sold had nowhere to go, because they were not qualified to move around because they were lowly, and it was normal for them to be executed if they were caught.
Zhang Haohao's mobility was still good, and he quickly took away four maids from Yahang. The eldest was nineteen years old and the youngest was only fourteen.
Without exception, they are all types with outstanding appearance, and the price is naturally a little expensive.
However, Zhang Haohao is not reluctant at all. The person he wants to use must of course look pleasing to the eye.
As for the housekeeper, she didn't see a suitable candidate.
The Spring Festival is coming soon, and she wants to decorate the yard to be more festive. Although she doesn't know if Zhou Chen will have time to go to her place during the New Year, she still wants to decorate it well.
This Spring Festival is the first Spring Festival she has celebrated since she deregistered her citizenship. Celebrating the festival in her own home has extraordinary meaning to her.
As Chi Pan, the head of the Twelve Banks in Bianjing City, he is busy at the end of every year because he has to collect debts.
Since ancient times, it seems to have become a habit to collect debt before the end of the year. Everyone likes to postpone debt until the end, and this period is no exception.
Chi Pan has been asking for debts with his men for several days. He has threatened and quarreled and asked for a lot of debts, but there are still many old debts that are difficult to collect.
Ever since Yong'an Tower became popular, his reputation in Chiyamen has become even more famous, so during this period he was very proud of himself, and even more arrogant when it came to collecting debts.
Chi Pan took the step of not recognizing his relatives, and led He Si and others under him, swaggering through the market, very arrogant.
Perhaps because he got close to the giant Buddha Zhao Pan'er, he is now even more proud and arrogant than before.
"Yameni, yameni, look quickly, look quickly."
He Si, who was nibbling snacks, suddenly stared and looked ahead, then pulled Chi Pan and shouted eagerly.
Chi Pan picked up the folding fan and pointed it at He Si's head: "Look, look, look, what the hell are you talking about? I was shocked."
He Si's fat face was full of grievance: "Yanei, it's Sister Haohao. I saw Sister Haohao."
"Is Zhang Haohao?"
Chi Pan's expression changed. He and Zhang Haohao had not seen or contacted each other for a long time since they broke up that day.
It would have been better not to mention it, but when he mentioned it, he suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
"where?"
Chi Pan shook his head and looked around, and He Si quickly pointed ahead.
"Over there, inside the yamen, the good sister is right there."