soy sauce lady

Chapter 13

Lin Xuan rushed to the Prince Regent's residence early the next morning with a good plan for water control, and followed Zhao Quan all the way to the door. Before knocking on the door, he saw a girl in Tsing Yi yawning and coming out. Look tired.

He raised his eyebrows slightly, his eyes were meaningful.

As soon as Wen Su raised her head, she saw that the god who revered a childhood was right in front of her eyes. She was exhausted all of a sudden, and she was about to go up to say hello happily, but someone behind her said, "You are here." It's early."

Lin Xuan smiled ambiguously, "Yes, I hope you will forgive me for disturbing my lord's dream."

"Then next time, don't enter the room like this, just wait outside."

Lin Xuan hurriedly said yes, and laughed even more happily.

Wen Su twitched the corners of her mouth a few times, why don't you explain, my lord...

The two people who did not agree with each other had a lukewarm greeting and then went to the study to discuss matters. Wen Su took the opportunity to go back to catch up on sleep. Before leaving, he did not forget to pat Zhao Quan and give him a gloomy look.

From her vicious eyes, Zhao Quan seems to have seen countless delicious Jiangnan pastries...

The weather was still bad, gloomy and hot, Wen Su woke up sweaty after a short sleep, sat on the bedside and sighed.

The good life of the Prince Regent's Mansion has passed for a long time, but I am not used to the life in my hometown. What a crime!
After taking a bath, he had a full meal, and then strolled to the Prince Regent's courtyard, and saw Qi Jianjian rushing there with a group of surrounding officials.

Knowing that the Prince Regent summoned, how dare these gentlemen delay?He just rushed over overnight.However, the weather was bad, and there was a heavy rain from time to time, which made everyone describe themselves as embarrassed, so that they all showed apprehension in the face of the upcoming interview.

Zhao Quan had already gone to the study to make a report, but he came back after a while. When he invited several officials in, he had strange expressions on his face.

Wen Su saw it clearly, stepped forward and jokingly said: "What, you were scolded by the prince?"

"Of course not..." Zhao Quan looked around, beckoned to her mysteriously, and said in a low voice, "Master Wen, to be honest, I think that Mr. Lin you admire is a bit weird."

"Huh? What's weird?"

"As soon as I said that the officials were coming, he hid in a hurry. Isn't he weird? Isn't he a hero of flood control? Are you afraid that the magistrate here will not succeed?"

Wen Su couldn't help being taken aback when he heard the words, and thought about it secretly in his heart, and then he recalled one thing.

Speaking of which, how could Lin Yanchun, who is taboo about officialdom, take the initiative to find the regent?
As she was thinking, Zhao Quan beside her suddenly pulled her. When Wen Su raised her head, she saw him pouting behind her.

Following his line of sight, it turned out that Lin Xuan had left the study at some time, holding the hem of his clothes in one hand and holding the letter in the other. He walked in a hurry, and his refined and handsome air was inevitably slightly disturbed.

He didn't stop until he saw Wen Su nearby, his expression seemed to be relieved, he cupped his hands and said to her: "Just now I heard the regent mention that the girl is Master Hubu Lang Zhongwen Suwen. I don't know Mount Tai, I hope you will forgive me."

It is really flattering for the object of reverence to say such things to him, Wen Su hurriedly replied: "Where is it, Mr. Lin is too praised."

Lin Xuan was no longer polite, and looked around, convinced that Zhao Quan was the only one present, and handed the letter he was holding in front of her, "I was going to give this to the regent, but I lost it when I was interrupted just now." I would like to ask Mr. Wen to pass on this opportunity, don’t forget it.”

He was fine a moment ago, but he suddenly became so solemn, which really made Wen Su a little puzzled.But after all, she had a heart of reverence for him, so she took the letter respectfully without hesitation, and nodded in agreement.

Lin Xuan thanked her again and again, and then left in a hurry.

After watching him disappear, Zhao Quan spread his hands, "Look, isn't it weird?"

Wen Su didn't answer, she was staring at the letter in her hand and thinking deeply.

To her, Lin Xuan is a miraculous figure who can make every move no matter what he hears or what he sees with his eyes. What kind of things can make him panic and avoid him?What he avoids is the court, and he has always enjoyed eating along the river, so how could he avoid the officials here?
What exactly is written in this letter?
Could it be...it is related to the officials in the study?

The discussion in the study lasted until the afternoon, during which Xiao Zheng almost forgot that there was lunch, so that several parents and officials were punished with him. complexion.It was only because the Prince Regent kept a cold face after hearing their report, and he didn't say much, just asking a few questions from time to time, which made them lose their balance.

The double torture of spirit and body...

After the group left, he was the only one left in the room. Xiao Zheng leaned back slightly, leaned on the back of the chair and closed his eyes to rest, but he was sorting out his thoughts in his mind.

Along the way, based on what he saw with his own eyes, the disaster was not as serious as claimed in the memorial.Qi Jian's report on the disaster situation in Taizhou City was also very pertinent, and everything was within controllable range, and the success would be accomplished only after Lin Xuan led the flood out.

But today these officials have exaggerated the situation of the disaster in their words.

It suddenly occurred to him that Lin Xuan's sudden evasion just now might have something to do with this matter.

Thinking of this person made him feel bad, Xiao Zheng pinched his brows, the tiredness from last night's sleepless night and the hunger from having not had lunch began to strike at this moment, but he didn't want to move.

I don't know why, but I am emotionally weak, I don't want to open my eyes, and I don't want to move.

After such a long time, there was a sudden burst of fragrance from the tip of his nose, he opened his eyes slightly, and met a pair of black and white eyes.

"My lord, are you awake? Did the servant disturb you?" Wen Su smiled shyly and bowed to him.

Xiao Zheng sat up straight, "Why are you here?"

"My lord hasn't eaten anything yet, and he hasn't slept all night. How can we go on like this?" She brought a porcelain bowl from the round table next to her. It was the same smell that filled the tip of his nose just now.

"My lord, while it's still warm, let's finish the meal first."

I heard that people who have been on an empty stomach for a long time should eat lighter food. Xiao Zheng hadn't eaten since last night, and because he had to discuss with Lin Xuan this morning, he also took a few mouthfuls, let alone at noon, so this bowl of lean meat The porridge was obviously cooked for him by Wen Su, who knew the inside story well.

There was warmth in his heart, he smiled gratefully at her, and reached out to take the bowl.

He was originally born with a handsome appearance, but now he was wearing a thin white toga because of the hot weather, coupled with this smile, Wen Su suddenly had the urge to cover his nose and fall to the ground.

Stunning girl, don't you laugh at me?

The two of them drank the porridge slowly, and watched the other drink the porridge slowly. The atmosphere was very warm, but no matter how warm it was, it was necessary to get down to business.

Wen Su took out Lin Xuan's letter from her sleeve, and was about to speak when the regent asked, "Wen Qing, in your opinion, this flood is serious?"

She was slightly stunned, but quickly realized: "Reporting to the lord, according to my opinion, there are not many refugees on this road, the road is feasible, and the farmland is not destroyed. In the few places where the dike broke, the rest..."

Xiao Zheng pushed away the bowl and spoon, stared at her closely, "What else?"

Wen Su pursed her lips, and handed him the letter in her hand, "Please ask the prince to read Mr. Lin's letter first."

Hearing that it was left by Lin Xuan, Xiao Zheng felt a little uncomfortable, but he still took the letter immediately, opened it and read it quickly, and Dang even sullenly.

"What else did Wen Qing say just now?"

Wen Su didn't know what he saw, so he could only bite the bullet and express his conjecture: "The lower official thinks that the rest... are some shady things."

"What are things that cannot be seen?" Xiao Zheng's voice was deep and frightening.

Wen Su gritted his teeth, picked up the brush in front of him, and wrote a word on the rice paper:

greedy.

"The next official also speculates that every time the disaster relief is over, some officials can always be found renovating old houses or even adding new ones. These are only visible, and there are probably more."

Deliberately falsely claiming that the disaster is serious and greedy for the government's disaster relief funds, this is a worse act than seeking people's fat and anointment, and it is impossible to carry out without organization and courage.And this time, he dared to continue bluffing and cheating in front of the regent. I am afraid that many times of training made his courage fatter. It can be seen that the appetite of these corrupt officials is getting bigger and bigger.

Xiao Zheng's face sank like water: "Go on."

"The temple is high and far away, so it is difficult to see the hardships of the people's life. The world only thinks that the people in the south of the Yangtze River are beautiful, the water is beautiful, and the land of fish and rice, but they don't know that there are moths and worms under it, and the filth is unbearable..."

The voice became lower and lower, and the person in front of him showed a rare dignified expression, and suddenly became strange.

Xiao Zheng was startled, and stood up, "Wen Qing, what's wrong with you?"

Wen Su came back to her senses and smiled shyly, "Forgive me, my lord, I actually had some selfish intentions when I said so much. When my father passed away, it was the tribe who bribed corrupt officials and took away my family's land, which forced me to go to the capital and live in exile. street……"

It was the first time for her to talk about these experiences, and it was also the first time for Xiao Zheng to hear about them, and his heart was shocked.

If she doesn't mention it, it is absolutely impossible to see that she has had these experiences.

How does it feel to lose a loved one and be abandoned by the family?What kind of sadness is it when you kneel in front of the yamen and call the sky should not call the earth not working?
It's just a teenage girl's family, why he has gone through all this and can still deal with everyone with a smile every day, he has never noticed it.

At this moment, thinking back on her attitude towards Liu Ke, she suddenly became enlightened.

He was only angry at the damage to his dignity as the regent, but he never thought that it was his own status that made her shy away.

That's right, if it were him, he wouldn't want to get involved in this complicated interpersonal relationship anymore.The world is full of troubles and troubled times, and the greatest happiness is to have someone who treats you wholeheartedly.

However, for his selfishness, he is unwilling.

It has to be said that although Wen Su was beautiful, he didn't leave much impression on him at first.If it weren't for some sophistry on the day of the test, he wouldn't have noticed her at all.

All of this woman's plans did not come from books. In fact, her knowledge was far less than half of Fu Qingyu's. However, she was good at absorbing experience from life, knowing how to observe words and emotions, and knowing how to assess the situation. More importantly, she knew how to hide.

If she hadn't been forced to do nothing, maybe she was still a female staff member hidden deep in the backyard of his mansion, doing nothing and making people forget.

But she finally took this step. This step not only marks the beginning of the New Deal, which will be recorded in the history of the Liang Kingdom, but also steps into his field of vision, disturbing the spring water in his heart.

In fact, during the long journey from the capital, his emotions were still stuck in his awkwardness towards Wen Su and his frustration towards Liu Ke, and it was only at this moment that he really understood what he was thinking.

He had sympathy and pity for the poor woman, but only when Wen Su said those words just now, he wanted to step forward to hug her and give her an arm.

If this is not tempting, then he Xiao Zheng is a beast who can be tempted at any time!

Although he has not experienced the true love between the two, but after all, they are close. For Xiao Zheng, the feelings are hidden deeply, but once established, they are extremely firm.

The person in front of him looked at him quietly, with a faint smile, still waiting for his response.Xiao Zheng secretly laughed, there were times when he didn't know the seriousness, it really shouldn't be a matter of great national affairs and love for children.

Clearing his throat, he said seriously: "Don't worry, this king will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly and get rid of the evil here."

Wen Su immediately showed joy, took a step back and bowed to him, "Your Highness is wise."

Xiao Zheng smiled, and wanted to step forward to help her, but he felt dizzy just after taking a step, and rushed towards Wen Su...

The regent is ill.

It's not serious, it's just that the water and soil are not acclimatized, coupled with overwork and poor diet in the past few days, that's why he fell down.

There are memorials from all over the world to read every day, the disaster is still going on, Lin Xuan's water control strategy has not been read, and those corrupt officials with deep roots...

Xiao Zheng shook his head, propped himself up and was about to sit up.

He has been lying down for several days, which makes him very uncomfortable. What kind of hardships did he suffer when he was on the battlefield?The flying sand in the desert didn't hit him, but he was bowed in front of Jiangnan Xiaoyu.

A pair of hands stopped him in time, and Wen Su sat on the edge of the bed and said comfortingly: "My lord, it's all like this if you don't acclimate to the soil and water, just take a rest, don't force yourself, sharpening a knife is not a mistake for woodcutters."

This is also true.Xiao Zheng sighed, and simply lay back down again, feeling tired, and didn't think about those annoying memorials anymore.

He was lying on his side with his eyes closed, his back was facing Wen Su, but he still did not forget to say: "Wen Qing, you stay here."

Wen Su stared at his back in a daze, the regent, who had always been strong and self-reliant, suddenly lost his previous pride at this moment, and felt a little lonely.

Presumably people who are sick are a little lonely. She recalled her previous experience of being sick, and decided to take good care of the regent...

It was already night when I woke up again, the windows were open, and the wind came in, making it much cooler.

Xiao Zheng turned over, raised his eyes, and was slightly taken aback. Wen Su leaned against the head of the bed with his forehead propped up, and had already fallen asleep.

She has really stayed here for so long.

The candle on the table was already half burned, and it swayed gently with the wind blowing in. The light and shadow danced on her face, flickering and extinguishing, casting a faint layer of her long eyelashes under her eyes, which only added a lot of peace.

Xiao Zheng suddenly remembered the scene when he saw her for the first time, the sun shining into the pavilion in the center of the lake cast a shadow from her drooping eyes like a painting.

It turned out that he remembered it very clearly.

This feeling is very novel, everyone else is still the same, only her, it seems that everything can trigger his own memories, and every picture makes him feel warm.

He raised his hand, wanting to brush the hair from her forehead, but before he reached her, Qi Jian's voice suddenly came from outside the door: "My lord, I have something to play."

"..." The beautiful moment was broken, Xiao Zheng withdrew his hand a little angrily, and Wen Su had already woken up.

"My lord, are you feeling better?" She rubbed her stiff shoulders, stood up and put some distance away, so as not to be impolite.

Xiao Zheng nodded, "It's better." He couldn't hide his melancholy in his words.

It's all the fault of Qi Jian, what happened to the report at night? !

But the child didn't know what to do, so he couldn't get a response and called several times in a row, until the regent said "Come in" in a bad tone.

As soon as the door was pushed open and Wen Su was still standing in the room, Qi Jian couldn't help feeling sad for Liu Ke who was far away in the capital, but she soon came back to her senses, bowed to Xiao Zheng and immediately spoke Said: "My lord, the relief supplies are already in short supply, and there is an urgent need for payment from the court..."

"What?" Xiao Zheng immediately showed displeasure, and sat upright from the bed, "This king has only been here for a few days, and all the supplies he brought have been used up?"

"Reporting to the prince, it's not that it's used up, it's that it's in short supply."

"..."

Wen Su had just woken up not long ago, and her mind was still a little confused. Hearing this, she naturally answered: "How can you use it so quickly?"

Qi Jian thought that she was suspecting that she was not doing well, so she hurriedly explained to Xiao Zheng: "Your Majesty, the embankments where the embankment broke urgently need reinforcement. A lot of silver taels, plus..."

"What did you say?" Xiao Zheng interrupted him suddenly and coldly, "Lin Xuan actually took over the water control directly, but has the king approved it?"

Qi Jian swallowed secretly, "Wang, lord, Mr. Lin's method is indeed effective..."

Xiao Zheng snorted coldly and didn't make another sound.

The three of them were silent for a long time, and they had no clue for a while, so Xiao Zheng could only wave his hands to Qi Jian, "Forget it, you go back first, I will find a way to deal with this matter."

Qi Jian still had an anxious expression on his face, but since the regent had spoken, that was all he could do.

Wen Su watched him go out, then turned to Xiao Zheng and asked, "What's your plan?"

"I have no clue." Xiao Zheng sighed and shook his head: "When the late emperor was in power, he fought constantly, and the treasury left behind was not rich. Actually, there is not much that can be taken out now."

This is the first time Wen Su has heard of these situations, so she is unavoidably worried, "So, it's really tricky."

The two of them didn't speak any more, they both had expressions of deep thought.

Wen Su frowned, wandered around, and suddenly glanced at the memorials piled up on the desk, suddenly a flash of inspiration flashed in his mind, and he exclaimed in surprise: "My lord, I have thought of a way."

"Oh? What?" Xiao Zheng asked immediately.

Wen Suxiao said with confidence, "Borrow money."

King Pingyang lived the life of a playboy in Beijing recently.Flower Street and Willow Alley, teahouses and wine shops, wherever there is happiness, there is his figure, and the name of him as a romantic little prince spread throughout the entire capital for a while.

But he is very good-looking, even those who disdain him have to give him a second look. The famous ladies in Beijing and Xiaojia Biyu secretly enshrine him as the lover in their hearts, longing for him endlessly.

It's a pity that the good times ended in a letter not long after.

The letter was sent by Wen Su, and it was expedited within eight hundred miles, and delivered to him by a special person.

At that time, Xiao Duan was still drinking flowers and wine with Lu Fang in Geyun Tower. After receiving the letter, he immediately opened it for a quick glance, laughed a few times, put the letter in his arms, pushed away the beauty beside him and went out.

Lu Fang hurriedly followed, and he smiled and said: "My friend has sent an urgent letter, and I need to help you..."

Three days later, the King of Pingyang sincerely invited all senior officials to gather on a boat at Bibo Lake in the suburbs of Beijing.

Needless to say, the princes and party members must give enough face.The royalist party was closely united under the leadership team headed by Ding Zhengyi. Meetings were held again and again. During this period, Mr. Yin Ding waved his hands and said that he would not participate in the silly tricks of the yellow-mouthed kid. It was not until the day before the party that the party was actually confirmed. list.

In the summer evening, the breeze is refreshing, and boating on the lake is very emotional.

There are imperial guards guarding all around, not even a fly can fly in, so the huge lake is very quiet, with painted boats, carved beams and painted buildings, dozens of lanterns hanging above, reflecting the lake surface, the light and shadow are vivid, really beautiful.

Xiao Duan with black hair shawl, white robe slightly unbuttoned, holding a folding fan, stood leisurely by the door, personally welcoming the presence of all adults.

This banquet originally only belonged to high-ranking officials and nobles, but he had a heart and invited Fu Qingyu and Liu Ke.The two of them felt that their words were light, and they both arrived early, and soon other officials also arrived, and it was very lively for a while.

After the ceremony, everyone took their seats, and the atmosphere was friendly. Even though the two parties were facing each other on weekdays, at this time, they were laughing while exchanging glasses.

After drinking for three rounds, when everyone was in high spirits, King Pingyang, who was sitting above, shook his folding fan and conveyed the main spirit of Wen Su's letter: "The regent and Lord Wen are doing disaster relief in Taizhou City, and they have worked very hard. , The shortage of materials at this time is even worse, but the national treasury is not rich, as an important member of the court, we should be generous..."

As soon as the words fell, everyone was stunned.

I knew it would be no good to be courteous all of a sudden!
However, it was Fu Qingyu and Liu Ke who sat at the end who reacted most violently after hearing the news.

The people they both care about are far away, and they have only received some sporadic news until now, how can they not pay attention?If it weren't for the consideration of etiquette, I would have almost asked directly.

The adults below were buzzing and discussing, and the originally relaxed atmosphere gradually became heavy.

It is very difficult to ask these high-ranking officials to pay for it, Xiao Duan is very clear.But Wen Su fully affirmed his ability, thinking that with his very cunning and beautiful heart, he would be able to take down all these ministers.

He is helpless, at least he can't live up to his friend's entrustment, can't he?
He took out a note from his sleeve and gave Lu Fang a look, who immediately stepped forward to take it and passed it on.

A piece of paper was twirled in everyone's hands, like water pouring into a frying pan. There was a violent reaction, and the sound of gasping and breathing followed one after another. It was obvious that they were quite frightened, and several adults turned pale.

What was written on the note was the amount each adult would pay, but it was slightly... a little higher than what Wen Su wrote in the letter.

Xiao Duan didn't urge him, until the note returned to his hand, he seemed to think of something suddenly, clapped his hands and said: "By the way, I forgot that uncle has a condition, the old man said, but if this Those who donated money for the first time will all be recorded on the roster, and after he returns to Beijing to have a look, all of them will be promoted to a higher level, there is no doubt about it."

As soon as this was said, the following suction and suction stopped immediately.

After a moment of silence, an unknown official opened his mouth. First, he expressed his deep sympathy for the people affected by the disaster along the river, and then he expressed his gratitude for the noble character of the regent. Afterwards, he did not forget to explain his family's financial difficulties, and finally decided that he would donate money. !

In this way, everyone responded one after another, and the sound of gasping turned into a sound of promise.

Xiao Duan ordered the maid to bring the calligraphy, and personally polished the records, including names, payment dates, and so on.

It was not until the long list was signed and signed by all the officials that it was finalized. Then he rubbed his sore wrist, and said slowly: "However, this king feels that salaries should be taken from the people and used for the people. My lords The pillars of the country will definitely not do such a thing of buying an official, and the regent can't be a person who sells an official, so this king suggested that the old man withdraw that condition..."

"..."

It is said that when the chariots and horses of many dignitaries and dignitaries passed by the street that night, there was a faint sound of sobbing and choking, which made the people in the capital feel sad and cry when they heard it...

At the end of the banquet, Fu Qingyu plucked up the courage to ask King Pingyang: "Dare to ask the prince, who came up with this method of raising money?"

Xiao Duan glanced at her and smiled lightly: "Master Wen."

Fu Qingyu's expression froze, she lowered her eyes silently, and left.

It is only today that I know that these high officials are really rich. It is true that the so-called officials are rich and the people are poor.As a commoner, Wen Su could think of attacking them, which is really normal.

Thinking of the expressions of those people just now, Xiao Duan is really in a good mood.Just as he was shaking his fan and planning to leave, he saw Liu Ke standing beside the carriage respectfully, as if he had been waiting for a long time...

A few days later, the urgent letter from Babaili was sent to Jiangbei. Wen Su opened it and read it. King Pingyang wrote enthusiastically: "Although the entrustment of your friends is difficult, this king will not live up to the entrustment. The supplies will be delivered in a short time." Da, please take it easy. After this incident, I know that our friendship is higher than the sky and deeper than the sea..."

Wen Su felt that the last sentence was very strange, thought for a while, and replied: "How much did you earn, my lord? Don't be too close, be honest!"

Xiao Duanfu wrote back again, saying righteously: "This king is not that kind of person!" A small note was attached, with a line written in small script: "Come back and give you half."

Wen Su replied immediately: "The friendship between me and the prince is higher than the sky and deeper than the sea..."

(End of this chapter)