Time flies, and more than half a month has passed before I know it. On the broad official road in front of Guangzhou Fucheng, smoke and dust are everywhere, and the sound of horse hooves is chaotic.

Teams of Tiqiu galloped on the official road, gradually approaching the city gate. The soldiers guarding the north city gate tower with swords held on to the crenel, looking at the figure of the Red Lingqiu Tiqiu, their expressions suddenly changed, and their expressions quickly changed.

Go to the city gate tower and report to the Guangdong Governor's Yamen and the Magistrate's Yamen in the city.

Because Jia Heng was the first to write a letter to the relevant yamen in Guangzhou, the officials in the city were planning their schedule in the past two days, and specifically told the captain guarding the city gate tower to pay attention to the movements in the north.

"Xilulu~~"

Accompanied by the sound of the horses slowing down, Jia Heng tightened the reins of the military horse and looked at the local people in Guangzhou Prefecture who were coming and going, wearing commoners and pushing wheelbarrows. The official road at this time was still a dirt road. When the sky was clear, dust was everywhere, and his vision was gray.

Yes, but as far as the eye can see are green fields, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.

During this era, parts of Guangdong had been developed, but Guangxi, which also belonged to Lingnan, was still desolate and remote. Many places were uninhabited within ten miles, so it was often used as a place of exile for prisoners.

The tall and majestic city is protected by the wind and rain, and the banners and stones are written in regular script with Guangzhou Prefecture. It is half noon, and people from Guangzhou Prefecture are walking towards the city in small groups pushing wheelbarrows. Occasionally, some red-haired people can be seen.

, the blue-eyed foreigner rode a carriage loaded with goods toward the city.

"There are many foreign businessmen hanging around in Guangzhou." Chen Xiao saw Jia Heng casting his eyes on the Hongyi people, curiosity appeared on his face, his eyes flickered, and he said softly.

Jia Heng turned to look at the girl aside and asked, "Have Xiaoxiao been here before?"

That day in Jinling Fucheng, Xiaoxiao's cooking was praised by the generals.

"Well, I came here once a few years ago." Chen Xiaoyu paused slightly and said in a clear voice.

"Captain." Li Shu, a hundred households in brocade clothes, stepped forward with the reins in hand and said in a deep voice: "Does the governor go to Guangzhou Qianhu Station? Or is he going to stay at the post house?"

"Go to Qianhusuo." Jia Heng thought for a while and said.

After all, it is Jinyi Mansion's own yamen, so it is more convenient to live there.

This time he went south with only two hundred cavalry, but no other cavalry.

Accompanied by the large group of Tiqi behind them, they rolled into Guangzhou City and entered an inconspicuous government office in the south of the city. Qianhu Jiao Ke led Deputy Qianhu and Baihu of the Qianhu Office of Jinyi Mansion and other Jinyi generals to start.

Went to the middle gate to welcome Jia Heng into the official office of Jinyi Mansion.

As soon as I stepped onto the eaves of the corridor, there was a burst of shouting in the street, and I saw a sedan, and the guards holding swords at their waists came to the front. The sedan dropped down on the bluestone road, and out of it walked out a man wearing a black veil on his head.

Officials in scarlet robes.

As soon as he saw Jia Heng, Shi Shuliang, the prefect of Guangzhou, suddenly had a smile on his face. He led several staff and scribes and came quickly. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, then held his hands and said, "Shi Shuliang, the prefect of Guangzhou.

I’ve met Uncle Yongning.”

Jia Heng looked at Shi Shuliang and asked, "Prefect Shi, why don't you see Zhou Futai?"

In the history of the Chen and Han Dynasties, during the Taizong period in Guangdong, due to the coastal suppression of the remaining Ming forces, a governor of Guangdong and Guangdong was established, but he was soon removed.

At the moment, the highest civil servant in Guangdong is the right deputy censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and the governor of Guangdong, Zhou Zao, who is stationed in Guangzhou City, sets up an office, supervises the officials of the three departments of Guangdong Bujingdu, and also manages the food and salary.

In addition to the Guangdong Dusi, there was also the Guangdong General who commanded the navy. The Wu family of the Guangdong General Wu Tao had a close relationship with the Jia family and had received favors from Duke Rong Guo in his early years.

In the original Dream of Red Mansions, the Wu family gave the Jia family a precious glass screen, which shows that the two families are family friends.

In addition, one of the chief secretaries of Guangdong, Liu Xiaoyuan, was a good friend of Lin Ruhai, and Jia Heng was carrying a letter from Lin Ruhai to Liu Xiaoyuan.

Shi Shuliang smiled and said: "Uncle Yongning, please forgive me, Mr. Zhongcheng has gone to Lianzhou for business these two days."

When Jia Heng heard this, he asked in surprise: "What a coincidence?"

He felt that Zhou Zao, the governor of Guangdong, seemed to be hiding away on purpose.

"Your Majesty has sent someone to inform the lords of the feudal clan. Uncle Yongning, please be patient." Shi Shuliang did not dare to answer, but said softly.

Jia Heng nodded, smiled and said: "Shifu Terrace, this is not the place to talk. How about we go to the Yamen to have a cup of tea first and then talk slowly?"

In Guangdong in October, the weather was still a bit hot and unbearable. The governor of Guangzhou Prefecture had beads of sweat the size of soybeans on his forehead and temples. Jia Heng stood there for a while and his body was also sweltering.

"Uncle Yongning, please." Shi Shuliang extended his hand to invite.

While talking, Jia Heng, surrounded by a group of Jinyi Tiqi, walked into the Guangzhou Qianhu Residence of Jinyi Mansion, and the two parties took their seats respectively.

Jia Heng picked up the tea cup, took a sip, looked at Shi Shuliang with cold eyes, and asked: "Shi Futai must have read the official document. The purpose of my visit this time is to inspect the defense of the Guangdong Sea, and to specialize in Hao Hao."

Mirror lease, the court is very concerned about this matter."

Shi Shuliang smiled and seemed a little cautious in front of Jia Heng, an important military minister, and said: "Uncle Yong Ning, what does the unknown court think of the Haojing lease?"

Jia Heng put down the tea cup and said: "Since the Taizong Dynasty, Hongyi has been occupying Haojing for decades in the name of leasing business. It has been fifteen years since the last lease. There should be an explanation whether it is continued or discontinued, but Hongyi

I will also listen to the opinions of local officials in Guangzhou as to whether the barbarians are at peace in Haojing."

Shi Shuliang heard the words, considered his words, and said: "Uncle Yongning, I think that if the court wants to take back Hao Jing, it is still necessary to be cautious. The Hongyi people in the land of Hao Jing have used boats and navy to traverse the sea. In recent years, they have also

Many barbarians came from the country to live here. On the other hand, the population of our Han people has been greatly reduced, and the land of Haojing is like a country within a country."

Jia Heng asked: "Have Guangdong mentioned the lease to Hongyi in recent years? Or have they recovered Haojing and expelled Hongyi?"

When Shi Shuliang heard this, his face showed bitterness, and he said: "The Hongyi have been entrenched in the relevant area for decades. If the imperial court wants to regain it, it is afraid of having to fight a war. This matter..."

I originally wanted to say that this matter was a big one and needed to be discussed by all the important ministers in the court, but suddenly I suddenly realized that the person in front of me was the military commander of the court.

"I wonder what the court's opinion is on this matter?" Shi Shuliang asked boldly.

Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "The imperial court is also studying Haojing Hongyi's attitude towards my big man and the need to renew the contract, but it must also be expected that if the contract cannot be renewed, with the combat power of Guangzhou's navy, once the imperial court and

There is a conflict between the Hongyi officials in Haojing. Can the Guangdong Navy win this water war?"

Only by daring to fight can the war be stopped.

When Shi Shuliang heard this, his heart skipped a beat, and the sweat from his forehead flowed along his cheeks. He quickly took a handkerchief and wanted to wipe it but didn't dare to wipe it. He hesitated and said: "This is a serious matter. I am not familiar with delicate matters. Is Yong Ning Bo and Zhou

Your Excellency, Commander Wu and General Wu will discuss this matter together? I really don’t dare to speak nonsense.”

Jia Heng was silent for a moment and said: "It won't be too late to discuss this matter again when the governor of Guangdong and the generals of Guangdong arrive."

After thinking about it, he looked at Jiao Ke, a member of Qianhusuo in Jinyi Qianhusuo, who was standing aside. He was a middle-aged man with a burly figure and an imperial face. He was standing not far away, holding a knife, and said: "Send Guangdong Prefecture to guard Zhouchuan."

, the details of the navy soldiers and soldiers have been compiled into a book, I will check it personally later."

Jiao Ke quickly clasped his fists and said, "Yes, Governor."

Shi Shuliang was slightly shocked as he listened to the conversation between the two.

While several people were talking, a guard in Jinyi strode out of the courtyard and said: "The governor, the chief envoy of the vassal Yamen, Mr. Miao, Mr. Liu who participated in the political affairs, Mr. Lu from the Zhensi Yamen, the commander-in-chief of Guangdong.

Mr. Fang, come here and ask to see the Governor."

If Jia Heng was only the Commander-in-Chief of Imperial Guards, or just ordinary martial arts, these civil servants would obviously not come in groups. However, this is a military minister with the title of Crown Prince and Taibao, and he has a decisive role even in the civil service hierarchy.

status.

Not to mention, he is also a close minister beside the emperor.

After a while, Miao Rui, the Chief Minister of Guangdong, Liu Xiaoyuan, who participated in the political affairs, Lu Xian, the Inspector-General, and Fang Jun, the commander-in-chief, and four officials in scarlet robes came to the courtyard. When they saw the young man in python clothes standing under the eaves of the corridor, they walked a few steps quickly and held their hands in greeting.

Said: "The lower official has met Uncle Yongning."

Jia Heng returned the salute with his hands raised, and called out: "My lords, you have come just in time. Come into the official hall to talk."

A group of officials exchanged pleasantries with Jia Heng and sat down one after another. Everyone looked at the young man in the python suit.

Jia Heng said: "My lords, my purpose of coming has just been explained to Lord Shi. In addition to patrolling the coastal defense, I also want to go to Haojing on business. All of you are local officials in Guangzhou and know the situation in Haojing very well.

In the past few days, I hope to actively make suggestions. If it is helpful to the imperial court's plans, I will definitely inform the emperor and ask for your commendation."

"I don't dare, I don't dare." A group of Guangdong officials said politely, their hearts moving slightly.

At this time, Shi Shuliang smiled and said: "My lords, it's getting late, it's almost noon, why don't we have lunch together before talking about anything else?"

Among the officials, the prefect of Guangzhou has the lowest rank, and he is free to take charge of the reception of Jia Heng.

After saying that, he looked at Jia Heng and invited him with a smile: "Uncle Yong Ning, I have hosted a small banquet at Shuiyunxuan, the largest restaurant in the city, and I would like to invite you all to come and have a chat."

While everyone was talking, they headed to Shuiyunxuan Restaurant.

On the second floor, in the private room, we have three rounds of wine and five tastes of food.

At this time, Miao Rui, the chief envoy of Guangdong, put down his wine cup and asked: "Uncle Yong Ning, please forgive me for my stupidity. Now Governor Hongyi of Haojing has written to the Guangzhou Yamen, requesting the renewal of the lease during Taizong's reign. I don't know how to negotiate."

I've been here several times, but the military and military aircraft of the imperial court and government offices have failed to respond. I don't know what the purpose of the capital is?"

Jia Heng said: "The ministers in Beijing are still discussing this matter, and I am here to investigate this matter under the emperor's order."

As he said that, he looked at the Commander-in-Chief Fang Jun who was not far away. He was a gray-haired veteran who was over fifty years old. After drinking two glasses of wine, his beard and hair were spread out. His face was flushed, and he was obviously a little bit embarrassed.

"Commander Fangdu, Hongyi is now in Haojing. How many troops do he have and how many ships do he have?" Jia Heng asked in a deep voice.

Fang Jun looked solemn and said in a low voice: "The Hongyi Navy has about two thousand people. There are not many ships, but most of them are sea-going ships, and the firearms are far superior to those of our Guangdong Navy."

Jia Heng said: "The people of Hongyi came from afar, and their firearms are more powerful than my navy?"

Fang Jun's heart moved slightly, and he asked tentatively: "Sir, is the imperial court going to start a war with those red barbarians?"

Jia Heng mused: "The war is not a trivial matter, but the Guangdong side has to be prepared in the face of the overwhelming force of the red barbarians. Recently, the Donglu went south, intending to contact the pirates and harass our Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang prefectures and counties. Guangdong

You should be on guard."

With that said, he looked at Guangdong Commander Fang Jun and asked: "Commander Fang, Guangdong's navy and infantry should intensify their training."

Fang Jun said: "I obey the order, but the Navy's training is always in charge of the Guangdong General."
To be continued...