first minister

Chapter 287 Willing to save the world with the kings

Yangliuqing Qingjiang level, heard the singing on Langjiang.

On the broad Huai River, the blue waves are rippling, and the breeze with water vapor brings a rare coolness in midsummer.

On a not-so-big building boat, a young man in green shirt stood on the bow, staring at the scene of some boatmen on the river singing boat songs and walking leisurely, dazed.

Behind him, a man stood like an iron tower, silent and calm, giving one a sense of security.

"Respected guest, lunch is ready, please eat in the cabin?"

The boss of the ship stepped onto the deck and greeted them with a smile.

He couldn't help being unenthusiastic, this group of people, it's really generous to sell, just ten people chartered him a boat!

And except for the young master, all the others are powerful and powerful, and they travel the rivers and lakes. Who doesn't want to be safe while earning money.

The young man in green shirt standing at the bow was naturally Xia Jingyun, the imperial envoy who quietly went to Longshou Prefecture. Hearing this, he turned around, smiled and nodded, "Thank you."

"You are welcome, this way please."

When we got to the cabin and sat down, Xia Jingyun looked at the owner of the boat at the door, "The boat owner, please stay. Let's sit and eat something together."

The boss of the boat quickly waved his hands wisely, "We have our own way to solve it, you don't have to be polite."

Xia Jingyun smiled and said: "It's okay, I just happen to have some things I want to ask you about, I hope it's convenient."

Speaking of this, the boss of the boat didn't have much to say, "Then I'll overstep."

When the boat boss sat down, Chen Fugui took the initiative to pour him a glass of wine. After Xia Jingyun toasted with him, he smiled and said, "How long will we be able to reach Chuning County?"

Chuanlao Avenue: "Chuning County is located in the southernmost part of our Longshou Prefecture. We are now on the Huai River and going down the river. If nothing happens, we can reach it in a few days."

Xia Jingyun laughed lightly, "The Huai River is an inland river, so there is no fear of freezing in winter, nor the worry of raging sea waves. What else can happen?"

The boss of the boat sighed, "Are you all from Zhongjing?"

Chen Fugui narrowed his eyes slightly, Xia Jingyun was startled quietly, and said calmly: "Why did the boatman say that?"

"You don't need to worry too much, the villain is a sailor, and what you do in this line of business has nothing to do with the villain. The villain said this, firstly, seeing that you are generous, you must have come from an extraordinary way, and secondly, ah! "

The boss of the boat sighed, "I estimate that in this world, only you people from Zhongjing City will still feel that the world is still so peaceful."

Xia Jingyun was stunned when he heard the words, "The situation in the world has come to this?"

Chen Fugui also said: "We came out of Zhongjing and entered the Huaihe River via Yingshui, and we didn't see many bandits and riots!"

The boss of the boat waved his hand, "That's because you were in Gyeonggi at the beginning, and then you went up the river. Most of these bandits still don't have the ability to block the river and cause chaos on the big river. I don't know about other places in the world, just Huai Zuo Huai The Longshou Prefecture and Guangling Prefecture on the right are full of bandits and bandits, and the roads are difficult. If you go by land, you may be able to meet them!"

He went on to say: "The change I just mentioned also comes from this. Now the waterway is the safest, so there are more boats than before. If there is congestion, it may take some time."

Xia Jingyun frowned, "That's not right! If there are bandits everywhere like you said, there will definitely be a few big forces gathered, then occupying mountains and being king is not enough, it will definitely occupy counties and counties, How dare the local government conceal such things and not report them for the sake of great cause, why didn’t I hear the news at all?”

"Hey, I didn't understand this matter at first, but after I asked some elders, they gave me an explanation, and I was half-believing."

Xia Jingyun leaned forward, "I would like to hear the details."

The boss of the boat lightly tapped the table, "They are all waiting for the death of the old army god in the bamboo forest."

Xia Jingyun suddenly realized, and murmured: "Yeah, the old army god swept across the world, and no one in the world dared to raise the flag of rebellion. Now that he is still alive, who would dare to raise the flag of rebellion first among these rogue bandits?" Where are the birds!"

"That's right!" The boss of the boat nodded and smiled, "Think about it, the prefect of Sishui Prefecture rebelled last year, and the Wudang army went there directly, and it was wiped out after a few rushes. The rebel father and son were also taken to Beijing. Execution, who dares to follow? These bandits are very smart, first occupy the mountain and become king, and slowly accumulate strength, anyway, the government now has no ability to suppress the bandits."

Xia Jingyun sighed, with a serious expression on his face. If this is the case, these bandits really passively responded to the mantra of "build high walls, accumulate food widely, and become king slowly". Can't help but ignite the fire of the prairie fire, the combat power is much stronger than ordinary rogues!

Sure enough, he has been in Zhongjing for a long time, immersed in the dream of peace in the world jointly woven by His Majesty and courtiers, and he is too optimistic about the general situation of the world.

Still have to come out and see for yourself!

As soon as he thought of this, he felt a sudden increase in pressure.

Seeing that Xia Jingyun's face was not right, the boat boss quickly comforted him: "However, Longshou Prefecture as a whole is quite stable. The state herdsman comes from a military general background and is powerful. He can suppress any big bandits who show up, at least in Longshou Prefecture. There are no rogues in the territory, which is much better than the situation in other states where government orders do not leave the city."

Xia Jingyun slowly settled down, and smiled self-deprecatingly, "I'm going to do some business in Longshou Prefecture, and I'm really worried about the security in Longshou Prefecture, but the boatman made me laugh. , but what kind of rich and powerful families are there, and how are the forces of all parties?"

"With the magnanimity and strength of Zunke, he will definitely be able to enjoy himself in Longshou Prefecture!"

The boss of the boat first flattered, and then said: "The power of Longshou Prefecture is not complicated. Speaking of it, there are four major families, Xiao, Hu, Ye, and Yu. The distinguished guest is from Zhongjing. You should know the Xiao family, first the empress's family." From my mother's family, the current head of the Xiao family is now the state shepherd of Longshou Prefecture, Mr. Xiao Fengshan Xiao."

"The Hu family existed in the previous dynasty. It has taken root in Longshou Prefecture for hundreds of years. It is now the largest landlord in Longshou Prefecture. The Hu Family Yayuan is also the leading garden courtyard in Longshou Prefecture."

"The Ye family is the home of the Cao Gang's head. The distinguished guests may not know the Cao Gang. They connect the north and the south. There are tens of thousands of internal and external gangs. In the territory of Lianghuai, wherever the Cao Gang passes, even those who occupy mountains for The king's thieves dare not make things difficult."

"The Yu family is the first-class poetry and book family in Longshou Prefecture. There are high-ranking officials successively in the ancestors, and their status is high. Speaking of it, the young masters of the Yu family are also unlucky. They went to take an imperial examination, but met Such things, but after hearing that he came back, he was not discouraged, and continued to study hard, thinking that after three years, he might be able to come back for a champion in our Longshou state!"

Xia Jingyun couldn't help chuckling when he heard the words. Yu Daoxing unexpectedly failed the exam at the beginning. Everyone thought it was due to his poor performance, but later found out that he was originally going to be ranked second. It fell on his paper and destroyed the answer paper, but he had no choice but to judge him to fail the exam.

Although the examiner was punished afterwards, the result could not be changed. Thinking about it, it was indeed a once-in-a-century misfortune.

He hummed, and said with a smile: "I've also heard about Mr. Yu, he is indeed talented and learned. If there is no such thing this time, the champion probably has nothing to do with Xia Jingyun."

"Isn't that right! Young Master's words are on point!"

The boss of the boat slapped his thigh, and showed his sincere appreciation for Xia Jingyun's words, "It seems that you are also a man of knowledge! Not only Mr. Yu, but our Xiaozhou Mu was even more beautiful than that Xia Jingyun back then."

"He is the adopted brother of the concubine, and our Zhou Mu is the younger brother of the Empress. He won the first prize in the imperial examination. Our Zhou Mu followed the army and faced the barbarians of Beiliang. He led the army and beheaded hundreds of them. From an official to a state shepherd, what is worse than him. That is to say, it has been a long time, and everyone has forgotten it."

Xia Jingyun wasn't annoyed at being exported in such a way, but was amazed, "I didn't expect Mr. Zhou Mu to have such an experience. It's really amazing."

The boss of the boat nodded proudly, "So, we don't take those people who are so amazing outside, we don't take it seriously. If you have the ability, come to Longshou Prefecture to make gestures in person? Right?"

"Well said." Xia Jingyun smiled, "Come on, let me toast you!"

After drinking a glass of wine, seeing that Xia Jingyun didn't speak anymore, the boss of the boat also stood up tactfully, "I won't bother you any more. If you have anything to do, you can call me anytime."

Xia Jingyun nodded, "Okay, thank you boatman."

The boss of the boat went out, suddenly stunned, but forgot to take this opportunity to ask the other party's name and where he came from!
After thinking about it, it doesn't matter what his background is, it doesn't matter to me, anyway, it can't be that imperial envoy Xia Jingyun.
-
When the boss of the boat left, Chen Fugui looked at Xia Jingyun, "Son, I feel that this man's words are a bit exaggerated. If there are bandits everywhere like he said, how can we not hear any rumors in Zhongjing? Are you deaf?"

Xia Jingyun shook his head, "There may be some exaggeration, but it should be no different. A few days ago, Mr. Wei and I read the information of the household department. Although there have been many increases in recent years, the total amount of taxes collected is only Barely on par with previous years."

Chen Fugui's eyes widened, and Xia Jingyun explained: "Qin Weizhong was in power before, he was a traitor, and he was a part of the people's life, and His Majesty also wanted to hear the lie about the peace of the world, what he would do, of course, was whitewashing Taiping, showing His Majesty a scene of peace and prosperity. And those who dared to speak out were expelled from the court under the cooperation of His Majesty and him, and these news will naturally not spread."

"As for those central ministers who have the ability to block the way of speech after Qin Weizhong's downfall, who doesn't want to fight for position now, and who is willing to risk the disgrace of the world to puncture the dream of His Majesty the Holy King."

Chen Fugui frowned, "What about the Black Ice Terrace?"

As a private institution directly under His Majesty, in Chen Fugui's view, it will naturally present the real situation to let the King know the real situation in the world.

Xia Jingyun narrowed his eyes, "The Black Ice Terrace is also made up of people, and people will have emotions. Maybe he once tried to tell His Majesty the truth, but after finding out that His Majesty doesn't like to hear these things, how do you think he would choose?"

He sighed softly: "What's more, Your Majesty really cares about the truth, do you want to hear the truth?"

Chen Fugui's heart was shocked, and he was silent for a while. With the propaganda and education he had heard since he was a child, it was difficult for him to say those words.

But Xia Jingyun helped him and said, "The people in the world dare not speak out but dare to be angry, and the heart of a single husband becomes more and more arrogant. The world has collapsed to this point, and the real culprit is still on the dragon chair!"

After finishing speaking, he looked at Chen Fugui who was nervous, and smiled, "Don't be so nervous, I won't rebel. It's just that we can prescribe the right medicine when we understand the crux of the problem."

Chen Fugui quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Seeing this, Xia Jingyun also shook his head lightly, not mentioning any reason why the war caused the deepest harm to the people, just looking at Chen Fugui, he knew that a dynasty that had existed for more than 300 years, how could it be so easily and easily disregarded in the hearts of the people? replaced.

A few days later, the boat arrived at Xichu County, a neighboring county of Chuning County.

Both the boss of the boat and Xia Jingyun stood on the deck, and the boss of the boat said, "Respected guest, it's only half a day away from Chuning County, why don't we go straight to Chuning County?"

Xia Jingyun smiled, "Don't worry, you'll get a share of the fare, but I'm here to do some business, I think it's better to walk around more. If you don't go far, it's just this county. , take a look."

The boss of the boat saw that this man was very nice, so he persuaded him a little more, "Don't worry about the boat trip, it only takes half a day. If you go by land, it may take two or three days, and the villain told you before that the journey by land , I'm afraid it's not peaceful!"

Xia Jingyun nodded, "We appreciate the good intentions, but since we are going out to do something, if we don't find out the situation clearly, it will be difficult in the future. Besides, these nursing homes in my family are not vegetarians!"

The boss of the boat had no choice but to sigh to himself that good words are hard to persuade the damned ghosts, and let them go after collecting the money.

Seeing them chatting and laughing, leading the horses slowly, the captain of the boat silently pressed the heavy silver, shook his head, and ordered to lift the anchor and leave!

At the same time, in Zhongjing City, Jiang Anhou Mansion.

A convoy was ready to go at the entrance of the Hou Mansion. Following a figure dressed as a rich man quickly boarded the carriage, everyone in the Hou Mansion respectfully sent it off, and the convoy set off towards the east gate under the escort of a group of guards armed with knives.

There is no Wang Ming flag, and there is no extravagant battle, but many people know that this is Xia Langzhong who has been planning behind closed doors for many days, and finally set off for Longshou Prefecture.

So, one after another, the pigeons flapped their wings and flew into the sky.

"Sir, look!"

As soon as he stepped onto the pier, Chen Fugui motioned to the side of the road, Xia Jingyun looked along, and his feet paused.

I saw a row of unkempt and disheveled children squatting under a row of earthen walls.

They were big and small, the small one was holding a broken bowl or something, and the big one was empty-handed. The same thing was that almost all of them were skinny and had huge heads.

They leaned together, scanning the people who came and went, and those in their line of work who could afford horses and clothes were naturally also in their gazes.

Xia Jingyun led the horse forward, and said arrogantly: "You guys, does anyone know where dry food is sold at this pier, lead the way, I will reward you!"

Chen Fugui and the guards on the side looked at Xia Jingyun in puzzlement. The young master in his impression shouldn't have this habit.

An older boy, about thirteen or fourteen years old, immediately stood up from the bottom of the wall, "I know."

Xia Jingyun casually pointed to a boy who was also eleven or twelve years old, "You also come together and lead the way."

Passers-by on the pier glanced at it, then looked away bored.

The two teenagers quickly brought Xia Jingyun to a biscuit shop, and while swallowing their saliva, they said, "This is it."

"Go, go! If you dare to come here, let me see if I don't beat you to death!"

As soon as he said that, the clerk from the biscuit shop rushed out with a stick, but was stopped by Xia Jingyun's guards.

Xia Jingyun pulled Chen Fugui over and whispered something in his ear, Chen Fugui's eyes lit up and he nodded.

He walked over first, took out a few copper coins from his pocket, and threw them to the two teenagers.

Looking at the young man who couldn't help being grateful, he sighed, "Forget it, I'm showing kindness! Shopkeeper, wrap me ten sesame cakes."

The stall owner would make things difficult for these teenagers, but since he couldn't disobey Xia Jingyun and his party, he immediately wrapped up ten sesame seed cakes and handed them to Chen Fugui.

Chen Fugui took the biscuits and put them together with the oil paper bag in the palm of a young man, and said meaningfully: "Take it well, don't be robbed by others."

The young man was puzzled at first, then his expression changed immediately, and then his legs softened, but Chen Fugui suddenly changed his face, "Mother-in-law, you are quite a man! Get out!"

The two teenagers were stunned by the scolding, and then they left quickly.

Xia Jingyun and the others also bought dozens of sesame seed cakes here, packed them in their own bags, and asked about the way to Chuning County by the way, and then led the horses forward.

After walking for a while and reaching a deserted place, a guard couldn't help but asked: "My lord, you obviously wanted to help them, why did you make such remarks earlier?"

Xia Jingyun didn't answer his question directly, but asked, "Do you know what it means for a group of people like them to sit there?"

Chen Fugui said, "It means they are all orphans."

"Yes!" Xia Jingyun nodded, "A group of orphans, the oldest of which is only thirteen or fourteen years old, and there are three or four-year-old children among them. If I am kind and caring for them, guess what will happen?"

Everyone who will come to be this guard is naturally from grass roots, so they immediately reacted to this point.

I and my party are rich and powerful at first glance, if that is the case, most of the hooligans on the pier will ask them for their benefits. At that time, the rewards given will not only fall into the hands of these poor children, but may also become their reminders .

"Young master is thoughtful, I admire you."

Hearing the flattery of his subordinates, Xia Jingyun lost his spirits, "I asked Brother Chen to quietly give them a little bit of silver by taking the opportunity of giving sesame seed cakes, in an effort to keep them alive, but they are the only ones who can't survive in this world." several."

Everyone looked around and saw that the village was dilapidated and the wilderness was deserted. The passers-by who could be seen were all in ragged clothes and looked disheveled. Thinking of the singing and dancing in Zhongjing City, they couldn't help but be silent.

"Of course we can save them, but there are countless people like this in this world, people who are more miserable than them, can we save them?"

Xia Jingyun looked at the silent crowd, and suddenly smiled, "It can be saved. As long as we find a way to restore peace in this world, these people can find a way to live and live and work in peace and contentment. It's not about saving one person, it's about saving the whole world! The faster we By achieving this goal, the better their chances of surviving!"

He got on his horse, lightly clamped the horse's belly, and shook the reins, "Masters, let's work hard together!"

Chen Fugui and everyone felt their blood rushing up, "I would like to follow you!"

Then they all got on their horses and rode to keep up.

The pride in his chest was like a flame, but it didn't last long before the scene in front of him extinguished all the fire in his heart.

On the official road ahead, a tree trunk lay across the road, blocking everyone's way.

And when everyone reined in their horses, with a burst of clamor, dozens of men with wooden sticks and shovels rushed out from the forest on both sides of the official road.

Surrounded by three sides, a strong man with a knife came out, bared his long-haired chest, and sat down on the tree trunk with a big horse.

First he picked the flesh between his teeth with his fingers, then sucked it back into his mouth, and cast a cold glance at Xia Jingyun and the others,
"Everyone, let's ask for a fortune!"

　Next, let's try our best to post this kind of big chapters, all orders are equal, and the total amount is the same.

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(End of this chapter)