In the countryside, ordinary people usually wash up early and go to rest in tile-roofed houses or shacks. After all, for these ordinary people, lamp oil is a luxury and can only be used when necessary.
I only use a little, but I can save a little on normal days.
People who can rest in stilts and tile-roofed houses are relatively happy, because in the wild, some people still have to wander around in the dark night.
These people are the new Han refugees.
Originally, there were no refugees in the Yuzhou area and it was relatively stable. However, after this celebration, many refugees appeared for no reason...
These refugees have been wandering in the wilderness for several days. At first, some of them were crying, but now many of them have no strength to cry. They just subconsciously searched for various edible things in the fields and forests. As for
Those who couldn't walk could only hug each other and tremble.
No one welcomes refugees, including ordinary people. Therefore, these refugees cannot rest in towns and villages. Even if they stay for a short time, they will be driven away.
The sudden celebration before seemed to have become a joke.
The celebration did not bring much joy to the people in Yuzhou, but it meant an extra burden, and this burden crushed many grassroots people...
In the darkness, there was a faint cry.
However, in Yingyin County, above the largest restaurant on the cross street, there is a bright light and joyful music.
Not only are there huge lanterns hanging outside the windows around the restaurant, but there are also mountains of candles scattered around inside the restaurant. Arm-like flames illuminate the interior of the restaurant with brilliance.
Such a candle is enough money for lamp oil for ordinary people for a year.
In the restaurant, there is naturally a banquet.
Luxurious feast.
In addition to the delicious food, there is a group of well-dressed and elegant people.
The brocade robe shines and the jade is gorgeous.
Those who were slightly worse for wear felt their faces were dull and did not dare to move forward.
The children of the Yingchuan gentry also have the dressing standards of the gentry.
First of all, the hat must be made of silk yarn, and it must be from the time-honored Zhangjia brand. No matter how similar the creases and colors of other hats are, they will not work.
Secondly, clothes must be customized. The tailor must come to your door with a ruler and fabric swatches, and tailor them to each person's body shape. It is not possible to just buy and wear the casual clothes in street shops.
The decorations used again must have a provenance. For example, Hetian jade must be white, and the variegated color is only used by poor families. The sachet is from the Western Regions, and it must have a pattern outlined with gold and silver threads. Even ordinary brocade can be used.
No way.
Another example is the lacquer box, which must be made of gold and silver, the wine bottle, which must be decorated with patterns and carvings, and even the mat surface under the buttocks must be made of fine white grass...
Pay attention to.
fine.
It is best for every artifact to have a little pretext, otherwise it will not be worthy of such a distinguished status.
A crescent moon hangs slantingly in front of the window, and the hall is full of delicacies and laughter.
The beauties in the hall shuttle like butterflies, and the noble men and women are boundless in their romance.
In the past two days, ordinary people in Yingyin County have been in great pain.
The reason for the suffering of the people was of course the grand celebration before.
In order to hold a celebration in Xu County, material support from surrounding counties is naturally needed. For a social structure that has been in a farming society for a long time and is dominated by small-scale peasant economy and manor production, the vast majority of ordinary people are
Those who don’t have much reserves are often caught off guard once an emergency occurs.
But the people in the restaurant were very happy.
In the market place, there were no pedestrians on the streets, and the doors were closed early.
The night was quiet except for the noise and joy above the restaurant.
It's really a joy.
How could the exquisitely crafted items in the banquet, the various dishes cooked with care, and the wholehearted service of Mei Ji make the noble people here unhappy? Think about what you have been doing in the past few days.
How much wealth has been collected and how much windfall has been made, how can this feeling not be beautiful?
Among this group of happy people in brocade robes, there are two people who are obviously complimented and worshiped by the others. One is Yingyin County Magistrate Zhong Hong, and the other is local wealthy family Guo Feng.
.
Zhonghong has a fair face, a square face, corners on his eyebrows, a medium-sized black mole on it, and a long beard hanging down from his chin to his chest. When he smiles, he does have a bit of dignity, but when he smiles, he looks triangular.
Once your eyes relax, you will see that it is somewhat wretched.
Guo Feng is shorter and fatter. His skin is darker than Zhonghong's. He has two slender rat beards and moves around wildly when he talks.
"County Lord, come here, please take a look at this dish..." Guo Feng introduced the newly served dishes to Zhong Hong attentively, "This fish has just been fished out of the lake, and it will be delivered directly to you immediately! It's here."
It was still alive when it was here! Absolutely fresh!』
"Oh?" Zhong Hong raised his eyebrows slightly and reached out to pick up the white jade chopsticks. He didn't care at all about why Guo Feng could still have Kuai Ma direct delivery of fish when the whole city was under curfew.
Zhonghong picked a bit of meat from the fish face and put it into his mouth, tasted it for a moment, nodded and said, "Hmm, not bad."
Guo Feng laughed so hard that his beard trembled again, "Since the county magistrate has said yes, let's bring more!"
Zhong Hong waved his hand, but put down his chopsticks, and said slowly: "A gentleman has no need to eat enough. After we become sages, we should follow the ways of sages. There is no need. We might as well share it with you..."
Guo Feng's beard trembled, "We are really lucky that the county magistrate is so restrained and tolerant of others!"
There was a chorus of agreement below, "That's right! How lucky we are!"
Those present here are basically all officials and squires in Yingyin County.
Since they are officials and squires, of course they are not short of such a fish to eat. As long as they want to eat something, there will naturally be a lot of people coming to their doorstep.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! But since it is a "reward" from Zhong Hong, of course everyone must hold it in their hands and show a gesture of gratitude, no matter what
He kept throwing out free flattery, for fear that after a while, others would snatch him up and put him in an embarrassing situation with nothing to say.
After all, as the parent official of Yingyin County, Zhong Hong may not be able to remember who those flatterers are, but he can definitely remember who those flatterers are without gifts or flattery.
Today, Guo Feng specially brought a group of squires to invite Yingyin's officials to a banquet. Zhong Hong was not surprised.
Whether the government and the people are harmonious, whether they are happy with the people, for Zhong Hong, it is naturally in line with the "true meaning" of Confucianism.
Even though the curfew has been in effect for a long time.
The entire Yingyin is Zhonghong's home field, and with the company of powerful local people like Guo Feng, it can be said that they are like the moon and stars in the sky, and they can take them all if they want!
"Zhong Xin..." Zhong Hong called, like calling his own dog, "These days, you have to control it... There are more and more refugees outside the city. If we don't arrange it well, when the time comes,
If something goes wrong, it's not just a matter of losing face..."
Zhong Hong narrowed his eyes slightly and stroked his beard, "I promised you in front of Xun Lingjun that everything in Yingyin is stable, the market is normal, and the people live in peace..."
"This..." Guo Feng shook his beard, "I understand this, I understand! Some untouchables are lazy and greedy. They don't listen to orders and hinder the county's honor. It's really not a pity to die!"
"The countryside here is rich and spacious, but it is not far from Xu County. It is inevitable that some people will wander around..." Zhong Hong said slowly, "Such idle people, if you are with your Majesty, or...
Spread some false rumors in the Prime Minister's place... When the blame comes from above, how can you and I have any face?"
Yingchuan Yingyin is not far from Xu County, bounded by Yingshui.
Some time ago, in order to prepare for the "celebration" and to prevent ordinary people from "falsely claiming" to go out to farm and work, "undermining" the good social order and "affecting" the overall situation of the celebration, Yingyin County has issued an emergency order, announcing that the entire county
A state of emergency was entered, and "no one" was allowed to leave. Checkpoints were set up at the intersection leading to Xu County to intercept and arrest these unruly people.
"I know very well that Yingyin's current safety is entirely due to the County Lord's policy... If the County Lord had not planned to take advantage of the situation in advance to eliminate the danger of conscription, we may not be able to return home safely... The County Lord has protected me with great kindness.
"Wait, there are really no words to describe it! We can only do our best to keep the countryside peaceful!" Guo Feng assured him by patting his chest, and saluted Zhong Hongshen to show his loyalty.
When Guo Feng, who was short and fat, left the table and paid his respects, he looked like a braised lion's head rolling on the ground.
Zhong Hong laughed and left the table, helped Guo Feng up and patted Guo Feng's shoulder, "Zhong Xin doesn't need to be polite... No matter how big or small things in the country are, you need to be diligent, but there are also clever ways to deal with them...
Well, there is no need to say more about these dirty things and disturbing words, just do your best..."
The two just held hands and laughed, and everyone applauded together, but they didn't know why they were applauding. Maybe they were inexplicably moved because they saw a wonderful performance?
Zhong Hong didn't take Guo Feng's chest-thumping words to show his loyalty too seriously. After all, he had been the county magistrate in Yingyin for some time, and his understanding of these powerful local families was also deepening. Regardless of what he said now, a pair of
They seem to be loyal, but it is extremely difficult to get these guys to get some money, and it seems to cost them their lives, and they even don't hesitate to fight against the government.
Today I am having a banquet and drinking with a smile, but because not only are these people not paying, but they are also making money, that is why I have such an attentive and flattering attitude, otherwise...
After eating and drinking for a while,
Zhong Hong coughed, put down his wine glass, and then looked around, "Everyone, the country is in a difficult situation now. We are defending the land for the emperor, and we should work diligently. Some time ago, I heard someone rumored that being an official will make you rich, and serving as an official will make you rich.
The language of wealth is extremely ridiculous! It is heart-wrenching language!"
"Lies! Rumors! Ridiculous! Ridiculous!"
"Here, I once again remind you to be clear about your original intention, be benevolent, and follow the words of the sages, and do not be arrogant!"
"You and others, please don't be immature for the sake of the emperor, so you can be careless and perfunctory and refuse to serve with your heart." Zhong Hong looked at the surrounding squires and said in a deep voice, "The emperor has a word, the people are important. You are the squires."
, It is the will of the emperor to implement the law of compensation, to understand the suffering of hundreds of people, and to consider the difficulties of the people. If I know that your offerings are lacking and you are poisoning the place, even if the national law does not punish you, I will not let go of such evildoers!"
"You guys, do you know this?"
When Zhong Hong had a serious face, he really had a calm and intimidating attitude.
When everyone heard this, they couldn't help but be stunned, with different expressions.
Some people were surprised, some were confused, and some were slightly dissatisfied, because almost everyone present knew that during this celebration, this "Master Qingtian" could
There really isn't anything that can be done on a sunny day. There are quite a lot of methods of concealing the haze from the sky and the sea, the wind and sand method of deceiving the superiors and the inferiors, and the extravagant methods of listening to the wind and making it rain.
After all, it is of course impossible for these officials and squires to obtain the items needed for the celebration out of thin air. All the materials provided to Xu County for the celebration were collected from the people in the countryside.
The officials and setters present were these country squires, and everyone was well fed in this grand celebration.
And now, Zhong Hong actually said such righteous words.
What does this mean?
Guo Feng reacted quickly, winked at the people around him, and said to Zhong Hong with a smile: "What the county magistrate said is true! We are all loyal men!"
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! "Yes, yes! Be loyal to the Han! Be loyal to the Prime Minister!"
"Exactly, exactly!"
"The county magistrate has done his best for the great man, and we have also done our duty for the court!"
"Every little rumor is slander! Immediately send an order to the patrol in the village. Anyone who dares to slander Shangguan will be arrested!"
"Don't worry, Lord County! Such idle talk will not be allowed to spread!"
"The Yingyin is stable and the people are peaceful!"
"What a blessing it is that I have such a humble position and can follow the county magistrate. Now I know that loyalty is the way of the country. I will always keep it in my heart at that time!"
"..."
Zhong Hong nodded with satisfaction and raised his glass again, "It all depends on everyone's concerted efforts! Come on, raise a glass together to the emperor, may you live long and long, and to the great man, may you have long-lasting peace and stability!"
"Oh oh oh..."
The banquet lasted for more than an hour.
After midnight, Zhong Hong did not engage in any entertainment activities such as impromptu poetry writing, and he also refused Mei Ji's seduction and enticement during the dinner. He got into the carriage and returned to the government office amidst the sound of praise.
Guo Feng walked all the way to the restaurant, waited for Zhong Hong's carriage to go away, and then walked back with his hands behind his back.
Naturally, everyone followed Guo Feng and sent Zhong Hong off together. Seeing that Zhong Hong had gone away, some people started talking.
"I said... the county magistrate is... sitting in the arms of such a beautiful lady? Tsk tsk..."
"Could it be...hehehehe..."
"Have you taken the courage of a leopard? How dare you criticize the county magistrate? The county magistrate has the style of a sage and is a model for us to learn from..."
"Oh, that's right, that's exactly what I mean. The county lord is really a role model for us..."
Guo Feng listened with a sneer on his face.
How can a dignified and respectable person from the county show off in front of you? You have to be more reserved, otherwise you will show off your sex in public and expose your child. How will you show off next time and maintain your dignity?
As for being able to stay calm, that's even more false. I'm afraid that I couldn't sit still after being provoked by Mei Ji, so I just hurriedly went home to relieve my anger. After all, Guo Feng personally ordered someone to secretly send two
When the beautiful woman got into the carriage, she looked at the swaying carriage as it went away. Maybe she put her hands on it immediately?
But that's okay, after all, with Zhong Hong present, I still can't let go.
After returning to the restaurant, Guo Feng greeted him again and took down the remaining dishes, opened a new table, and then sat on the main seat amidst the sound of flattery, looked around, and said in a deep voice: "The County Lord
Everyone has heard what I said before! Nowadays, there are more and more refugees outside the city, and there are also noisy and unstable people in the city! These are all rebellious people, and they are the people who are causing trouble! In extraordinary times, extraordinary means should be used! Within three days, peace is needed
Let’s clear up the criticism and eliminate the refugees!』
Everyone quickly responded.
After all, Guo Feng is not only a powerful local man, but also holds the position of Yingyin County Magistrate.
"Dare I ask the county magistrate, what is this extraordinary method..." Someone asked, "What should we do? Unless we send out soldiers to clear it..."
"No!" Another person refuted, "How can we use soldiers? This move, isn't it... you have to know that among the soldiers..."
"Yes, yes, I thought wrong...but if we don't use soldiers, how can we live in peace?"
"It's better to block the streets and expel the refugees! As long as you don't see or hear anything in the city, there are no refugees!"
"Yes! No refugees are allowed to exist in the streets and markets to hinder the view!"
"But expelling them like this? It's not appropriate! These are also Yingchuan... Ah, no, I'm not saying that those refugees have any pity... I'm just saying that if the refugees come to Xu County..."
Guo Feng frowned slightly and looked at the ignorant little official, "What's so difficult about this? There are several abandoned temples and dilapidated villages outside the city, how can we not tolerate them? Send people around to guard, and no one is allowed in or out.
!』
"Yes, yes, I understand the humble position...but these ruined villages have nothing to eat..."
Guo Feng sneered and said, "Are you kind?"
"No, no, the county magistrate has misunderstood. The humble position means that if these untouchables have no food and are extremely hungry, they will inevitably cause trouble... Even if they are young and strong, they may not be safe. If civil unrest breaks out...
…』
"There is some truth in what you said..." Guo Feng nodded, "In this way, every two or three days, some old grains and old grains will be sent to the village to trick them into looting and make them resent each other.
That is...as long as there is some food, these untouchables will naturally not be able to cause trouble...If they can't grab it, they can eat it themselves, and they can't blame us..."
"My dear County Magistrate! I humble my duty and obey the order!"
As the questions here were pressed, some questions emerged over there. Someone said, "Qi County Magistrate, some of the surrounding countryside... some, um, some are said to be residents of this city... were also sent in."
In the ruins of the village?"
Guo Feng frowned, "What are the citizens of this city? Only those who have registered residence are citizens of this city! The laws of the Han Dynasty are upright and have been clearly stated and promulgated throughout the world! Those who leave the place of residence are refugees!
They are refugees! You said that some of them are residents of this city. I would like to ask you, where is their household registration?! Hmm?!』
"Yes, yes, I am stupid, I am stupid..."
"What else do you want?" Guo Feng coldly shook his sleeves and looked at the clerk who had just asked the question fiercely, as if he wanted to keep his appearance in mind and then deal with it later, which immediately attracted a lot of attention.
Everyone present lowered their heads and remained silent.
Guo Feng waited for a while, and when he saw that no one said anything, he lost his evil look again and put on a smiling face, "Well... everyone expresses his or her own opinion, are you not enough? Very good, very good...
Oh, hehe, not guilty, not guilty...Since everyone has no objections, we will act accordingly tomorrow! Don’t make any more mistakes!"
Everyone quickly agreed.
Guo Feng laughed and clapped his hands, "Come here, serve the food! Serve the wine! Serve the singing and dancing!"
The atmosphere immediately relaxed, wine and beauty mingled with each other, feasting, laughter, and seemed to present the most wonderful scene in the world.
