In Kusi Square in the south of Nanjing, the streets and alleys are busy with people coming and going, but the west side of the square is very peaceful. There is a rich area here with more than ten large houses. The garden is full of winding paths, corridors, rockery and fish ponds.
, which is completely different from the hustle and bustle outside.
In the study room of one of the houses, Ruan Dacheng, who was stroking his beautiful beard, was speaking sincerely. Opposite him was a visitor wearing a Taoist robe.
"Master Wu, this matter is not easy to handle. The Lujiang River is in ruins, and tens of thousands of people have been killed.
When the imperial court is investigating, it is indeed difficult to tell the difference. I dare not agree rashly, but Mr. Wu should please come back."
Mr. Wu was middle-aged. Although he was respected as Mr. Wu, he sat at the bottom. He was so respectful that he didn't dare to sit full or lean on the back of the chair.
After listening to Ruan Dacheng's words, his expression became more respectful, "It is precisely because it is not easy to handle that I asked Mr. Ruan to serve. The court is investigating, but the first ones to be investigated are Yang Yipeng and Wu Zhenying. County magistrates like Xiaguan should be at the two levels of care and supervision.
After verification, I know that Mr. Ruan will be resurrected soon, and he always means what he says in court."
"Although the resurgence is expected, Mr. Wu shouldn't mention it all the time."
Ruan Dacheng waved his hand, "The reason for this theory of resurgence is that I stepped forward when the bandits invaded Tong and led the people of Tongcheng to defend Yingcheng. Not only did Tongcheng be completely captured, but I also attacked the bandits of King Sweeper at night and beheaded them.
There are thousands of them.”
After hearing this, Mr. Wu quickly complimented him and said, "Mr. Ruan is very powerful. I have often heard people say that Mr. Ruan gathers to talk about war and swordsmanship. It turns out that what he said is true.
The world is in turmoil, and if you don't help me, what will happen to the people?"
Ruan Dacheng was a little excited after hearing this. He stood up and waved, "I have devoted myself to military studies for many years and have achieved what I have achieved today. It is a matter of course.
But Zhibing does not like to fight and kill. I pray for my emperor. As long as the world is peaceful, it is my wish to have nowhere to apply the strategies I have learned.
However, when rogue bandits came to the city, I felt sorry for the hardships faced by the people and could not bear the disaster of killing them, so I had no choice but to go into battle and spend all my wealth to recruit more than a hundred dead soldiers.
He also planned strategies for Tongcheng. He should know that the defense of the city cannot be defended to the death, and the best strategy must be to attack instead of defend.
That night, I decisively ordered the government soldiers and dead soldiers to attack the enemy camp at night. Only then did I defeat the enemy in one battle. I killed thousands of enemies in one night, frightening the group of young men, including the eight thieves, the sweeper king, the leather eyes and dozens of others.
The giant bandit immediately fled far away overnight and did not dare to return to Tongcheng."
Ruan Dacheng's halberd spread out in excitement, and he used his two fingers as a sword to thrust forward hard in the air, as if he had stabbed the eight thieves off their horses from the air.
"It's a pleasure. Sir, killing thieves for the country is very satisfying. In terms of the art of war, sir, he is second to none in this world."
Mr. Wu echoed excitedly, "I am here to help you, the people of Lujiang who were martyred. I would like to thank Mr. Ruan for avenging them. I also wish Mr. Ruan a smooth comeback and save the people of the world from danger."
After hearing this, Ruan Dacheng retracted his sword finger and couldn't help but take two steps in the hall. When he stopped, he said to Mr. Wu, "I can't be the first to be the best, at most I am one of the few."
I am indifferent to the idea of fame and fortune. I kill thieves for my country without seeking fame or fortune. Even the Yamen wanted to write me into the title book to report my merits, but I declined politely.
However, there are always some upright people who are bent on seeking talents for the emperor and go around Nanjing to publicize my military exploits. For a while, they could not be dissuaded, so they were left alone.
I dare not live up to what Mr. Wu said about saving the common people in the world, but my loyalty to relieve my emperor’s worries can be seen from the sun and the moon! If the emperor wants me to come back to life, I will do my duty!”
"Xiaguan really admires Mr.'s broadmindedness and has always hoped to be like him. Unfortunately, this time, when the bandits suddenly attacked the city, Xiaguan's talents were lacking. Although he tried hard to resist, he still fell short.
I really feel guilty thinking about those martyred people, but I really tried my best."
Ruan Dacheng nodded and said, "I was in Tongcheng that day, right next to the Lujiang River. What I defeated was the group of bandits who attacked the Lujiang River. Naturally, I have seen the ferocity of the giant bandits. Even though I won, it was still extremely dangerous. A little negligence can lead to disaster.
A big disaster.
Master Wu was able to hold on for two days, I believe he did his best."
Mr. Wu lowered his head and sighed, "Xiaguan is not as proficient in the art of war as Mr. Ruan. When Mr. Ruan was guarding the city that day, I was only a hundred miles away from you.
The rogue bandits first arrived at Lujiang, and Xiaguan led the officials and people to hold on to the city wall. They attacked for two days but were defeated by Xiaguan in a bloody battle. Unexpectedly, heavy fog fell from the sky and the strong people could not see anything, so the rogue bandits took advantage of the opportunity. There were rumors among the people that the city was destroyed.
At that time, Xianguan was drinking in the gentry's house, which is really a trap! This heavy fog is obviously a natural disaster, and it is not because Xianguan failed to defend the war. I hope Mr. Ruan can speak up and let Zhu Dutang know the truth."
After saying this and returning to the topic, Ruan Dacheng regained his composure and sat back on the Grand Master's chair again, looking thoughtful and looking at Master Wu from time to time.
This Lord Wu is the magistrate of Lujiang County, Wu Guanglong, Zhang Xianzhong, Ge Liyan and others. Before arriving at Tongcheng, Lujiang was the first to attack. Lujiang had defended the city in the past two days, and the rogue bandits were already packing up and preparing to leave. The people in the city had relaxed their vigilance.
On the third day, heavy fog suddenly appeared, and the bandits took the opportunity to board the city.
According to rumors, Wu Guanglong was drinking in a rich man's house at the time. After the city was broken, he escaped in a hurry. However, most of the people in the city were killed and seven out of ten houses were destroyed. The situation was only slightly better than that of Su Song.
Because Zhongdu was burned and the imperial mausoleum was destroyed, the emperor was extremely angry and immediately arrested Fengyang Governor Yang Yipeng and Inspector Wu Zhenying for questioning.
However, there were many prefectures and counties that were invaded this time, and each had different circumstances, so they could not all be tried and beheaded.
The emperor quickly appointed a new governor, instructing the new Fengyang Governor to strengthen war preparations while verifying his culpability. This new governor was Zhu Dadian who was transferred from Shandong.
Under the guidance of other brokers, Wu Guanglong sought help from Ruan Dacheng.
Ruan Dacheng pondered for a while and then said, "It is a serious crime for Mr. Wu to fall into the feudal territory. I am a white man who has become an official. Although I know that Mr. Wu has tried his best, there is really nothing I can do to help him."
"I know that only your husband can accomplish this, and I hope that he will make it happen.
Mr. Ruan is a man of character, and Zhu Dutang is clean and self-possessed, but there are always joints in the yamen at all levels, and they have to travel back and forth, which costs a lot of money on the road.
I’m not asking for help, I’m just expressing my thoughts here. I can’t let Mr. Ruan have to pay for his own expenses in addition to his hard work.”
Wu Guanglong knelt on the ground and held the two banknotes in the palm of his hand. Ruan Dacheng glanced casually and saw two thousand taels written on the face. The two bills should be the same, which was four thousand taels.
Ruan Dacheng glanced away slightly and looked away. There was no emotion on his face at all. He shook his head and said, "Although Mr. Wu has no intention of asking for help, this conviction is the result of the imperial court. I was involved in it in vain, and I am involved in it again."
It might not be appropriate to start at such a critical moment.
I am really powerless and there is nothing I can do.”
Wu Guanglong quickly took out several more votes and unfolded them in his hand. He still knelt on the ground and choked with sobs, "Sir Gao Yi, please remember that my wife, children, and children are miserable and helpless in Xiaguan's house. You have great compassion for heaven and earth, but how can you bear it?"
Ruan Dacheng took another look and saw that there were five or six thousand taels in total.
The two of them were talking about business without any embarrassment. Normally, the request at this time would be to write a gift note to the butler, and would not directly conduct a monetary transaction with the host to avoid embarrassment.
But Wu Guanglong's matter was a bit difficult to handle. When he came, he didn't know whether Ruan Dacheng would accept it, let alone the price. He couldn't rush to send a huge sum of several thousand taels of silver. He had to communicate with Ruan Dacheng in person and set a price before the transaction could be completed.
OK.
Fortunately, Ruan Dacheng had rich experience as a broker and had encountered similar situations many times. Wu Guanglong came up with an excuse for travel expenses, and the two of them were able to smoothly advance the negotiation process.
"I do have compassion."
Ruan Dacheng sighed and said, "You might as well tell Mr. Wu the truth. I and Zhu Dutang are of the same age, and we have a deep friendship with each other.
But Mr. Wu should know that Caodu Yamen is not another place. It is hundreds of miles from Nanjing to Huai'an and the travel fee is not much. But inside Caodu Yamen, it is only a hundred steps from the gate to the study room of Zhudu Hall. The travel fee is not much.
But it is the most expensive.
If someone else had gone there, I might not even be able to get through the door with this little money."
At this time, Wu Guanglong understood what Ruan Dacheng was implying. The hundred steps inside the Kadu Yamen were only useful if he walked there. Others could not do it. So he was willing to accept the order, but he thought the price was not enough.
He couldn't help gritting his teeth, and took out two thousand taels of tickets from his sleeves, "I have given you everything I have, sir, please have mercy on me. If you don't help me, I will be desperate."
As long as your husband saves Xiaguan, Xiaguan will regard you as his father for the rest of his life."
Ruan Dacheng did not look at Wu Guanglong this time. He placed his left hand on the armrest and tapped his fingers lightly. The cold texture of the pear wood made him feel very comfortable, while his eyes kept looking at the stone slab in front of him.
There was silence in the hall. Wu Guanglong looked at Ruan Dacheng nervously, not daring to disturb him.
Ruan Dacheng finally moved and reached out to pick up the tea cup, "I thought you were too weak to fight, so I reluctantly made a trip to Huai'an. I can't say whether it will be successful or not."
"Thank you sir."
Wu Guanglong was relieved. Ruan Dacheng still had some credibility in the brokerage world. He felt more at ease. He kowtowed again quickly, carefully placed the banknote on the coffee table beside him, bowed and bowed, and then slowly backed away.
(Note 1) Ruan Dacheng did not return the favor. Wu Guanglong was not a Jinshi. Even if he escaped punishment this time, he would not have a bright future in the officialdom. Ruan Dacheng would not be of long-term benefit. The idea of being a father for life was nonsense. They were just a one-time deal.
After Wu Guanglong left, Ruan Dacheng put down the tea cup, picked up the banknote and looked at it carefully, looking like he couldn't put it down.
At this time, the housekeeper came in and said to Ruan Dacheng, "Master, Mr. Pang from Tongcheng is here. He has been waiting outside the door for a while. Master, do you want to see him?"
Ruan Dacheng put down the banknote in surprise, "I came to Nanjing so soon. As expected, the young man has an impatient temper. Please hurry up!"
... "Xiaoyou Pang, come and see, my new residence is located here. It was originally three residences.
The real estate in Anqing has plummeted, but the real estate in Jinling has increased a lot. I reluctantly paid a high price to buy it, and then demolished it all and rebuilt it."
Ruan Dacheng and Pang Yu stood in an open space, giving some excited directions.
Pang Yu looked at it in a daze. As soon as he met Ruan Dacheng, he was pulled by Ruan Dacheng to see his new property.
The garden in front of us is still a construction site, with a lot of bricks and stones piled up. There are more than a dozen craftsmen working hard around it. The rudimentary shape of the pond can already be seen. The wall is half built, but the houses have not yet been built.
This place is not far from the large mansion where Ruan Dacheng currently lives, but the area is obviously larger. With Ruan Dacheng's usual luxurious style, it will definitely be considered a first-class mansion in Nanjing after it is built.
He originally thought that when Ruan Dacheng came to Nanjing, the headquarters of the Donglin Party, he would keep a low profile and just buy a smaller house.
Who knew that Ruan Dacheng was so high-profile that he bought a ready-made house and demolished it and renovated it, without showing any sign of the pain.
Ruan Dacheng lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "I invited the garden master to plan and build a total of six main buildings. The back garden is a pool, two pavilions, and three stones. I have already thought of a name for this garden, so I called it Stone Nest."
When the garden is completed next year, Xiaoyou Pang will be able to take in the whole view and will definitely want to stay longer."
"Sir, what you said makes me feel very itchy. He is a talented person who is second to none. The garden design he can appreciate must be a stunning work."
Ruan Dacheng laughed loudly, "This is just a residence. I bought a piece of land with good feng shui in Niushou Mountain in the south of the city. It can be called a garden. Whether it is spring outing or snow viewing, it is a good place, even the stage.
This Jinling is second to none.”
(Note 2) After hearing this, Pang Yu could only envy Ruan Dacheng, a rich man in his heart. He didn’t even know how much real estate Ruan Dacheng owned. He had only heard of one property in Songyang, Tongcheng, and Baizishan, and one in Huaizishan.
There were two places in Nanjing, and now there are two places in Nanjing.
Ruan Dacheng said that housing prices in Nanjing have skyrocketed, and Pang Yu can understand. Rich people from all provinces in the north of the Yangtze River have come to Nanjing, so luxury houses of this kind are naturally in demand.
In fact, Pang Yu owns a lot of real estate, all of which were mortgaged by gamblers to Baishuntang. But Tongcheng is a third-tier town after all, and they are all small houses. After the bandits this time, housing prices plummeted, but here in Nanjing, they rose sharply.
Those small properties combined may not be as good as the one in front of Ruan Dacheng. Sure enough, the properties in first-tier cities are more valuable.
Pang Yu didn't dare to ask about the house price. He originally planned to find a property in Nanjing, but it was just a contact point for settling down. It couldn't be a luxury house like this. He was a little embarrassed to ask Ruan Dacheng.
"This time when Pang Xiaoyou came to Jinling, he could only stay in my house and let me fulfill my duties as a landlord. When I came to Jinling this time, I invited some Nanqu fellows to listen to the song "Female Consort". They were all amazed. It was better than I expected.
Hahaha, I must let them meet the original creator."
Pang Yu said hurriedly, "Then I will disturb you for a few days, sir, but after finishing the prison donation matter, I will rush to Suzhou to handle the military affairs. I am afraid I will not be able to stay in Nanjing for long."
Ruan Dacheng waved his hand and said with a smile, "Don't worry, little friend Pang. I will send someone to take you to Nanhubu for prison donation. It is very simple and will not take half a day."
I told Pang Xiaoyou last time that if Qian Qianyi recommended this matter, it would be a sure thing, so Pang Xiaoyou should not be in a hurry to go to Suzhou.
The governor's office is in Suzhou, but whether it succeeds or fails mainly lies in Nanjing."
"Sir, please give me some advice on where to start."
Ruan Dacheng stroked his beard and muttered, "If this matter must be done, Xiaoyou Pang, I will first find Fang Yizhi and ask him to take him to Mr. He, and he will recommend you to Qian Yushan (Qian Qianyi).
Mr. He is also from the Donglin family, and his words are effective.
If there is Yu Shan’s recommendation, Zhang Guowei will definitely succeed.”
Pang Yu said humbly, "The address Fang Yizhi left for me is at Wuding Bridge. I don't know if it's still there."
"Moved to the west of the city, to the old residence that the Fang family bought from Mao Yuanyi."
Pang Yu breathed a sigh of relief, finally having a clear route, then frowned and whispered, "Mao Yuanyi?
I seem to have heard it somewhere else."
...Note 1: Wu Guanglong's incident was a real incident, which was later revealed during the Nandu scholar's general attack on Ruan Dacheng.
Zhu Dadian's biggest reputation is his greed for money, so he has high credibility.
Note 2: Ruan Dacheng’s residence in Nanjing was called Shichaoyuan, located in Kusifang. It was built in the ninth year of Chongzhen and was preserved until the Republic of China.
Later, his popular operas were collected into "Four Kinds of Stone Nest", which is where it comes from.
Niushou Mountain Garden is Ruan's special business. Zhang Dai's "Tao'an Dream Memories" once recorded Ruan Dacheng enjoying the snow in Niushou Mountain Garden.
Fang Yizhi's former residence in Nanjing is in the west of the city. It was Mao Yuanyi's former residence at that time.