Xu Xun, the uncle of Pingbei, inspected various borders on behalf of the emperor. This was probably the biggest event since the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month. After the big reshuffle in the court last year, compared to the endless moves of Liu Jin, the eunuch and eunuch of the ceremony, Xu Xun
However, Xun seemed very quiet, as if he was satisfied after occupying a few seats. The gate of Xing'anbo Mansion was far from as easy to enter as the gate of Liu's House in Shajia Hutong. People who recommended themselves for admission in an endless stream were rejected.
However, on this day, when the Xu family of Xing'an Bo Mansion was packing for Xu Xun's trip, another young scholar who was tired of work came to the door. He saw an old servant bending over and holding a
Sweeping the front door with a big broom, he stepped forward, cupped his hands and asked, "Old man, does Uncle Pingbei live here?"
The old servant just saw someone passing by and knew that someone was probably coming to introduce himself, so he didn't pay attention at first, thinking to himself that Jin Liu was sitting at the door, no matter what kind of person he was, he would never have thought about it. But at this moment, he was facing
In response to such a polite question, and seeing that the young scholar was quite agreeable, he could not pretend to be deaf and dumb. He put down the broom and wiped his hands on himself, then nodded and replied: "Exactly, it's just my young master.
I'm not at home. If the young master proposes himself, you can go to the door and submit the ink scroll article."
"Oh?" The young scholar was stunned for a moment, lowered his eyes and thought for a moment, and then asked again, "I heard that Tang Jieyuan of Gusu was in the presence of Uncle Pingbei. I didn't know that this time Uncle Pingbei went north, he
Will you accompany me?"
This was not news that could not be leaked. The old servant immediately smiled and said: "My young master has always been the most considerate. Now the spring is very cold. Mr. Tang was infected with wind and cold a few years ago, so I can't say whether he will follow you this time."
good."
Seeing that this young scholar was not like those common people these days, who were either arrogant or arrogant, but had an impossibly upright and peaceful temperament, he thought for a moment and added another sentence:
"If the young master wants to deliver the ink roll at the door, you might as well speak more politely to Mr. Jin Liu. He is an old man brought by the young master from Jinling and is extremely trustworthy.
After hearing this, the young scholar naturally thanked him profusely. However, when he arrived at the west corner gate and saw the person sitting on the stool in front of the door, he put away his previous kindness and gentleness, stepped forward and said solemnly.
: "I am Xia Yan, a student of the Nanjing Imperial College. This time I came from Nanjing to receive the entrustment of the Grand Master of the Imperial College. I have an important letter to deliver to Uncle Pingbei."
Since he learned that Xu Xun was going out, the congestion on Tianmen had greatly improved, so Jin Liu rarely relaxed for a while. Just now, he thought that the person in front of him was another guy who didn't know the heights of the world and was conceited about his talent, but when he heard clearly
After saying this, he immediately jumped up and said with a smile on his face: "Young Master is here to deliver a letter on behalf of Mr. Zhang? Please come in quickly. Although my young master is not here, he should be back soon."
It was not Xia Yan's first day in the capital. After wandering around Wu'anhou Hutong for two days, he saw that most of the people who were full of ambitions to recommend themselves came back in disgrace, so he went to Shajia Hutong on the east side of Gulouxia Street to have a look.
But he found that Liu Jin's place was even busier. After asking around, he found out that Xu Xun was not willing to accept people. If he was really outstanding in literary talent, he would recommend them to those big bosses, and others would not be handed over easily. But Liu Jin's place was not easy to hand over.
It seems that they are using talents in an eclectic way, but if they can't feed the two great kings Zhang Wenmian and Sun Cong, or if they fall in love with them, don't even think about Liu Jin. These are just officials, ordinary scholars without fame.
There is almost no chance at all.
This is not surprising when you think about it. After all, Zhang Wenmian is just a scholar. How would he cope if someone more capable than himself was hired?…
Therefore, at this moment, I found out that Zhang Mao's name was so effective in the palace of the emperor's powerful minister, and I felt more confident about this trip. After being invited into the small flower hall, I saw Jin Liu accompanying him and saying everything he said was inquiring.
, he only talked about Zhang Mao's current situation, never mentioning what the letter said or what his purpose was. It wasn't until there was a commotion outside that Jin Liufang suddenly stood up and said, "Master Xia, please stay here for a moment.
It should be that the young master is back."
Seeing Jin Liuyi leaving, Xia Yan leaned back leisurely and remembered the scene when he successfully graduated from the Imperial College in September last year and went to see Zhang Mao for the last time. Immediately afterwards, he ignored the cold weather and walked all the way from
He slowly walked north by land, not even celebrating the New Year in Linqing when his father was in office. By the time he arrived in the capital, he had already missed the annual Lantern Festival. There was the Autumn Provincial Examination this year, which was supposed to be the time for him to prepare for his studies.
But because of the long conversation with Zhang Mao, he finally decided to leave his career behind and go to Beijing.
Unexpectedly, Xu Xun was about to patrol the border. Now is the best time. If you miss this time, there will be no next time!
When he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard a cough, and then he saw Jin Liu accompanying a young man into the room. The young man was wearing a dark blue coat that was not new and not new.
, wearing black leather boots, at first glance, he seemed to be just an ordinary weak-headed young man, but he was energetic, bright and energetic, especially the way he walked, and an answer emerged in his heart involuntarily.
"But Uncle Pingbei?"
"Are you Xia Yan, Xia Gongjin, the student from the South Prison who delivered the letter for Mr. Zhang?"
"Exactly the students!"
Xia Yan bowed his head and saluted, but suddenly his heart trembled. He had not reported his name just now, how could Xu Xun know about it? Although he had excellent grades in the Imperial College, what kind of person was Xu Xun, how could he care about this? Could it be that?
Zhang Mao also had a letter sent to him a long time ago, but he didn't know it. He just took his time to look at the mountains and rivers and geography along the way?
"Without courtesy, sit down." Xu Xun sat down at the main seat. When he saw Jin Liuli tiptoeing back, he asked with a smile, "How is Mr. Zhang doing?"
Although Xia Yan had already answered almost the same question as Jin Liu just now, it was Xu Xun who asked the question at this moment. Naturally, he had to cheer up and answered: "After Master Lin and Master Zhang came to Beijing, Zhang Da Sicheng became vaguely
The leader of the Nanjing Scholars Association, many officials in Nanjing were almost convicted for their speeches, and it was Zhang Da Sicheng who came to the rescue. However, the Da Sicheng was already mature and the duty of offering wine was not onerous at first.
But he couldn't help but often teach in person, so now he is getting thinner and more sick. If he doesn't quit, I'm afraid Da Sicheng will not be able to bear it."
These words made Xu Xun's face darken. Didn't he know that Zhang Mao had lost his wife and son, and that he was in poor health? It stands to reason that it would be best to ask him to become an official and return to his hometown to be recuperated. Zhang Mao was still a few people in the last years of Hongzhi.
On the contrary, there are few signs of this in the last letter. He knew the reason without thinking. After pondering for a long time, he sighed and said: "Mr. Zhang is tired." Although Xu Xun just sighed with emotion, Xia Xun
Observing his words and his expression, he secretly thought that it was not without reason that this person could become famous all over the world in just a few years. Therefore, he took out a letter from his arms, stood up and presented it with both hands: "This is the chapter.
Da Sicheng's personal letter, when he learned that the student was going to Beijing, he entrusted it to be delivered to Uncle Pingbei."
Xu Xunzhong took it and saw the familiar handwriting on the envelope. He couldn't help being stunned for a moment, and then looked thoughtfully at Xia Yan, who had not returned to his seat: "Since you are coming to Beijing,
, I think I have already graduated from Nanjian, what are your plans now, are you planning to take the current provincial examination?”….
"Students are already proficient in the meaning of the classics they have learned, but they are still figuring out how to apply what they have learned. Even if they are lucky enough to pass the exam in the autumn of this year, it will be difficult to pass it in one go in the spring of next year, so I plan to study hard for at least three more years."
For things like the imperial examination, everyone hopes to pass the exam early. If you do this, you will have a few more years than others. It is also a great thing in life to be successful when you are young and have a horse's hoof disease. At this time, Xu Xun heard Xia Yan and was surprised.
He was preparing to take the provincial examination this year. He couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, and then opened the letter in his hand in front of Xia Yan. After reading ten lines at a glance, he stared at one of the letterheads for a long time, and then
He raised his head again and looked at Xia Yan.
"Mr. Zhang has given me books as a gift and a love of reading. In the final analysis, it can be regarded as a teacher-student relationship. Since you are Mr. Zhang's proud disciple, Mr. Zhang also recommended you in the letter. Only then did you learn two words. Obviously
I don’t need to take the exam. But since you don’t take the exam now, you won’t be able to join the official position within three to five years. Why did you see me this time?”
Xia Yan took a deep breath, then bowed deeply, and after standing up, he said decisively: "When I went to Beijing this time, my original intention was to walk along the nine sides to take a look, but I didn't learn about the peace until I got to the capital.
Uncle Bei plans to patrol all the borders. Since it is just in time, I just want to tell Uncle Ping one thing."
"What's up?"
"Search for the Hetao and return to the east to win!"
As soon as these words came out, Xu Xun couldn't help but stood up, clenched the hand holding the letter tightly, and then said in a deep voice: "How dare you, a scholar, to talk nonsense about such a major military and national matter?"
"Although Yan is a scholar, he has also read military history books. The fertile land of the Hetao is now a nest of bandits. In the final analysis, it is because since the orthodoxy, he abandoned the surrender city built by the Tang Dynasty to defend Dongsheng, and then abandoned Dongsheng.
Yansui, with
As for the total loss of external risks, Shaanxi's border troubles have not been solved for decades. If the Hetao can be returned to farming and pasture, and the fields are not spread over thousands of miles, and grain and grass can be transported within the province, then not only can Shaanxi's border troubles be solved, but the people of Shaanxi can also be relieved!"
During the trip to Nanjing last year, because Zhang Mao was slandered and attacked by many people in the academy for his own reasons, Xu Xun ordered people to provoke a trouble in the Imperial College, which ruined the reputation of those who made the noise, and then
by
Helping the Xu family in Taiping to establish clan studies and other good deeds won the recognition of Lin Han and Zhang Fuhua, and the rewards were not small. Therefore, Xu Xun was also quite impressed by Xia Yan, the Imperial College student who took the lead in causing trouble.
But at this moment
At that moment, hearing his powerful words, he couldn't help but be shocked.
During this trip to the northwest, he originally wanted to discuss the Hetao and Fire Screening matters with Yang Yiqing!
"As expected of Mr. Zhang's disciple." As expected of Xia Gongjin who dared to stir up trouble in the Imperial Academy! But I didn't say the last sentence, lest people know that he had been regarded as a swordsman!
After sighing in admiration, Xu Xun slowly sat down, and after a while he raised his head and asked, "Since you dare to talk about the Hetao and also said that you want to go north to see the geography of mountains and rivers, then you don't have to go alone. This time
I’ll take you with me!”
Xia Yan's eyes suddenly brightened up, and the next moment he bowed deeply and said, "You have what you wish for, but I don't dare to ask you to listen!"
Many people came to my door, and many people were turned away by Xing'an Bo Mansion. But today, this person came because of Zhang Mao's recommendation. In addition, there was a connection from the past, and what he said was extremely in line with his own wishes.
, so Xu Xun has almost no
Why did he hesitate to leave the person? After all, most of the scholars who were well-read in poetry and books were conscientious and only wanted to take the imperial examination. For example, Tang Yin was disheartened and vowed not to take the exam again.
I'll take the taxi exam in a few years
It's also very rare. What's more, since he has met such a famous person, he naturally has no reason to push him out of the door...
Because of such an incident, Xu Xun was naturally in a good mood.
When he was drafting his entourage and soldiers in the next two days, even Shenying, Zhang Yong and others noticed his good mood. Shenying was not unhappy about not being able to accompany him this time. After all, the capital also needed people to stay in charge.
Just keep it to yourself
It is the greatest trust. Therefore, seeing that everything was gradually coming together, when no one was around, he couldn't help but suggest to Xu Xun: "Although Chen Xiong is good at leading troops, he is closer to Eunuch Miao after all. Zhang
Although my father-in-law talks about military matters, he also says
Not Yong. Although Zhang Jun, Zhuang Jian and others are close to Uncle Pingbei, they are all general soldiers after all and cannot be around them all the time. If Uncle Pingbei can take Qian Ning with him, then this line of work can be said to have peace of mind.
Seeing that Xu Xun was stunned when he heard this, Shenying said in a more serious tone: "Qian Ning is really capable, but if he is an expert in the factory for a day longer, he will get closer to Eunuch Liu, so why not give him another one?"
The opportunity to make great achievements allowed him to wake up."
Shenying was the real commander of the army that day when he left Zhangjiakou Fort for a surprise attack. Naturally, he was extremely impressed by Qian Ning's great achievements. Moreover, he had forced Xu Xun to gain a corner from Liu Jin, even though he had said no.
willing to
If Liu Jin was against it, he would not want someone he had admired to work as a factory guard so willingly. After persuading him at this moment, he said sincerely: "Besides, as an expert in the factory, Uncle Pingbei actually
Not
It doesn’t matter whose hand it is in.”
"I appreciate Uncle Jingyang's kindness. I can give him the opportunity, but it's hard to say whether he wants it or not!" After saying this with a smile, Xu Xun clenched his fist and stretched out his hand, and beat Shenying against each other, and then he
He smiled and said, "Since you said so, I happen to have to go to the palace, so I will take the opportunity to see what Qian Ning's choice is!"
Knowing that Xu Xun was leaving the day after tomorrow, Zhu Houzhao was going to send it off in person as he did before, but he couldn't help but Xu Xun gave him advice and reminded him. He also said that there would be a family reunion banquet the night before departure.
Have to put
The farewell banquet was moved one day ahead. In early spring, it was clear and cold by Taiye Pond. Although he was wrapped in a thick mink fur coat, he still felt a little cold. Even so, facing the open space, he signaled to remove the barrier.
of Taiyechi, he is still energetic
Very excited.
"The palace is such a cramped place. There are only houses and people within sight. There is also some open scenery beside the Taiye Pond. It's a pity that I can't go with you, and you take the lead again! Xu Xun, you
Remember to take a good look and take note of the places along the way, and you can show me the way next time!"
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I'm just going to stand in front of you." Seeing Zhu Houzhao personally pouring a glass of wine and handing it to him, Xu Xun hurriedly took it with both hands. When he saw the little emperor holding the wine glass and turning around, he stood thoughtfully.
Beside the Taiye Pond, he looked a little confused. He couldn't help but say, "The Emperor is in his prime. If you want to leap over rivers and mountains in the future, there are plenty of opportunities!"
"Since you came to Beijing, I can't live without you most of the time. As a matter of fact, you have to go to Xuanfu and Nanjing. Plus this time, you are not with me. I need to know what you are doing in the past. Send
Just ask me personally, but once you go out, it will not be so easy to know your news... So no matter what happens, you should be careful and don't die before leaving the battle..."
At the end, Zhu Houzhao saw that Xu Xun's face turned blue and couldn't help laughing: "Who asked you to leave me alone to show off your power? I just remind you to be careful about your safety, especially the assassins! You must bring enough guards and accompanying soldiers.
, Do you want me to select a few more people from Jinyiwei for you?"
"No, no, no, the emperor accepts his kindness!"….
Xu Xun was both angry and funny. When he saw the Eight Tigers who were dragged to the side by Zhu Houzhao, except Gu Dayong who laughed heartlessly, Qiu Ju, Wei Bin and Ma Yongcheng, all of them laughed a little.
Reluctantly, Liu Jin's eyes were looking elsewhere. Following his gaze, he found Qian Ning standing over there, and his heart suddenly moved.
"Speaking of it, when I went to Xuanfu, I was so angry that I and Jingyang Bo led the troops out of Zhangjiakou Fort. If Qian Ning hadn't taken the general's head among the thousands of troops and won the first victory in one fell swoop, the foundation would have been laid.
There will be no big victory later. It seems like it was yesterday when I think about it now, and it is really hard to imagine that it was two years ago."
Qian Ning was lost in thought when he suddenly heard a heavy cough from Liu Jin. After looking carefully, he realized that it was Zhu Houzhao who suddenly looked towards him. Because he didn't hear what Xu Xun said just now, he could only pretend to be respectful.
He lowered his head, but the next moment he heard Zhu Houzhao say something that shocked him.
"That's right. Qian Ning built such a miraculous feat last time and has been on a meteoric rise just now. You might as well let him follow you this time. You are a lucky general and he is a brave general. This makes him invincible!"
After the little emperor said this meaning, Xu Xun also looked at Qian Ning and saw a look of deep shock on his face, which was completely different from the complacency he had shown when he went to Xuan Mansion before.
Different, he knows Shenying
There is a high probability that his intention will come to nothing. Sure enough, before Qian Ning could speak, Liu Jin said with a smile: "It's his blessing that the emperor favors him. It's just that there was news from Lianghuai that Luo Xiang went to investigate the case.
When you encounter something difficult, just
I'm afraid that Qian Ning will have to make the trip in person."
After hearing this, Qian Ning finally breathed a sigh of relief, and quickly knelt down on one knee with fear and fear: "I don't dare to be called the emperor's brave general. It was just a fluke that I could do it before. Thanks to Mr. Ping Beibo, who has a lot of people, he never blamed me for doing it without permission."
action."
"That's right, there are talented people in every generation. You did great things last time, so this time you will give the opportunity to others! I remember Xu Xun, the Cao brothers around you are all great!" Liu Jin and Qian Ning
After speaking one after another, Zhu Houzhao thought that Xu Xun was not going to fight this time, so he waved his hands indifferently and said, "Forget it, I will choose a few more good players for you to ensure a safe journey."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Next came some common auspicious words for farewell. From Gu Dayong to Liu Jin, they all said a basketful of words. Xu Xun was half drunk by Zhu Houzhao. When he was leaving the palace, Ruisheng, who was ordered to see him off, saw two small fires.
The man carried Xu Xun on a stool.
Xu Xun was leaning on top, still burping from wine, and couldn't help but say: "After leaving Beijing, Uncle Pingbei must drink less alcohol. The folk customs in the northwest are fierce, and they are said to be strong alcoholic beverages. Cold alcohol can damage the liver.
Hot wine hurts the stomach, so your health is the most important thing!"
Qian Ning, who was using the pretext of going back to the Xixin Company's internal factory, saw Rui Sheng talking like this, while Xu Xun, who was a little drunk and confused, just said vaguely. He couldn't help but laugh and said: "Eunuch Rui really misses the old relationship.
Uncle Pingbei has so many people around him now, in that kind of situation, is there anyone who can stop him from drinking?"
"Yes, yes, I'll remind you." After all, Rui Sheng felt that he was a little nosy. After answering, he couldn't help but glance at Qian Ning and suddenly asked, "Many people in the palace want to take advantage of the situation.
It’s a pity that Mr. Qian can’t leave without following Eunuch Zhang.”
"Yeah yeah……"
Qian Ning answered perfunctorily, but he sneered in his heart. Zhang Yong and Xu Xun followed closely, no matter how great their contribution was, and an eunuch could not be ennobled, at most it would benefit his family. But he left the inner factory alone and followed him out eagerly.
Trip, even if it’s true….
Is it possible for him to be crowned a knight in a single battle if he achieves great feats again? On the battlefield, he holds his head in his hands to fight for a wife. He has already tried it once, and now he doesn’t want to take risks like this again. Besides, he has been away from the capital for a long time, who can
After I know I'm back
Will that seat still be his?
When he arrived at the door of the Xixin Department, Qian Ning said goodbye and went in. Seeing that the Xi'an Gate had arrived, Ruisheng motioned to the two little firemen to put down their stools, and he personally went forward and put Xu Xun's right arm on his shoulders.
He got up and walked out step by step. When he got out of the deep cave, he muttered in a low voice: "Master, you must be careful this time."
"Don't worry, I'm very afraid of death!"
Suddenly hearing this voice coming from his ears, Ruisheng couldn't help but startled. He turned his head to look, only to find that Xu Xun's eyes were clear. Although the smell of alcohol in his mouth was still heavy, he was clearly not drunk. He was confused and was about to
When he opened his mouth, he heard another voice coming from his ear.
"But you should not be so honest in the palace. Except for people who come to you with my tokens, don't pay attention to anyone else, even if Eunuch Xiao's people come to you for something. I have already told Eunuch Xiao,
He will never let anyone ask you for anything. If something happens, just take care of yourself and don't do it again like last time."
"Master..."
"Remember, take care of yourself!"
ps: I saw a classmate talking about my other book "Wealth and Prosperity". Ahem, that is irrelevant. The book is not finished so soon... I finally let Xiao Xu take advantage of Liu Jin's many corners.
, and there is also Zhengde Chaohe
How could we not bring out all the outstanding figures in the future and take a walk around them?).