After enduring the humiliation and burden for so long, in the end he only got an errand that was worse than exile. Xue Jingxian, the former magistrate of Fufeng County, was almost furious when he heard the news. However, when he thought about it, he finally got a ride on Prime Minister Yang's carriage.
There may not be a chance to show his ambition, but he couldn't help but feel proud. Shi Shiran settled the bill with the innkeeper, spent almost his last savings to buy some decent clothes. Then he went to the Ministry of Personnel to receive the imperial edict and diploma.
, ordered all the twenty guards sent by the imperial court, and left Chang'an happily.
After walking less than a hundred miles, his enthusiasm had waned by more than half. He also went west to deliver the edict, and when Song Yu, the scholar in his family, left the city, he was cheered and surrounded by relatives and friends who saw him off from the ten-mile long pavilion and walked to Liquan.
, until they reached the boundary of Fenzhou, new faces were chasing after them on fast horses, saying goodbye to Mr. Song. As for Mr. Xue, his situation was a bit miserable. He was alone from the beginning to the end.
Not to mention, even the personal guards sent by the imperial court to escort him had no nose for him and no eyes for him because they did not receive the expected carriage fare.
When they arrived at the place, Xue Jingxian's mood became worse day by day. Lord Song had a high position, so the officials along the way tried their best to fawn over him. Although Lord Xue was a fourth-grade doctor, he did not have any real power in his hands at the moment. So not only did the officials not
Xin Xi came to say hello, and the inns along the way also put on a businesslike face. From the dishes, drinks to the feed for the horses, everything was of the lowest standard. As a result, the old horse was starved of food every day. Before leaving Jingzhou, it was already
Can't move any further.
Xue Jingxian wanted to ask for a strong horse from the post, but the other party either said that all the official horses had been requisitioned, or said that he had no right to make the decision, and asked Mr.
Because of his busy work schedule, he had no time to accept Xue Jingxian's visit. As a result, he made many empty trips and was annoyed along the way, and even received many looks from the concierge.
In the end, even the guard captain who kept cursing couldn't stand it anymore. He found a deserted place on the way and reminded him in a low voice: "Have you not noticed it yet? They don't have any mounts for you to replace? It's obvious.
I just want to get some luck from the adults. When you get to the next post, you can just throw some money and silk down. It doesn’t need to be much, the total price can be equivalent to five or six thousand yuan. I promise you will have whatever you want, and even I will follow suit.
hot!"
"What are you talking about, Mr. Dong! Ben, I have always been honest. How can I have spare money for them to exploit! Even if there is, it cannot encourage this unhealthy trend!"
How could he not even wink after so many years? When he was in Fufeng, in order to gain a good reputation, he never dared to accept bribes. But in the past six months or so in the capital, in order to gain a good reputation, he had never dared to accept bribes.
It was suitable for the errand, so he gave away most of his savings. Not to mention that he couldn't come up with enough money to support himself and his entourage along the way. Even the last few silver ingots in his bag to hold the saddle were sacrificed.
I borrowed high-interest loans from fellow businessmen. I would never dare to use them for extravagance unless absolutely necessary!
The good intentions were regarded as a donkey's heart, and the boss surnamed Dong was also angry. He glanced at Xue Jingxian with squinting eyes, and said in a long voice: "Okay, okay, since Mr. Xue doesn't want to encourage other people's bad habits, Dong will
No more nagging. Let’s take our time and walk together. Anyway, it’s the end of spring now and we’re far away from the beginning of autumn. Don’t worry about not being able to get there this year!”
"You!" Xue Jingxian was so angry that his eyes were black, and he waved his riding whip in an attempt to give the other party some color. However, seeing the cold eyes of the guards around him, his anger instantly turned into embers. Along the three thousand miles, at least two of them
Thousands of miles of desolate land. Once you offend these Qiu Ba gang, find a secluded place to bury yourself, the imperial envoy, alive, and then report to the authorities that you have died of an illness. Where can you go to complain?
He was timid before he started fighting, but over there, Boss Dong stepped on his nose and said, "Why, does Doctor Xue still want to teach me a lesson? Come on, you'd better beat me to a disability. We are here."
I can’t find an excuse to be lazy! Who do you think would be willing to follow you and suffer such a crime in a place where there is nothing to do? If it weren’t for the work assigned by the superiors, Dong might be looking for happiness in the East Market right now!”
"I'll beat you if I hit you!" Xue Jingxian was forced to leave the stage, so he had to raise the riding whip viciously. The team leader Dong did not show weakness, lowered his wrist, and grabbed the handle of the knife across his waist. He watched
The two of them were about to get serious. Another guard named Zhang rushed forward, grabbed Xue Jingxian's sleeve, and whispered, "Don't be angry, Mr. Xue, isn't he doing it for you, Old Dong?"
Along the way, you have also seen with your own eyes how those guys in the post house look at people's orders. If you don't think of a way, let alone all of us suffer, even the beasts under your crotch are falling off day by day.
Are you fat? There isn’t much warm weather in the Western Regions. If it snows and we haven’t reached our destination yet, it will delay the official business of the court. Can you, old man, withstand the cold wind in the desert? "
These words were so true that Xue Jingxian couldn't help but feel a little moved. He put down the riding crop following the other party's pull, sighed, and said in a low voice: "That's it, that's all. In order to live up to the emperor's favor, Xue did not hesitate to use this false reputation. Next Station
, just do as you say. Let’s have a good drink and then continue on our way.”
"Lord Xue is wise!" The guards immediately became happy when they heard that there was oil and water that could be offered to the Five Zang Temple, and they cupped their hands and cheered in unison.
Before everyone's cheers died down, Xue Jingxian quickly added, "However, it's just this time. The road is still far away. If we take care of things along the way, even if Xue is rich, he will lose everything!"
At this time, the faces of the guards began to darken again. They couldn't help but curse in their hearts. They had been unlucky for several lifetimes to end up with such a stingy customer. Others escorted the imperial envoy to the place to deliver the decree, but they didn't wait.
After leaving Chang'an, we have already earned back several years' salary. We are the only unlucky ones who have to go round and round for a long time to even get a hot meal.
Knowing that these guards from the capital were all fated masters in the past, Xue Jingxian became worried and added loudly, "Xue also knows that everyone is working hard. In order not to drag everyone down, if anyone can't walk, he will hit the horse directly.
The bottom line is, Xue promised that he would never report anything wrong to anyone to his superiors in the future!"
There is a saying: "Those who are scared are afraid of those who are afraid of their lives. Those who are desperate for their lives are also carrying those who don't even want their face." As soon as Xue Jingxian showed off the dead pig's appearance of not being afraid of boiling water, all the guards immediately started shouting.
He changed his mind and said, "How can it be possible? How can it be impossible? Look at what Mr. Xue said. It seems as if our brothers are more valuable than you!"
"Then leave quickly. Xue will never let everyone down in the future!" Xue Jingxian shrugged and took the lead to walk forward.
The guards secretly spit on the ground a few times and followed him angrily. They were even more listless along the way. It was not until it was getting dark that they finally saw the shadow of a city. Xue Jingxian whipped his mount a few times and was about to go to the city.
The hotel rested in peace. From the tea shed not far from the city gate, an authentic Chang'an accent suddenly rang out, "May I ask, is this the newly promoted middle doctor, Mr. Xue? My surname is Li, and on the orders of my master,
I have been waiting here for a long time, sir!"
"Wait for me?"
Hundreds of miles away from Chang'an, an old friend's servant suddenly appeared, which made people confused.
"Exactly!" The man surnamed Li, who spoke with a Chang'an accent, was dressed as a housekeeper, and his words and demeanor were elegant. "When your Excellency was in Chang'an, my master wanted to find time to meet with you. Unfortunately, something went wrong, and it never happened.
He failed to do so. Later, he heard that your Excellency had been ordered to go to Anxi to announce the decree, so he sent the younger one to see him off. Unexpectedly, the older one left in such a hurry that the younger one didn't catch up. So he chased him all the way along the official road.
At least I’m ahead of you this time.”
"Oh?" Hearing this, Xue Jingxian became more and more confused. In the past six months or so in the capital, he had been asking for help everywhere, bumping into walls, almost flattening his nose, and failing to find any reliable connections. How could he suddenly make friends?
A friend who is so loyal? But looking at the other person’s face and dress, what he said does not seem to be false. Especially the few followers behind the visitor, all of them are powerful. At a glance, you can tell that he is a friend.
A nursing home hired by wealthy families with large sums of money.
While he was hesitating, a group of guards had already caught up. The team leader named Zhang took a quick look and immediately guessed that the person who came was either rich or noble. He quickly took the mount forward, bowed and reminded: "Since it belongs to your lord,
Therefore, I sent the housekeeper to come and carry out the task, and I will wait nearby. Anyway, it is still early, so there is no rush to enter the city at this hour and a half!"
After that, he winked at the brothers, turned his horse and walked away for more than a hundred paces. He found a stall selling tea, jumped off his mount, turned his back to Xue Jingxian to buy water to quench his thirst, and refused to look back even a moment.
.
After being reminded by Team Leader Zhang, Xue Jingxian also noticed the dress of the visitor. Although this person was wearing a housekeeper's attire, it was finely sewn from high-quality silk and satin. The price was probably at least as much as the brand-new official dress in his luggage.
Three times the size of his robe. And the mount that this person was holding casually in his hand was also the famous Dawan Horse. There was a folk nickname called Zhaoye Lion. It was all white, with not a single hair on its body.
The person who can afford to raise such a magical horse must have at least a million dollars of wealth. Or he may be a powerful person in the capital, whose status is not lower than that of Song Yu and others. Thinking of the word powerful, suddenly, Xue Jingxian's eyes flashed.
Bright light. After despairing of currying favor with Yang Guozhong, he once decided to accept the solicitation of a big shot. But the big shot seemed to have suddenly lost interest in him. After receiving the invitation, he heard nothing from him and never sent him again.
People contacted him.
Nowadays, someone did not see him off outside the city of Chang'an, but rushed hundreds of miles away eagerly! Is there any inconvenience? Scanning a specific position on the other person's neck, Xue Jingxian quickly jumped off his mount and pointed towards Li. The housekeeper bowed his head to the ground and said, "Look at my eyes! I don't even know who you are here. Thank you, Mr. Xue. I have always admired you very much. It's just a pity that I didn't get to meet you!"
"Master Xue said something serious!" Butler surnamed Li smiled and turned sideways, his smooth throat trembling up and down, "My master has always admired Master Xue's political ability. This time I heard that Master Xue was ordered to go to the Western Regions to deliver edicts. I'm afraid you will I’m too tired from walking and it’s hard on the road. So I was specially ordered to bring some decent foot power here!”
As he spoke, he turned around and winked behind him. The generals immediately turned over and jumped off their mounts at the same time. They took the reins of the horses and sent them to Xue Jingxian along with the night-shining lion behind the butler surnamed Li.
"I can't do it, I can't do it!" Xue Jingxian was so frightened that he waved his hands repeatedly, saying that he dared not accept the gift from the other party. The Zhaoye Lion was a rare-to-find BMW, although the other mounts looked a little worse than the Zhaoye Lion. He is a son, but he is also a first-class good horse. With so many good horses given to him to work on his legs, not to mention it is difficult to repay the kindness, and even the money for fine materials along the way will cost him everything!
"What can't be done? Look at your yellow gelding, I'm afraid it's at least ten years old. As an upright official, you can't treat yourself too harshly!" The housekeeper surnamed Li, who has no Adam's apple, smiled and advised very considerately. He said, "My lord, please accept it. The further west you go, the cheaper the better horses will be. I will buy some leg power when I return. By the way, there are also these books. My lord, please feel free to take them with you to read on the road. In order to avoid the loneliness of the journey, I don’t even have a chance to find some entertainment!”
Immediately, another attendant diligently sent a basket with several thick books inside. Xue Jingxian was moved, rubbed his eyes, and took the basket with both hands, "Ma, you always keep it. Book Xue Just give it up..."
His original intention was to leave the book and leave the book to give the other party a better impression. Unexpectedly, his hand suddenly became heavy and he almost dropped the book basket on the ground. Fortunately, he had suffered a lot in the past six months and had gained strength, so he was able to stabilize himself. , reluctantly not making a fool of himself in public. But secretly wondering, "What book is so heavy?"
"Mr. It’s not easy to leave. Let’s leave the white horse to you, and let us ride the other bad horses back! Don’t refuse me anymore, otherwise, I won’t be able to explain to my master!”
"Here..." Xue Jingxian was still hesitant, but the basket in his hand was so heavy that he couldn't straighten up. The butler surnamed Li had no Adam's apple, and his identity was already revealed. His Highness the Crown Prince has been suppressed by Yang Guozhong, and his position is in jeopardy. Good for you. It was easy to hug the Yang family's thick legs, but when he turned his head, he exchanged glances with the prince. If there was a dispute between the two parties in the future, wouldn't his small body be crushed to pieces?
"A poor family has a rich life, sir, please don't refuse. If you refuse again, it will be false!" Butler Li smiled again, and there was something in his words.
Recalling the misdeeds he suffered along the way, Xue Jingxian suddenly became furious in his heart, "Fuck you, you will die in the sky. The worst is to risk your life, but at least you can be prosperous for a few days." Putting down the basket, he raised his hand to the housekeeper surnamed Li.
, said in a low voice: "In this case, if Xue refuses again, he is out of character. May I ask Butler Li, do you have any instructions for Xue's trip to the west?!"
"Lord Xue is really happy!" Steward Li laughed loudly, "I don't have any instructions. My master just hopes that Lord Xue can lead him well to Feng Jiedu and his soldiers. All the heroes are defending the country, and they are all risking their own lives. My family
The master is also very impressed."
"Xue will definitely fulfill his mission!" Xue Jingxian bowed his head to the ground again and solemnly promised as a subordinate to his superior.
This time, Butler Li did not dodge. Instead, he accepted a bow from him, and then returned a half salute on behalf of the person behind him, "My master will be very pleased after hearing this. Master Xue, go well, there are many people."
If you are confused, Li will not be too verbose!"
After that, he left Zhaoye Lion and a basket of "books" behind, turned around and jumped on the horse.
"Brother Li, go away!"
Walking towards the white BMW horse.
A group of guards also had their fill of tea at this moment. Under the leadership of Zhang and Dong, they ran over with a smile, "My lord's friend is so righteous. I didn't catch up with you and actually sent the butler after me."
Came over five hundred miles away. Look, look at this horse. Compared to this horse, that horse is like a piece of meat that no one wants!"
"Don't talk too much!" He had the spirit of "book" in his heart, not to mention a basket of treasure books with golden leaves? Holding it, Xue Jingxian immediately became a completely different person from before, "Think of my old horse
The horse is led, with its saddle empty, and follows the team. It has carried me for half my life, and it is time to enjoy peace and happiness. The further west you go, the cheaper the horses are. If you think the mount on your crotch is an eyesore, you can get it when you enter the city later.
Let’s go to the horse market. While it’s still dark, we’ll each choose a good-quality horse and come back. All the expenses will be borne by Xue!”
"That's good. Thank you, sir! Let's go now. Brothers, hurry up and leave! Don't delay Mr. Xue's business!" Zhang and Dong looked at each other, and they both saw surprise in each other's eyes.
It means. There is no doubt that the miser named Xue made a fortune, otherwise he would not have suddenly become so generous. As for whose hand this windfall came from, no one is interested. The capital is in deep water.
The less you have, the longer you will live. Otherwise, if you wake up one morning and suddenly lose your head, there will be no place to complain!
The reason why Xue Jingxian acted generously was to bribe the guards to prevent anyone from gossiping. Seeing that everyone was so polite, he felt even more happy. He lifted the blue book in his hand upwards and added with a smile, "Let's go.
.We are not staying at the hotel tonight. We are going to find the best restaurant in the city to stay. From now on, as long as there is something for Xue to eat, I will never treat anyone unfairly!"
As he spoke, he raised his eyes and looked around with a look that gave rise to authority.
