first minister

Chapter 289
The bearer pushed down the sedan chair and lifted the curtain, and a young official in a green robe came out in front of everyone's attention.

The official uniform is ironed, with a straight figure and a calm and majestic face. It is the current parent officer of Chuning County, the county magistrate of Chuning County, and the top two in this department, Baiyunbian!

The father and son of the Long family and a group of gentry who were still talking and laughing in the main hall before, had already arrived at the sedan chair in the blink of an eye.

Long Zhengqing laughed, "The county lord is here, the humble house is full of splendor, and the whole family is flattered!"

A smile appeared on Bai Yunbian's face, "Long Yuanwai is a model gentry, he has contributed a lot to the order of the county and the harmony of the neighbors, and the county should congratulate him once or twice."

After finishing speaking, he looked at Mr. Long at the side, and praised: "Young master is really a good-looking talent. He is young and promising, and he will definitely have great achievements in the future!"

The son was praised, and the smile on Long Zhengqing's face as a father was also sincere, "Compared to the county lord, who here dares to say that he is young and promising!"

All the gentry also echoed and praised, Bai Yunbian waved his hands modestly, but couldn't close his mouth with a smile.

After being greeted with courtesy, Long Zhengqing stretched out his hand, "Come, come, please, Mr. County Venerable!"

Seeing Bai Yunbian's quite free-spirited appearance, Xia Jingyun couldn't help laughing.

Chen Fugui leaned close to his ear and whispered: "Master, you look like an old father watching his son grow up with satisfaction."

The corner of Xia Jingyun's mouth twitched, and he gave him a blank look, "I will tell him the truth."

Chen Fugui's face collapsed, and he hurriedly said, "Young master, I'm just joking."

Just as they were talking, a long sigh of emotion came from the ears of the two of them, "A man should be like this!"

The two turned their heads to look at a young scholar, his eyes followed the back of the white cloud, his expression was full of yearning and enthusiasm.

Xia Jingyun smiled and cupped his hands, "Brother, you seem to adore this Bai Xianzun?"

The scholar nodded, "Bai Xianzun is young, and he won the first place in the top two in one fell swoop. How can scholars of our generation not admire this kind of ability?"

Xia Jingyun nodded slightly, "That's true, but it's not long since Chunwei has passed, and the Bai County Lord has been here for a few days, right? Why does he seem to be quite familiar with the local gentry?"

The scholar slightly proudly said: "It's unreasonable for you to say so well. Scholars of my generation learn the words of sages, learn the skills of managing the world and helping the people, hold the seal of the imperial court, and patrol the hunting side on behalf of the sky. The local gentry should respectfully obey. Don't go!"

Xia Jingyun and Chen Fugui, who couldn't take it anymore, stopped and turned to look at him. The scholar said coyly, "Well, to be honest, I heard that it's because of the number one scholar in Jinke."

"Oh?" Xia Jingyun raised his eyebrows and returned to his side.

"When Bai Xianzun first came, everyone didn't take him seriously. After all, in Chuning County, there is the Ye family, the Cao Gang, and the master of water transportation. Root. However, on the second day after Bai Xianzun arrived, news spread that the number one scholar would be an imperial envoy and would visit Longshou Prefecture."

"Then there was news that Bai Xianzun and the imperial envoy were close friends. At the beginning, the imperial envoy traveled with Bai Xianzun to Yunmeng Prefecture, and then he was grateful for Bai Xianzun's kindness. After entering Beijing, he strongly invited Bai Xianzun to live in his home. The county lord could not refuse, so they lived together for several months. Afterwards, the two of them had a first-class title and a second-class title. Those slippery subordinates in the county are all honest."

Chen Fugui couldn't help but turned his head and suppressed a smile. This rhetoric, as soon as he heard it, was the news released by Mr. Bai himself!
Although Xia Jingyun also found it interesting, he still felt quite relieved.

Bai Yunbian at least knows how to use the situation to play tricks, not just throwing his head up and pretending to beep.

But immediately he came to his senses again, what was this comforting feeling, he was not his son.

"So, these people respect Bai County's face, but they are actually looking at the face of the imperial envoy?"

"Isn't it!" The scholar said with emotion: "The number one scholar in Lianzhong Sanyuan! If there is a chance this time, I really want to see it with my own eyes. It's best to touch it and feel the noble spirit. Maybe three years later, I can also win a Jinshi or something, Guangzong Yaozu!"

Xia Jingyun stretched out his hand and patted him on the shoulder, "I see that brother's inner strength is inherent, and there must be a chance to realize his ambition in the future."

The scholar glanced at his shoulder in distaste, then looked at Xia Jingyun, and complained that this man did not understand etiquette, and said displeasedly: "You are so old, calling me brother Taiwan is not a bit shabby. ?”

Chen Fugui finally couldn't help it, and laughed loudly.

Xia Jingyun only realized that he was still wearing a big beard. He touched his nose in embarrassment, and changed his words: "Little brother knows these things so clearly, doesn't he look like an ordinary person?"

The scholar shook his head and sighed, "It's just because we are distant relatives of the Long family, and our fathers have been begging for food on the water transport, so we have some understanding of it. There is nothing unusual about it."

Xia Jingyun's eyes lit up, and he thought about it.

He wants to inquire about the news before his whereabouts are revealed, and the person in front of him is a good candidate!

But it is not an easy task to deepen the connection with the other party quietly.

Just as he was talking, a loud shout came from the door, "The villain is ordered by the Fifth Elder, and I am here to congratulate the Third Elder!"

The gentry and dignitaries who were talking and laughing at Yan Yan in the main hall, and the sons and brothers who were cheering in the side hall, all stopped their movements and looked over.

The scholar said in a low voice: "The Fifth Elder and the clan uncle have never dealt with each other. I'm afraid they came here to find trouble."

Xia Jingyun looked at the man holding the box, and recalled the message You Qianli told him yesterday:

Although the Cao Gang is respected by the gang leader, it is not monolithic. The five elders have their own responsibilities. Among them, the first elder and the third elder are the gang leader's hardcore. The fifth elders, especially the fifth elder, are often at odds with the gang leader because they are young and powerful and act resolutely, and because they are sworn enemies of the third elder.

To put it simply, the structure of the Cao Gang is that the leader leads two elders into one faction, one elder is neutral, and the remaining two are dissidents.

According to Xia Jingyun's analysis, the recent changes in the Cao Gang either fell on the leader of the gang or on the fifth elder, so today is considered to be the right time.

While he was thinking about it, Long Zhengqing got up and said calmly, "The fifth brother has a heart."

After finishing speaking, he winked at the steward at the side, and the steward hurriedly walked over and was about to take the box, but the person who delivered the box did not hand it over, but said loudly: "The fifth elder said, there must be a group of people here today. Xian Bizhi, the Fifth Elder specially ordered the villain to bring a small topic, and chat for entertainment, so as to increase the interest."

Long Zhengqing, the third elder of the Cao Gang, turned cold when he heard the words, "Today is my wife's birthday, it's too much!"

Seeing the big figures of the Cao Gang get angry, the atmosphere in the field suddenly became serious.

Who knew that the messenger was not afraid, and said with a smile: "The Fifth Elder also said, it doesn't matter if the Third Elder doesn't dare to play. His congratulatory gift has been delivered and he has come to his heart. I wish you all good food and drink."

After speaking, he handed the box forward.

Everyone looked at Long Zhengqing, it's afternoon!
If you don't accept the trick, you will lose face. If you accept the trick, you may not lose face, but it may also be more embarrassing. For a big shot, the most important thing is face.

"Stop!" Long Zhengqing said coldly: "What's the old man's trick, I'll follow up! Go back and tell him that there is a limit to reckless behavior, don't lose all the face and pride of the Cao Gang!"

"The words of the third elder will be conveyed by the villain."

The messenger bowed and opened the box directly, only to see a jade ruler lying inside. He held up the jade ruler, "The question asked by the fifth elder is, how can the third elder, with a length of only one foot, make a Within the stick of incense, what is the height of the house that stands today?"

Everyone was stunned when they heard this.

Some of the most simple-minded, with the mentality of watching the excitement, feel that this time is coming, and wait happily to watch the excitement;
Those who looked a little deeper thought that the Fifth Elder would make such a difficult problem at this time, because he was determined to embarrass the Third Elder and spoil his good deeds. The two had a lot of enmity;

Others who think more farther are thinking about the factional disputes within the Cao Gang. It seems that it has almost surfaced. If the Ye family cannot take strong measures to suppress it, there may be big troubles;
And the very few who really knew the inside story focused all their attention on that question.

Although Long Zhengqing's face was still gloomy, his anger slowly subsided in his heart.

Knowing the real disputes and struggles in the gang, he knew that the fifth brother was trying to make him difficult, but he was also pointing him out.

With just such a little skill, do you understand how much weight the Ye Family and the Cao Gang you belong to have in this world?

Now that the situation in the world is urgent, how can we still live in a leisurely way like in the past.

But if he thinks clearly, he can think clearly, but he can't let go of his annoyance if he is given a difficult problem in front of so many people.

He snorted, "Since Lao Wu wants to play a trick with this old man and all the sages here, and the hospitality is hard to refuse, how can we refuse? It's a trivial problem, everyone, please solve it!"

When everyone heard this, they couldn't help cursing the old fox secretly.

It was originally a grievance between him and the five elders, but this sentence involved everyone present.

If you lose, everyone is out of face, and it's not easy to publicize this matter, what a thief!
But then again, the Fifth Elder is indeed a bit too much, doing this in front of everyone, somewhat disregarding everyone!
Everyone had a feeling of common hatred and hatred, and began to think about this question, and then many people's expressions quietly became serious.

First of all, it is not an easy task to measure the specific height of this room;
Secondly, only rely on a short ruler to limit the tools;

In the end, you have to test it within a stick of incense, which is really a bit difficult.

Some people who couldn't speak their minds just started yelling.

"Why is this difficult? Find someone who is flexible, climb to the roof, hang down a rope or ink line, and use a ruler to measure it?"

Someone next to me immediately retorted, "I said you can only use a ruler. If you use rope and ink line, it is against the rules."

"Then I'll take a ladder and measure it up foot by foot!"

"Isn't the ladder still illegal?"

"Hey! According to what you said, did that person also violate the rules? What's the matter, you need a ruler to become a master, so move yourself!"

"You are sophistry. I am too lazy to tell you!"

"If you want me to say, it's not so difficult, just find out the craftsman who built the house and ask if it's right, you don't even need a ruler."

"Where can you find it within this stick of incense?"

Hearing the discussion among the crowd, the father and son of the Long family also understood the difficulty, and their hearts gradually sank. It seems that the fifth child is well prepared!
The young master in the side hall and the dignitaries and gentry in the main hall frowned. When they came here today, their hearts were naturally more inclined to the Long family and his son, hoping to find a solution.

But if you think about it carefully, this is really not a simple matter.

Seeing that the noisy voices around him gradually fell silent, the messenger who delivered the box raised his chin slightly, with a bit of pride, "It's okay if the third elder can't answer, please accept the gift, so I can go back and report."

"You!" Seeing his father being humiliated, Mr. Long was furious, but there was nothing he could do.

In the crowd, Xia Jingyun looked at the scholar beside him, "Little brother, do you want to show off?"

The scholar turned his head to look at him in surprise, Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "I have a way to solve this problem. I can teach you the way."

The scholar frowned and looked puzzled, "Why don't you go to such a good thing?"

"I'm just an unknown pawn. Even if I solve this problem, I will only get some gold and silver. A few words of praise may even attract the displeasure and hatred of the fifth elder. But little brother, you are different. You are from the Long family. It's only natural to come forward to solve problems, not to mention, if you succeed, how can the Long family not look at you highly, and then help you hire a few famous teachers, or send them to the state school, maybe your rank in the imperial examination will be even more important. I'm sure. You and I hit it off right away, so I'll give you the limelight."

With Xia Jingyun's ability to fool even the emperor, it's easy to fool this simple scholar. After a few words, the other party's eyes can't hide the heat and excitement.

"Brother, if you can help me, I will be very grateful!"

Xia Jingyun held his arm, "But I have one condition."

"Brother, please speak!"

"I have always admired Mr. Long, and I want to make some friends. After the matter is completed, I will ask my little brother to introduce Mr. Long for me."

The scholar suddenly showed embarrassment, "I can't talk to him, how can I recommend him!"

Xia Jingyun smiled, "I was speechless before, but if my little brother rescued the Long family at this critical moment, would he still be speechless?"

The scholar thought about it, and immediately nodded, "Okay, as long as this is done, I will recommend you!"

"Okay!" Xia Jingyun said with a smile: "Then you listen carefully, this matter only needs to be like this"

In the main hall, Long Zhengqing couldn't help but turned around and looked at the crowd, "Everyone, if you have a good plan, I hope you can teach me."

Everyone looked at me and looked at you, but they couldn't find a suitable way. In the end, they all turned their eyes to Bai Yunbian, the county magistrate of Chuning County, who was sitting in the main seat.

Bai Yunbian panicked secretly, I'm not a dog named Xia, how can I have so many goofs.

But this was another rare opportunity for him to gain prestige in Chuning County, and he didn't want to just give up, so he pondered for a while, and was about to speak, when he heard a shout from outside the hall, "I have a solution!"

When the scholar opened his mouth, an elder of the Long family immediately recognized him. Seeing that this nerd appeared, he quickly reprimanded: "What are you doing, just wait for me, don't make any trouble!"

Then another old man also came over, who was obviously closer to him than the previous one, took his arm, and reprimanded him in a low voice: "You are crazy! If you want to get ahead, you have to divide the occasion, look at the time !"

A clansman of the same generation even sneered, "Are you stupid for studying? You think this is in your backyard! Oh, I forgot, your house probably doesn't even have a backyard!"

Some guests next to each other whispered, "Hey, isn't this the scholar from the Long family?"

"I heard that Jinke failed again and almost committed suicide. Why are you so courageous now?"

"It's probably a broken jar, and you want to give it a try?"

Listening to everyone's words, the scholar who finally mustered up the courage to take that step blushed, and hesitated under his feet.

And the messenger who delivered the gift glanced at him and said with a smile: "There are indeed talents among the three elders!"

These words are praise on the surface, but the irony in the tone is obvious.

The third elder also looked at the junior in the clan whose name he could no longer remember with a sullen face, showing displeasure.

The housekeeper at the side observed his words and immediately said: "Go down, you have no place to talk here!"

When the scholar heard the words, all the courage and passion in his body retreated in an instant, and the dream he had been longing for seemed to be shattered like a dream bubble with this sentence.

He lowered his head and was about to turn around when he heard a rough voice in his ear.

"This is really a joke. Outsiders make things difficult for you, and you can't solve it yourself. There are clansmen who are willing to help but still don't like it. Why, are you determined to suffer this shame and humiliation?"

The steward of the Dragon Mansion was furious when he heard the words, "Who is talking here!"

But Bai Yunbian at the entrance of the main hall was suddenly startled.

This sound!
He hurriedly followed his gaze, and saw Chen Fugui's simple and honest face with thick eyebrows and big eyes.

Beside Chen Fugui, there was a dog winking playfully at him!

Even though he wore a mustache, he would still recognize it even if it turned to ashes!
I knew it!

I knew it!

Bai Yunbian shouted silently in his heart, I knew this guy would not be so honest, he could always come up with some new tricks!
So he saw his glorious appearance just now?

"Bai Xianzun, what's the matter?"

Seeing that his eyes were wrong, the people around him hurriedly asked with concern.

Although Bai Yunbian was still immersed in the strong shock and imagination brought by the sudden discovery of Xia Jingyun's figure at this moment, his mind was not stupid. Seeing Xia Jingyun and Chen Fugui's appearance, he knew that they did not want to be discovered, so his heart moved, and he agreed tacitly. Played a cooperation.

He pointed at the scholar who was frozen in place and said with a smile: "Mr. Long, I think I can let this person try. I see his eyes are firm, his expression is confident, and his steps are calm. He can solve the problem for you without me acting!"

Everyone was dumbfounded. Looking at the scholar who cowered like a quail, how could it have anything to do with words like being firm and confident!
But no matter the officialdom or the workplace, if the leader says you can do it, then it’s okay.

Therefore, the third elder, Long Zhengqing, couldn't possibly refute Bai Yunbian's face because of this, so he could only say: "Then try it, if you succeed, there will be a lot of rewards."

The situation turned around quietly, the scholar couldn't help but glance at Bai Yunbian gratefully, he is worthy of being Mr. Bai, and he is worthy of being a role model for my generation of scholars!

He walked out of the crowd and came to the front of the hall. He had never been watched by so many eyes, and he suddenly felt his throat dry and his calves feel a little tight.

The messenger of the Fifth Elder smiled disapprovingly, "What kind of trick does this little brother have?"

The scholar silently went through the method taught to him by the man with the mustache who was somewhat ignorant of etiquette, and gradually gained confidence. He turned his heart and said, "This method is not difficult! Give me the ruler!"

The messenger sneered, took out the ruler and handed it to the scholar.

The scholar squatted down, stood the ruler on the open space in front of him, pointed at the shadow on the ground, and said loudly:
"We only need to place this ruler on the ground, mark its shadow length, calculate its proportion, and then measure the shadow length of the roof, and then we can easily calculate the height of the house!"

The messenger's expression froze.

The scholar immediately opened his mouth and said: "Xiaosheng also said something to the fifth elder, one foot is short and two feet is high. There is the most righteous principle between heaven and earth."

Although he didn't know what it meant, but the mustache insisted on adding it, so he had no choice but to do so.

After everyone listened, they were taken aback for a moment, and then coaxed, cheering everywhere.

"Wonderful, isn't this the same as a sundial!"

"Yeah, with this method, you really only need a ruler!"

"Besides, it's near noon, and the shadows are relatively short. You don't even need a stick of incense, and the energy will come out when you have a cup of tea!"

"Wonderful! Why didn't I think of it! Otherwise, this scenery should be mine!"

"That's what this thing is all about. It's so simple if someone points it out, but if you don't point it out, you won't be able to figure it out if you scratch your head. Just save yourself!"

In the main hall, everyone was quite surprised and praised.

"The three elders are really full of talents!"

"Yes, such ingenuity, such quick wit, absolutely extraordinary!"

The third elder's face was flushed, and he smiled sweetly, "Thank you, thank you."

He looked at the younger generation in the clan, especially when he heard the last sentence he uttered, and couldn't help but feel a little shocked. The other party actually guessed what the fifth elder meant, and used the same reasoning in this matter to give him a slap in the face. went back.

I didn't expect that there are such talents in my clan. I must reuse them!
Everyone in the main hall didn't boast a few words, and immediately someone cleverly and philistinely pointed the object of flattery at Bai Yunbian.

"Speaking of which, it must be Baixian Zun who knows people with his eyes! This person is so talented that he almost won't let it go!"

"Isn't that right? We can only see the outside, but Bai Xianzun can see through the inside of this person. With this kind of knowledge of people, it's no wonder that he was able to win the first place in one fell swoop and the top two!"

"Hey! Teach me, this second-ranking champion is wronged by Mr. Bai. Mr. Bai didn't sleep well that day? If Mr. Bai performs normally, the first rank will be in his pocket!"

"What Yijia, I think, the number one scholar should belong to Mr. Bai!"

The more people talked, the more exaggerated they became. Bai Yunbian listened intently, but glanced across the field without any trace, and saw Xia Jingyun looking at him with a half-smile.

　I was a little stuck yesterday, the update is late, sorry!

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(End of this chapter)