The night was low, and in the inner hall, the lights were as bright as day. Jia Heng was sitting on the chair with a calm expression, talking to Qin Keqing.
Jia Heng said: "Tomorrow, there will be a decree from the palace. I will lead the troops out of the capital to suppress the bandits. I will not be able to come back for ten and a half days."
As soon as these words came out, not only Qin Keqing was stunned, but also Youshi, Second Sister You, and Third Sister You looked at the young man with worry or curiosity.
Qin Keqing frowned and said softly: "It's the end of the year, and your husband also has to send out errands?"
Jia Heng said warmly: "Just because the end of the year is approaching, everyone wants to get a good fortune next year. If the thieves in Sanfu in the capital can be eliminated, it will be considered a new year's gift to the Holy One."
I silently added in my mind that this is not only a yearly gift for Emperor Chongping, but also a yearly gift for him. If he can pacify the three auxiliary thieves, his title should be raised one level.
I don’t dare to talk about Dukes and Bozi men being ranked as fifth-ranked nobles, but there should be no problem if they are ranked first or second-ranked from third-ranked generals.
In addition, the civil servants will not be an obstacle to the search for Sanhe Gang's belongings.
Qin Keqing sighed softly and said softly: "My husband is out on an expedition and has no eyesight, so he should be more careful."
Youshi also said: "Brother Heng, your status is different now. You are thinking about your family a lot outside. Don't be too risky."
Jia Heng took a deep look at Mrs. You, met her beautiful eyes that were about to say anything, and said softly: "Sister-in-law You, when I'm not at home, you and your two sisters can take care of you for me."
In fact, Second Sister You and Third Sister You are older than him, but there is nothing inappropriate in calling them younger sisters.
Youshi responded and said softly: "Brother Heng, don't worry."
Jia Heng gave some instructions, looked at the manuscript on the table, flipped through it, and asked, "Is this manuscript written by the third sister?"
Third Sister You's eyes just fell on Jia Heng. After hearing this, she said in a playful voice: "I wrote it. Uncle Heng can help me correct it when he has time... correct it."
During this time, Sanjie You also asked Jia Heng a lot about the script, and she gradually became familiar with Jia Heng.
Jia Heng chuckled lightly and said, "I'll take a look when I have time. If there are no problems, I'll find someone to help you publish it."
A few people exchanged a few words, and Youshi smiled and said, "It's getting late. My second sister, third sister, and I also went down to rest."
Jia Heng nodded, looked gently at You, the second sister, and the third sister, and said: "Go."
After the three You sisters left, Jia Heng looked at Qin Keqing and said with a smile, "What's the matter? You're frowning?"
Qin Keqing sighed softly and said, "Husband, go take a bath first."
Jia Heng knew something was wrong. He looked at Qin Keqing, stood up, took the beauty's hands, and said: "You and I are of the same mind. If you have something on your mind, there is no need to hide it. Just meet each other honestly. Let's go together."
Take a bath."
Qin Keqing: "..."
A jade face like a hibiscus stamen was blushing, and a charming and melodious voice sounded, as if to convince herself, saying: "I seem to have not been bathed by my husband."
Even couples rarely bathe together in this era, but Qin Keqing is charming and graceful, and has always been soft and soft in front of Jia Heng. He is at the mercy of Jia Heng. Hearing this, although he was too shy to close his legs, he softly agreed.
…
…
Jinling Province
It was late autumn, and there had just been an autumn rain last night. The bluestone-paved street outside the Jinling Mansion Yamen was washed away spotlessly. The Yamen servants in black and red clothes stood under the eaves with a sword on their waist,
He tightened his neck and complained about the continuous rain and the cold and wet weather.
The weather in the south is always rainy and humid. As late autumn enters, you need to wear more clothes.
In the back office, in the flower hall, the morning light passed through the carved windows and fell on a middle-aged man wearing a light blue Confucian shirt. I saw that the man had a broad mouth, a straight nose and cheeks, and a majestic figure.
This person is Jia Yucun, the prefect of Jinling.
Jia Yucun was entertaining guests, and sitting on a small table across from him was a middle-aged businessman in official uniform and with a beard under his chin.
The person who came to visit Jiayu Village was none other than Leng Zixing, the son-in-law of Zhou Rui's family. He was traveling south to Jinling from Shenjing City in the past few days. He remembered that an old acquaintance was an official in Jinling, so he handed over a famous invitation and came to visit Jiayu Village.
After the two exchanged greetings, Jia Yucun smiled and asked: "Brother Zixing came from Shenjing, is there any news in the capital?"
Leng Zixing smiled and said: "There is one incident, and it is said to be about the second house of Rongning, my brother's family."
"Oh?" Jia Yucun put down the tea cup with a puzzled look on his face.
Leng Zixing smiled and said, "It's Jia Heng, the third-class Yunhui general."
Jia Yucun suddenly realized and said in surprise: "It turns out to be him. I have often heard of his name in the Di newspaper recently. He wrote a letter of resignation to praise the whole country, and then he was awarded the title of third-class general for his achievements in suppressing the bandits. Over the past few months,
I’m afraid the one with the most fame is Jia Yunhui, right?”
Because Jia Heng's "Cijue List", the deeds of suppressing bandits and conferring third-class Yunhui generals were all published in Di Bao and circulated in various provinces, Jia Yucun, as the prefect of Jinling, could naturally see it.
Leng Zixing sighed with emotion: "No, this man is really amazing. Now he is the third-ranked General Yunhui, and he is in charge of the five-city army and horse department in the capital. He was in the capital the day before yesterday to clean up the bandits in the east city. It's even more amazing.
The brightest person in the civil and military affairs of the Manchu dynasty, this person grew up from a small clan to a large clan, and is now the head of the Jia clan, the head of the Ning Kingdom. He established the clan and educated the younger clan members in civil and martial arts. He also copied silver coins from the thieves of the Nei Nang clan to make up for the shortfall in the clan. In this way
After planning and planning, I think this posture has the potential to revive the Ningrong and Rongfus."
A few years ago, when Leng Zixing gave a speech on the Rongguo Mansion, he once said that each generation of descendants of the Jia Mansion was not as good as the previous one, but now his words have changed.
When Jia Yucun heard this, his heart moved slightly, and he said: "It's indeed remarkable. It's just a matter of raising the troops of the five cities to wipe out the bandits, but I don't know anything about it."
In the Di's newspaper, it only mentioned Jia Heng's "Resignation List" about the suppression of bandits and the title of nobility. It did not describe the Qing Dynasty's suppression of the Sanhe Gang in the East City of Beijing.
Leng Zixing smiled and said: "Brother Yucun, if there is such a person in the Jia clan, it is impossible to say that he will be rich and glorious for generations."
Hearing this, Jia Yucun smiled and said: "The ancients said that a house that accumulates good deeds will always be blessed. If a house like this has a bell-ringing meal, as long as there is a child with outstanding talents, it can protect the lintel from falling."
Leng Zixing smiled and said: "Brother Yucun's words are very kind. Brother Yucun now also has a close relationship with the Rongning Second Mansion. Has there been any clues about that matter?"
"I wrote a letter a few months ago, but the matter has not been followed up yet. Brother Zixing's Dong Weng is working in Rongfu. Do you know why?" Jia Yucun asked.
A few months ago, he sent a series of letters to the second master of Shenjing Rong Mansion, but they seemed to have disappeared into the sea. I guess this matter has been put aside for the time being.
It's just that because he was a Jinshi and took the initiative to join the Jia clan and borrow power from each other, he shouldn't receive such a cold reception.
That's all, I'll just go to Rongfu next year to report to the Ministry of Civil Affairs in Shenjing.
Jia Yucun looked deeply and thought like this.
While Jia Yucun was making calculations, outside the Jinling Mansion Yamen, several Yamen servants were shivering in the cold wind when they suddenly heard a burst of noise coming from far away, and saw an old man in gray robes with several people.
The servant came to the drum and picked up the drumsticks from the stand.
"Dong dong..."
The sound of drums was as dense as raindrops, accompanied by the old man's cry of injustice. It sounded in front of the government office in the early morning, and also woke up Jia Yucun who was thinking a lot in the back hall.
Leng Zixing was surprised and said: "Brother Yucun, is this someone beating a drum to complain?"
Jia Yucun nodded and said: "Brother Zixing, please excuse me, I have to go to the front to ask questions."
Leng Zixing smiled, a little curious in his heart, and said, "Brother Yucun, if it's cheaper, can I come to the Yamen to observe the trial, so that I can see how Master Qingtian knows everything."
This is a compliment.
The two have been close friends for many years, just like what is said in Dream of Red Mansions: "Yucun admires Leng Zixing the most as a man with great abilities, and Zixing borrows Yucun's reputation as a gentle man, so the two get along best."
After Jia Yucun heard this, he also wanted to show his ability and power in front of his old friend, so he pretended to be thoughtful and said, "Brother Zixing can wait in the back hall to wait for the trial to be completed before we talk."
As the two of them talked, Jia Yucun went to the inner chamber. Under the service of his maids and servants, he changed into the official uniform of a fourth-grade civil servant and wore a black veil on his head. He came out of the inner chamber and said with a smile: "Brother Zixing, please."
Leng Zixing saw Jia Yucun's fourth-grade crimson official uniform. He endured a sudden fear in his heart, and the smile on his face became more prosperous. He bent down and extended his hand to invite me: "Brother Yucun invites you first."
Seeing the hint of flattery hidden under Leng Zixing's smile, Jia Yucun felt a little uncomfortable and a little complacent at the same time.
As the saying goes, wealth that does not return home is like walking in brocade at night.
Showing off in front of strangers, how can one satisfy people's vanity more than "seeing each other with admiration after seeing each other for three days" in front of acquaintances?
It has been several years since Jia Yucun last separated from Leng Zixing. At that time, Jia Yucun had just been dismissed from his post by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and was traveling in Huaiyang. His official career was frustrated. Now that they are reunited, it is a time of high spirits.
"Let's go together." Jia Yucun said with a smile, but then he took the lead, while Leng Zixing was half a step behind. With envy in his heart, he followed Jia Yucun to the front.
When he arrived at the lobby, Jia Yucun sat behind the arched bench, made a face and calmed down his expression, patted the wooden door and looked at the kneeling old man in gray below.
Both sides launched a line of water and fire sticks: "Mighty!"
"It's unfair..."
The gray-haired old man entered the lobby, knelt on the ground, held the paper high, and kept shouting about injustice.
"Who are you kneeling down? Why are you crying for injustice!" Jia Yucun slapped the wooden door and shouted. Maybe it was because there was an acquaintance in the back hall. This deep shout was so powerful that it shook the roof tiles, and the "mirror" above his head hung high.
"There seemed to be a few dust particles shaking off the plaque.
The old man in gray clothes cried: "Master Qingtian, this little old man is from the Feng family. My little master was beaten to death by the Xue family. He tried to buy a girl and was beaten to death because the girl was abducted by a kidnapper. This kidnapper
I first got the money from my family. My master said that the third day was a good day, and then he took the girl. I didn't pick up the girl for a while, but I never thought that the kidnapper turned around and sold it to the Xue family. My young master went to the Xue family to reason, but
The Xue family is the dominant force in Jinling! The young master of the Xue family, Xue Pan, allowed a group of powerful slaves to beat my little master to death! Mr. Qingtian, please make the decision for my little master!"
With that said, he handed over the petition paper.
Jia Yucun read the paper and read it. After a while, his face turned livid and he said angrily: "A servant was sold to two families and allowed slaves to beat people to death. There is such a fart in the world. Someone will come and arrest Xue Pan and the kidnapper immediately."
Bring to justice!"
As he said that, he picked up the red and black token in the lottery tube between his ring finger and middle finger, and was about to throw it to the ground, but he heard, "Ahem..."
On the left side of the case, a slightly short servant wearing official uniform touched his nose and coughed.
Jia Yucun rolled his eyes left and right, knowing that his feelings were different. He waved his hand and said, "Leave the hall first."
The gray old man below was stunned.
After leaving the lobby, he led the messenger into the inner hall, where he met Leng Zixing who had left his seat and stood up.
Leng Zixing asked in confusion: "Sir, what is this? The previous case will not be tried?"
Since there are outsiders here, it's not easy to call him brother.
Jia Yucun smiled and said, "My dear brother, please wait here while I handle official business first."
With that said, he led the door into the side room.
Although Leng Zixing was suspicious, he didn't ask too many questions and just sat and sipped the fragrant tea.
In the wing room
As soon as Yucun sat down, the doorman came up to say hello and said with a smile: "The master has been promoted to a higher position. In the past eighty or nine years, don't you recognize the younger one?"
"It looks...familiar." Jia Yucun looked at the door, picked up the tea cup on the side, and took a sip.
With a flattering smile on his face, Menzi said, "Have you forgotten where the Calabash Temple came from?"
When Jia Yucun heard this, the tea cup in his hand trembled. He raised his eyes and looked at the door intently. After a while, he said in surprise: "It's you? It turns out we are an old friend!"
With that said, he asked the doorman to sit down, and the doorman leaned forward and sat down on the chair.
"When did you do this?" Jia Yucun asked with a smile on his face.
The disciple replied: "Since that year, I came to Beijing to take the exam. Not long after, the Hulu Temple was bombed and half the street in front and back was burned down. I had no place to live, so I found a way out and went to the Yamen to make a soap coat and make a living. eat."
Jia Yucun listened, exchanged a few words, frowned and asked, "Why didn't you let me issue the signature just now?"
Menzi smiled and asked: "When I came to Jinling to serve as an official, didn't I get a copy of this province's official amulet?"
Jia Yucun frowned and asked: "What is a protective amulet? Why copy this?"
Menzi's smile faded and he said: "Guardians are powerful rural eunuchs and gentry in this province. If we don't copy the guards, how can we succeed in the long run?"
With that said, he took out a book from his sleeve and handed it over.
Jia Yucun frowned and took it, read it, and couldn't help but murmur:
"Jia is not a Jia, white jade is the hall gold and horse.
Epang Palace, three hundred miles away, cannot accommodate a person of Jinling history.
There was a shortage of white jade beds in the East China Sea, so the Dragon King came to invite the King of Jinling.
In good years, there is heavy snow, and pearls are like earth and gold are like iron.”
After reading it, he raised his head and listened to Menzi's explanation.
Wait until the disciples finish explaining the key points.
Jia Yucun looked silent, slowly put down the book in his hand, and said softly: "It turns out to be his home."
His recommender is the Jia family, and the Jia Shi Wang Xue is related to each other by marriage, and they are in the same family. Just now I heard that there is another great person in the Jia family, and he is very powerful. This person... It's really hard to get.
"I guess you also know the direction where the murderer is hiding?" Jia Yucun pondered for a moment and asked.
Menzi smiled and said: "Master, I also know about the murderer, the kidnapper, the kidnapped person, and the damn buyer who was beaten to death."
As he spoke, he told the whole story.
Finally, the disciple smiled half-heartedly and said, "It turns out that this person who was abducted is my great benefactor."
"Huh?" Jia Yucun frowned and raised his eyes with surprise.
"He is the daughter of Mr. Zhen who lives next to the Calabash Temple. Her nickname is Yinglian."
Jia Yucun's face was shocked and he said in horror: "It turns out to be her!"
He quickly asked his disciple the whole story, and the disciple told him the details. After listening to it, Jia Yucun's face was filled with confusion and confusion.