scourge the qing dynasty

Chapter 115 Double Reed
Lying on the reclining chair in the Guanzhu Pavilion on the top of Qianling Mountain, listening to the flattery and flattery of officials in Guizhou, looking at the beautiful scenery of Guiyang City at the foot of Qianling Mountain, the newly appointed Governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, Gan Wenkungan, can't help it in his mind I recalled the scenes when I was preparing to leave the capital and rush to Guiyang.

On the fourth day of March, Xiao Mazi resisted all opinions and decided to appoint Gan Wenkun as the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou. Although Bian Sanyuan, the previous governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, listened to Wu Sangui's words very much, but the various incidents between the court and Wu Sangui in the past few years have already frightened him. This old fox took the initiative to ask to return to the flag for the elderly, and escaped from the huge vortex of struggle between the court and Wu Sangui. Xiao Mazi, who had long been displeased with Bian Sanyuan, of course couldn't wish for it, so he agreed.

Tell Bian Sanyuan to go away, and the candidate for the Governor of Yunnan and Guizhou has become the focus of the trilateral wrestling among Wu Sangui, Xiao Mazi, and Aobai. When he arrived in Yunnan and Guizhou, Xiao Mazi had long been optimistic about Gan Wenkun, who had a grudge against Wu Sangui. one. ——At the same time, it was natural that Gan Wenkun, who had long hated Wu Sangui so much that his teeth itch, also hated Wu Sangui to the bone.

And when it was time to enter the Hall of Mental Cultivation to express gratitude, apart from the nonsense that Emperor Mazi said about working hard and caring for the people, he also hinted that Gan Wenkun wanted to keep a close eye on Wu Sangui, and that he wanted to let go and fight Wu Sangui boldly. Naturally, someone would support Gan Wenkun—although Emperor Mazi did not explain who would firmly support Gan Wenkun, but Gan Wenkun still understood and made up his mind to do a big job in Yunnan and Guizhou.Just when Gan Wenkun thought the matter was over, Emperor Mazi suddenly changed his mind and mentioned a sesame mung bean-level figure to Gan Wenkun—this sesame mung bean, of course, is our Fatty Lu Lu San.

As the recently retired governor of Zhili, Gan Wenkun has of course heard about Lu Sanhao's great reputation, and even heard about the Qujing miracle created by Fatty Lu in Qujing. Therefore, when Xiao Mazi asked Gan Wenkun to treat Fatty Lu kindly and sincerely unite with Fatty Lu to fight against Wu Sangui, Gan Wenkun was even more surprised and happy. Only then did he know that Fatty Lu was from the imperial party, but the imperial party had underestimated him before Taking advantage of Fatty Lu's amazing talent, he put Fatty Lu in Qujing to use it as an ordinary eyeliner, which made it easier for his arch-enemy Wu Sangui.

Naturally, at that time, Gan Wenkun was so happy that he wanted to kiss this Fatty Lu who had never met before. What he had in mind was, after arriving in Yunnan and Guizhou, how could he fight Wu Sangui for the emperor's favor, and at the same time use Fatty Lu in civil affairs and finance? A fat golden rooster, not only earns money but also seeks revenge, and also pleases the emperor by the way, killing three birds with one stone and killing three birds with one stone.

The joy is short-lived. After leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the famous Kong Sizhen Sigege and the emperor's confidant Xiong Cilu suddenly came to the door together, and said something earth-shattering to Gan Wenkun, warning Gan Wenkun that if Gan Wenkun treats that treacherous and loyal Fatty Lu If we don't maintain our utmost vigilance, then Gan Wenkun will not only harm the country and the people, but he may even lose his head in Yunnan and Guizhou!In order to make Gan Wenkun believe his words, the glamorous and charming Si Gege took the initiative to throw himself into his arms, and even listed all kinds of doubts about Fatty Lu to Gan Wenkun. Preconceptions affected Gan Wenkun's impression of Fatty Lu, especially warning Gan Wenkun that he must Keep a close eye on Fatty Lu, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable!

On the one hand, the emperor trusted Fatty Lu, and on the other hand, the emperor's confidant and old friend and new lover questioned Fatty Lu. Gan Wenkun was completely confused. He really didn't know which side to believe, let alone how to treat Lu after Yungui took office. Fatty, a famous subordinate with a low official position, did he treat him as a confidant and right-hand man according to the emperor's order?Or should he listen to Si Gege, be careful with this Fatty Lu, try to find out the evidence of his betrayal of the court and seek refuge with Wu Sangui, and put him to death?
Of course you have to listen to the emperor's words, but the words of Si Gege and Xiong Dashi are also very reasonable. If he is betrayed by his confidantes again, then Governor Gan's old life may really have to be accounted for in the poor mountains and rivers of Yunnan and Guizhou.

Under the conflict, Governor Gan had no choice but to adopt a conservative attitude. He could neither rush to trust Fatty Lu nor turn his back on him hastily. This sesame and mung bean seventh-rank magistrate came to Guiyang to participate in his inauguration ceremony, which was one of Gan Wenkun's probing methods. He wanted to take this opportunity to get acquainted with him in advance and see what kind of fat man Lu, whose reputation far exceeded his rank, was. kind of person.

"My lord, I just received the news that Lu Yifeng, the magistrate of Qujing County, has arrived in Guiyang City." The words of Gan Wenjiong, the younger brother of Gan Wenkun's family, interrupted Gan Wenkun's memory, and said respectfully: "According to your instructions, the gate officer of Guiyang City has informed Lord Lu of your Where to go, Mr. Lu is also rushing to Qianling Mountain."

"That's right, it's pretty fast. Tell him to arrive in Guiyang on June [-]th, and he'll be here on the [-]th today." Gan Wenkun nodded, satisfied with Fatty Lu's swiftness, and ordered: "He will arrive at the foot of Qianling Mountain in a while. There is no need to report, just bring him here."

"Tie." Gan Wenjiong respectfully agreed, turned around and ordered.The current governor of Guizhou, Tong Fengcai, the inspector of Guizhou, Yang Qilie, and the chief envoy of Guizhou, Xu Da, all looked at each other in blank dismay.

"My lords, is there anyone among you who has had contact with this Lu Yifeng?" Gan Wenkun suddenly thought of asking the Guizhou officials' impression of Fatty Lu for reference, so he asked the Guizhou officials present.

"Return to the governor, the lower officials have had contact with him." Xu Da, the political envoy, came out and said respectfully: "Last year, after Master Lu's trial planting of Eight Banners medicines in Qujing was a great success, the lower officials were in charge of Guizhou's money and grain. I visited Qujing to see if it is possible to introduce the Eight Banners Fushou Gao to Guizhou to benefit the people of Guizhou, and I talked to him twice in Qujing."

"Oh, then after you chatted with him twice, what was the result? How do you feel about him?" Gan Wenkun sat up straight and asked.

"Returning to the Governor, I believe that Lord Lu is indeed a rare talent in the country and a model of loyal and capable ministers." Xu Da said honestly: "Lord Lu is very polite to the lower officials. He not only led the lower officials to visit the Eight Banners Regarding the planting and cooking of Fushou Gao, I also told my subordinates that the soil and climate in Guizhou are also very suitable for planting Eight Banners Fushou Gao, but Qujing planted too few of them last year, and Prince Pingxi took all the seeds away, and gave priority to planting them in Yunnan , Guizhou has not successfully introduced this year."

"However, Master Lu took the initiative to find Xiaguan when he failed to seek seeds from the prince and returned to Qujing." Xu Da went on to say: "Master Lu told Xiaguan that according to his research, he believes that the soil and climate in Guizhou are In addition to being suitable for planting Baqi Fushou Gao, it is also especially suitable for introducing western food crops such as corn, yam, and sweet potato. The yield is far higher than traditional crops such as rice and wheat. The adults also suggested that the lower officials introduce chili peppers instead of salt, so as to improve the people's livelihood in Guizhou."

"Oh, what was the result?" Gan Wenkun asked curiously, "Did you follow Master Lu's advice?"

"Master Lu's Eight Banners Fushou Ointment has been a great success, and he has taken the initiative to help Guizhou improve people's livelihood. How can the subordinate officials not pay attention to his suggestions?" Xu Da smiled and replied: "The subordinate officials followed his advice and introduced them to many places in Guizhou. Western food such as sweet potatoes and yams, and tried to grow some peppers, and the result surprised us all in Guizhou Province. Usually, one acre of land can only produce one or two hundred catties of wheat. After planting sweet potatoes and yams, one acre of land can produce More than 1000 catties were produced! Especially in Weining Prefecture, one mu of yams planted can even produce more than 2000 catties! The officials and the common people all beat their chests, regretting that there were no varieties, otherwise, Guizhou might be able to be self-sufficient in food this year , is not impossible.”

"There are also peppers." Xu Da continued, "The climate in Guizhou is humid and cold, and the peppers are warm and spicy. The common people use them with rice and pickles. Not only does it replace salt, but it can also drive away dampness and cold. It is also popular with many people. Xiaguan has already made preparations. Even if the introduction of the Eight Banners Fushou Gao is successful next year, Xiaguan will try his best to promote several new crops pointed out by Mr. Lu. If Guizhou can achieve self-sufficiency in food before Xiaguan resigns, then Even if I die, I will rest in peace..."

"You have a good character. If you are not in his position, you are so enthusiastic about helping Guizhou. Why do Si Gege and Xiong Cilu dislike Lu Yifeng so much?" Gan Wenkun was a little puzzled, and then turned to others and asked, "What about you? What do you think of Lu Yifeng?" How about Yifeng?"

"Master Lu is as clean as water, this is well known to all of us." Seeing that Gan Wenkun seemed to be satisfied with Xu Da's praise of Fatty Lu, Lu Shaoxian, the prefect of Guiyang, hurriedly agreed with him, "I heard that Master Lu is in Qujing, and the fire consumption is only [-]%. After receiving two points, the people of Qujing all praised him, he is really a role model for us and other local officials."

"I heard that it's not bad in terms of criminal names." Yang Qilie, the procurator, said: "I heard that Mr. Lu is very good at solving cases. After he took office in Qujing, he vindicated dozens of unjust civil cases. It has only been more than a year since he took office. The plaques given by the people It piled up more than half of the room."

"Master Lu is also very supportive of our academic and political errands." Guizhou Xuezheng interjected: "I heard that Master Lu plans to conduct compulsory education in Qujing, and the county government will pay for the employment of professors and lecturers, so that all school-age students will go to the school to receive education. Enlightenment, let them nurture the doctrine of sages since they were young, so that they can serve the court and benefit the people in the future."

"Lord Lu is simply the reincarnation of the God of Wealth. He can earn money for the common people and the government through whatever he does. We Guizhou people are scrambling to go to Qujing, just thinking of Qujing to find a way to survive."

Seeing that the new Governor attaches so much importance to Fatty Lu, Guizhou officials, in order to please the new Governor, naturally praised Fatty Lu to please the new Governor, but in this way, Gan Wenkun will inevitably become more confused and curious the more he listens , I really don't understand what kind of person Fatty Lu is, let alone why Kong Sizhen and Xiong Cilu are so hostile to such a capable minister.At this time, Tong Fengcai, the governor of Guizhou, resonated with Gan Wenkun's heart, "If Mr. Lu went to Guiyang to serve as the county magistrate, it would be much easier to get down now."

"Yeah, with a capable person like Lu Yifeng under his command, it's much easier to be a boss." Gan Wenkun sighed in his heart, "Why am I not like this? If Lu Yifeng is really loyal to the emperor, and can work together with me I don't know how much energy and worry I should save to deal with Wu Sangui, the treacherous king together."

Sighing, Gan Wenkun reminded himself again, "It's better to be careful, just like what Xiong Cilu said, if a capable minister like Lu Yifeng is really loyal to the court and me wholeheartedly, it is certainly a blessing to the court. My luck. But if this Lu Yifeng is treacherous and loyal, and is actually on Wu Sangui's side, then he will do me more harm than help me."

"Your Excellency, Lu Yifeng is here, and he has already reached the mountainside." At this time, Gan Wenjiong came to report again, Gan Wenkun looked around, and sure enough, he saw a big fat man leading several followers along the mountainside. The steps up the mountain are like climbing up a mountain.Gan Wenkun nodded, and then planned to wait patiently.

After a while, Fatty Lu finally arrived in front of Gan Wenkun, sweating profusely, saluted honestly, and said: "Lu Yifeng, the humble magistrate of Qujing County, is ordered to meet with the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, Mr. Gan, and the lords of all positions."

"Master Lu is not polite, you don't have to be polite." Gan Wenkun waved his hand to get Fatty Lu to stand up, and took the opportunity to carefully look at Fatty Lu's appearance and behavior.Slightly different from the legends, Fatty Lu is not as obese and fat as Gan Wenkun imagined, but a little fatter than ordinary people, and his facial features are quite correct, far less than Kong Sizhen and Xiong Cilu's description. , wretched, but his eyes are a little small, and he likes to squint from time to time, which makes it difficult to see clearly what is in his mind.

"It must have been hard work for Mr. Lu to walk more than 600 miles in four days, right?" Gan Wenkun asked hypocritically.

"Going back to the governor, it's really hard." Fatty Lu replied honestly: "The lower officials change horses and don't change people all the way. Hurry up and hurry, so that the time stipulated by the lord is not delayed."

"It's been hard work." Gan Wenkun said with a smile: "Lord Lu, don't mind, the governor has also heard of your name for a long time, and knows that you are a capable and loyal minister known by the government and the public, so I ordered you to come here on the way to Guiyang to take office. Guiyang is attending the inauguration ceremony of the governor, and I will discuss with you by the way, and ask about your future plans."

"Then, if you have anything to do, please ask the governor directly. I know everything you can say." Fatty Lu's blunt answer made all the officials present dumbfounded. "Also, I heard that the inauguration ceremony of the governor will be the morning after tomorrow. After the subordinate officials participated, I plan to rush back to Qujing the afternoon after tomorrow, and ask the governor to forgive me."

"This kid is crazy!" All the Guizhou officials present widened their eyes, thinking that you, Fatty Lu, are too crazy, right?The new governor asked you to attend his inauguration ceremony. What a favor it is to you. How dare you still praise him like this?
Gan Wenkun frowned slightly, dissatisfied with Fatty Lu's arrogance.But fortunately, Gan Wenkun's self-cultivation is not bad, he just smiled and said: "Why are you in such a hurry? Can't you stay in Guiyang for a few more days? Isn't it good to go together when the governor goes to Kunming to meet the prince?"

"Going back to the governor, I really can't afford to delay." Fatty Lu said very seriously: "As the county magistrate of Qujing, the lower official should act as the emperor's minister and shepherd, diligently govern and love the people, and today is June [-], the autumn harvest. Soon, there will be too much rain in Qujing this year, if the officials don’t rush back to Qujing in time to organize the people to harvest the autumn grain, if there is a heavy rain, the grain will rot in the ground, and the hard work of the people for a year will be wasted.”

"In this way, the governor has lost his mind." Contrary to everyone's expectations, Gan Wenkun did not get angry when faced with Fatty Lu's implicit accusation, but smiled and said: "Then you can do whatever you want. If you want to leave, you can leave, and when the governor returns to Guiyang from Kunming after visiting the prince, he will stay in Qujing for a while and have a careful chat with Mr. Lu."

"Thank you, Governor, for your understanding." Fatty Lu finally slowed down a bit, and asked impatiently: "How long do you plan to stay in Qujing, Governor? If the Governor intends to stay for a long time, then return to Qujing After that, take the time to make arrangements for the governor to use."

"What's the rush? Let's talk about it when the time comes." Gan Wenkun laughed and said, "Besides, the governor's yamen of Yunnan and Guizhou was originally in Qujing, and the old yamen has always been vacant. When the time comes, the governor will settle the Xingyuan there, so there is no need to bother you." to arrange."

"Then what about the governor's garrison camp? Do you want to get down and arrange it for the governor in advance?" Fatty Lu spoke in a startling manner, and asked eagerly: "The former governor of Yunnan and Guizhou directly controlled the green battalion, but it has been taken over by the prince's right town. For the requisition of the garrison, should the governor step down and make arrangements in advance?"

"What does this kid mean? Is it to test me? Or do you want my Yunnan-Guizhou governor's office to move to Qujing as soon as possible?" Gan Wenkun was startled.When I looked at the expressions of the officials present, I saw that the Guizhou officials present either pricked up their ears, or quickly turned their faces away, pretending not to hear these words.

In front of so many people, of course Gan Wenkun would not easily reveal his attitude on the matter of the relocation of the Yunnan-Guizhou Governor's Yamen, and he was even more afraid that Fatty Lu was deliberately probing for Wu Sangui, so after a little pondering, Gan Wenkun quickly He put on a straight face and said, "I don't need to worry about this kind of thing, County Magistrate Lu. If the governor needs it, he will naturally send it to the Qujing government yamen."

"I'm taking the liberty of being an official." Fatty Lu was very disappointed, stepped back awkwardly, and stood next to Li Benshen, the admiral of Guizhou.And Li Benshen, the admiral of Guizhou, who is Wu Sangui's confidant, saw Fatty Lu's betrayer Qiu Rong hinting that Gan Wenkun would move to the governor's office.

Fatty Lu turned his head and turned to look in other directions, as if he didn't hear Li Benshen's words.Li Benshen was even more furious, strode out, clasped his fists to Gan Wenkun and said, "Master Governor, I will attend Lu Yifeng, the magistrate of Qujing County in the end! Please, Lord Governor, uphold justice for the last general!"

"You joined Lu Yifeng? Why?" Gan Wenkun asked suspiciously. ——At the same time, Gan Wenkun suddenly remembered that when the civil officials in Guizhou praised Fatty Lu with one voice, none of the generals in Guizhou, headed by Li Benshen, spoke up.

"I participated in his private purchase of war horses." Li Benshen said aggressively: "More than a month ago, a new batch of high-quality Guizhou horses arrived at the Anshun Horse Market. To replenish the horses, our Guizhou Green Camp is going to buy all these horses into the army. Among them, who would have thought that the people from the Qujing Green Camp would buy all those 120 horses with a [-]% increase in the price due to their wealth and wealth! Why does he need so many war horses for a small Qujing Green Camp?"

"What do you mean? The Qujing Green Camp doesn't seem to be under Mr. Lu's control?" Gan Wenkun asked pretending to be confused.

"Your Excellency, you don't know that the governor of the Qujing Green Camp is Lu Yifeng's cousin, Qin Yong!" Li Benshen said fiercely: "And as far as the general knows, the Qujing Green Camp did not allocate any military funds to buy war horses this year. The money for approving the war horses is all paid by Lu Yifeng himself! What does he mean by this and what is he going to do?"

"Is there such a thing?" Gan Wenkun turned to Fatty Lu and asked, "Lord Lu, is there such a thing?"

"Going back to the governor, there is such a thing." Fatty Lu admitted frankly, and then said: "However, it does not seem to violate the Qing law by doing this, right? There is no such provision in the Qing law that forbids The local officials paid out of their own pockets to buy weapons and horses for the local green battalions, right?"

"You are a local green camp, why do you need so many war horses?" Li Benshen roared.

"The duty of the green battalion stationed in the place is to protect the environment and the people. Of course, the horses are needed to arm the army." Fatty Lu replied unhurriedly: "Does Li Junmen want to see the Qujing green battalion crumble to the end, wasting the imperial court's annual allocation for nothing?" The military salary doesn't work at all?"

"Then why didn't you buy it in Yunnan? Why did you come to Guizhou to buy it?" The flesh on Li Benshen's face began to distort.

"Where it's cheap, I'll buy it there." Fatty Lu seemed to have taken gunpowder today, and began to deliberately criticize Gan Wenkun, and now he will deliberately criticize Li Benshen.

"I'll beat you to death!" Li Benshen didn't have the self-restraint like Gan Wenkun, he jumped up in anger and grabbed Fatty Lu's neck. Not to be outdone, Fatty Lu also grabbed Li Benshen's neck with his backhand.Gan Wenkun was shocked, and hurriedly shouted: "Quick, pull them away!"

"Quick, grab General Li quickly." The crowd rushed forward and finally pulled Li Benshen and Fatty Lu apart.But Fatty Lu refused to give up, and was still provoking Li Benshen, yelling loudly: "Want to beat me to death? Come on, come on, don't think that with the support of the prince, I will be afraid of you! Last time I was in Guanyin, Water City The [-] catties of pig iron I bought from the Shan Iron Mine was robbed halfway and I haven’t pursued it yet. Today, the Governor is here, and I want to ask him to make the decision for me, to see if someone ordered the officers and soldiers to pretend to be bandits and steal!”

"Shut up!" Gan Wenkun yelled unbearably, slapped the table and shouted: "Civilian officials and military generals fight in public, what's wrong with it? Shut up, Ben Du!"

"Your Excellency, Li Junmen was the one who made the first move, okay?" Fatty Lu jumped three feet high and roared, "Last time about the Guanyinshan Iron Mine in Shuicheng, please give an explanation to the lower officials. Find out who ordered the subordinates to rob the pig iron of the lower official!"

Fatty Lu paid out of his own pocket to buy horses and iron for the extremely important Qujing Green Camp. Such a good deed, Gan Wenkun, of course received a hundred support and 1 approval, but in front of so many officials, what about Gan Wenkun who has not officially taken office yet? Dare to openly favor Fatty Lu?So Gan Wenkun quickly lowered his face and shouted: "Shut up, what are you? You want the governor to give you an explanation? Didn't you blame the governor for calling you from Qujing and delaying your organization of the people to grab autumn food? If If you don't want to stay, then you can go now!"

"Let's go!" Fatty Lu was so angry that he quickly cupped his hands with his sleeves, and said loudly, "Let me go."

After all, Fatty Lu really strode away and went straight down Qianling Mountain, leaving many Guizhou officials looking at each other on the observation deck of Qianling Mountain, at a loss.Gan Wenkun's face was gloomy, and he stared at Fatty Lu's leaving back for a long time without saying a word.

"Boss, why are you in such a hurry to clash with Gan Wenkun?" Seeing Fatty Lu stepping down quickly, Zhu Fangdan, who had been watching from a distance, was startled, and quickly whispered, "Are you in a hurry? Gan Wenkun has offended you too much, and your life will be difficult in the future."

"Don't be in a hurry, how can I establish my image as a loyal minister?" Fatty Lu snorted coldly, and then said in a low voice: "Don't worry, he Gan Wenkun came to Yunnan and Guizhou this time to fight against the prince. I am accumulating food in Qujing Desperately strengthening the army's equipment will only benefit him and not harm him, unless he is stupid, he will really be dissatisfied with me."

"But I still think it's too urgent." Zhu Fangdan emphasized worriedly.

"It's not me who's anxious, it's Li Benshen. I didn't expect him to openly fall out with me so soon." Fatty Lu replied with a wry smile, and then said in a low voice: "But that's okay, I didn't expect that Li Benshen looks so stupid, but his mind is quite delicate ——The excuses I found for turning my face were neither serious nor serious, and they were just right. They not only indirectly proved my importance in front of Gan Wenkun, but also prevented others from catching me. After a while, you will arrange a manpower and quietly send 1000 taels of silver to Li Benshen In the past, he is the most important confidant of the prince in Guizhou, and he must not be offended."

"But, my lord, will the governor believe the double reed played by you and Li Junmen?" Zhu Fangdan was still extremely worried, and reminded in a low voice: "You can climb to the position of governor before you are 40 years old. It's that simple, right?"

"Of course he won't believe it completely right away, it should only be half-believed." Fatty Lu sneered, and said in a low voice: "However, if I use secret documents to sue him in front of the emperor, questioning him deliberately covering up Li Benshen and helping the confidants of the prince. To build up the army, he must at least be confident."

(End of this chapter)