Pang Gang smiled when he heard Wei Tongnian's prediction of his actions after the year. Wei Tongnian was indeed a governor of a province, and his vision was extraordinary. As soon as Pang Gang proposed the plan to expand the army, he immediately thought of his cheap son-in-law's next move.
"Don't worry, father-in-law. My son-in-law estimates that the bandits have no intention of staying in Hubei permanently. They will probably launch a full-scale attack on Hunan as soon as spring begins. All we have to do is follow them and take advantage."
Pang Gang secretly sneered in his heart, these bandits did things that were inconvenient for him to do. Although it would be troublesome to take over the place they had ruined, at least the court could not blame him, and the most important thing was that he did not have to mobilize troops himself, and the losses would be small.
Much more. Since someone is rushing to clear the way, why should I charge ahead?
"Xian son-in-law, you...are you really going to fall out with the court? This...isn't it a good idea?"
At this time, Kong Wen on the side asked timidly. Although he is a businessman, these days he is very prosperous in Qingzhou and even Shandong with the reputation of his son-in-law. On weekdays, he also knows that his son-in-law
What kind of business was he doing? But at this time, he heard with his own ears what his son-in-law and his in-laws were discussing. Even though he was well-informed, he couldn't help but feel frightened. This is the land of two provinces. If they say they want it, can they?
Aren't you afraid that the imperial court will be angry and send a large army to attack?
Hearing Kong Wen's question, Pang Gang suppressed his smile and said seriously: "Father-in-law, it's not that my son-in-law has any evil intentions, it's just that he has to do this in these troubled times. Think about it, if my son-in-law
If my son-in-law does not have tens of thousands of troops at his disposal, I am afraid that the next day the fierce-looking imperial guards will take my son-in-law and his family to Beijing for questioning."
"That's true." Kong Wen nodded with a wry smile. He, a man who has passed his forties, has seen too many things in the past, and he also knew in his heart that what Pang Gang said was indeed the truth, but his son was not around at this time.
I just have some emotion in my heart.
However, Kong Ruolan understood her father's thoughts and comforted her: "Dad, don't worry, my brother may have arrived in Obaro at this time, and maybe he will bring us a sister-in-law with red hair and blue eyes by then."
Woolen cloth?"
When Kong Wen heard this, his eyes widened with anger: "How dare he? If he dares to marry a foreign woman, I will break his legs!"
"hehe......."
Everyone laughed when they heard this. It seemed that Kong Ruolan knew his father well. One sentence brought his mind elsewhere. Pang Gang's eyes also moved to Ruolan. Her due date was in the past few days.
Kong Ruolan had high breasts and a full belly, and her moon-like face radiated a maternal brilliance. Seeing her husband's gaze, she also looked back. A virtuous and gentle smile appeared in her eyes.
Seeing everyone's smiles, Kong Wen also smiled and waved his hand and said: "That's all, I'm just a businessman, not to mention that I'm also old. Sooner or later, the world will be dominated by young people like you, so I won't ask any more questions. I'm sorry.
No, I just have some assets. If my good son-in-law needs money in the future, just tell me, and I will never refuse as long as I can get it. But if Ruolan is about to give birth, my good son-in-law should worry more."
These days are Ruolan's delivery period. That's why Kong Wencai said what he just said, but now the whole house is ready. Pang Gang and even several Wen Pos have been invited to the house, and they don't even celebrate the New Year.
Let them go back.
"Don't worry, father-in-law. My son-in-law will take good care of Ruolan. As for money, my son-in-law will never refuse if necessary." Pang Gang nodded with some emotion. Although Kong Lin was a businessman, it seemed that he also
We know the truth that every gain brings glory and every loss brings loss.
Wei Tongnian laughed loudly on the side: "Okay. Today is the New Year's Eve, so don't talk about these digressions. I'm very hungry."
When Wei Tongnian said this, Pang Gang realized that the dishes were almost ready, and the hall was filled with joy. The table was filled with sumptuous food and wine, and the tempting aroma continued to spread.
Then he smiled and said: "You two elders will atone for your sins. My son-in-law has been rude. Please come and take a seat."
Following Pang Gang's words, deafening firecrackers sounded outside the house. Amidst the sound of firecrackers, everyone settled down, tasting the dishes, talking and laughing. Now there were quite a few people in the hall, except for Pang Gang's wife and concubines.
There were also the family members of Kong Wen's house, as well as Wei Tongnian and his concubine Rou Niang, a total of twenty or thirty people. Everyone was chatting and laughing while tasting the dishes, and the atmosphere was very good.
After dinner, Pang Gang sent someone to take the two drunken father-in-laws back to their respective mansions. He quickly went back to his house to rest. When Pang Gang stood up, he sat down with him.
Chen Yuanyuan and Li Xuezhu, who were next to them, also stood up obediently and helped their husband back to the house to rest.
It was late at night, it was snowing heavily outside the house, and the north wind was blowing, but the fire inside was as warm as spring.
"Husband, if I still want my body, give it to me!" Chen Yuanyuan lay on Pang Gang with her delicate body exposed and dripping with sweat. The aftereffects of sex had not dissipated, and her fair body was flushed.
Pang Gang smiled and nodded at Chen Yuanyuan's jade-white forehead and chuckled: "You only care about your own comfort, but you forget that Xuezhu is still waiting."
"Humph, husband, you are so bad~" Li Xuezhu, who had been sticking close behind Pang Gang, blushed with embarrassment. She let out a sweet sigh and slowly snuggled into her husband's arms, with the pink face pressed against Pang Gang's chest.
His face was as hot as fire, and his bellyband under the thin lake silk shirt was held up by his tall and straight breasts, and the two round bulges were clearly visible.
Xue Zhu, who had watched the drama for a long time, was now nestled in her husband's arms, her big eyes seemed to be dripping with water. At this time, she covered Pang Gang's eyes with her own weapon as if she wanted to retaliate, and then slowly sat down
Go down.
A moist and soft feeling suddenly occupied Pang Gang's mind, and soon there were murmuring sounds in the room. Firecrackers sounded with a "dong" sound for a long time, and a salute of flowers bloomed in the air, forming a gorgeous flower.
Flowers. And the snow beads also burst out with the loud noise, but the high-pitched moan was lost in the "crackling" sound of firecrackers. Her delicate body also shrank violently like a wave, and her whole body was weak.
He collapsed on Pang Gang.
It was daybreak, and when Pang Gang woke up, he found that he was still holding a bunch of tenderness in his arms. When he lowered his head, he saw that it was Li Xuezhu, the little girl, who was sleeping soundly in his arms. Not only that, she also pressed two huge weapons.
on his chest.
Chen Yuanyuan and Xuezhu were very crazy last night and kept asking for money. Pang Gang took a long time to calm down. In fact, Pang Gang also understood their feelings. This was when they saw that Kong Ruolan and Wei Manting were both pregnant.
A state of anxiety arises in the heart. The ancients said: There are three types of unfilial piety, and the greatest is not having children. This is for men, but for women, mother is more valuable than son. Seeing that their sisters are pregnant, they naturally also
Started to get anxious.
After finally breaking free from the two women's arms, he put on his clothes and walked out of the room.
When Pang Gang entered the hall after washing up, he saw Ling'er rushing out in a hurry and bumping into Pang Gang's arms.
"Hey!" Ling'er only felt that her head hit a generous chest. Although it was not hard, it still made her little head feel dizzy.
Pang Gang supported her and asked: "Ling'er, what happened? Are you so angry?"
Ling'er looked up and saw Pang Gang, and immediately said anxiously: "Master, Miss, Miss, Miss is about to give birth. I'm about to go now. Please call Po Wen."
Ling'er came to the Pang family as Ruolan's dowry. She was born as a maid and was the most loyal to Ruolan. The anxious look on her face at this time could not be faked.
Pang Gang became anxious upon hearing this and quickly shouted: "Then why are you still cold? Why don't you go quickly!"
"Hey, I'm going to leave immediately."
After saying that, Ling'er rushed out again. After seeing Ling'er rushing out, Pang Gang shouted to the maids in the hall: "Don't be cold, hurry up and prepare hot water and clean cloth. Don't wait any longer."
You are in such a hurry. Also, hurry up and send someone to the Confucius Mansion to report the news. Go quickly!"
"Yes. I will send someone quickly!"
Kong Ruolan was about to give birth. This news woke up many people who were still sleeping. Soon the two Wen women were dragged into the house by Ling'er. Soon Kong Wen and Ruolan's mother was
Mrs. Kong also stumbled over.
As soon as Kong Wen entered the room, he shouted to Pang Gang: "Chaodong, has Ruolan given birth?"
"Not yet. Now Po Wen is taking care of Ruolan inside."
At this time, Pang Gang no longer had the calm image of the past. He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot outside the delivery room, and his heart was in chaos.
The reason for this situation is not that Pang Gang is not calm enough, but that in this era, when a woman gives birth to a child, it is like walking in a circle of hell. In later generations with advanced medical science, giving birth to a child is very simple, and there is basically no dystocia.
It is said that if the fetal position is not correct, the doctor can solve it with one operation, and the survival rate is basically 100%. However, in this era, it is extremely dangerous. When a woman gives birth, the survival rate is only about 60%, which can be said to be a foot.
Stepping on the coffin board to give birth.
For example, the current Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty originally had seven sons and five daughters, but only three sons and two daughters grew up smoothly. This is true even for the royal family, let alone other families.
At this time, Kong Ruolan's painful moans could be heard in the delivery room, accompanied by Wen Po's voice.
"Ma'am, push harder, push harder!"
Kong Ruolan's heart-rending shouts also came from time to time: "It hurts, it hurts, I, I'm dying of pain!"
At this time, Pang Gang's wives and concubines also came outside the delivery room, and even Wei Manting, whose belly was slightly bulging, hurried over accompanied by Qiaoer.
Wei Manting came to Pang Gang and asked softly: "Husband, has sister Ruolan given birth?"
"not yet!"
At this time, Pang Gang was also very anxious, and the veins on his forehead were clearly visible. Two stable ladies hurried in and out, instructing the maids here to prepare for the delivery. But Pang Gang, a seven-foot man, could only linger outside the door.
During this period, he saw large basins of blood being brought out, and his heart shrank little by little. He simply couldn't imagine what would happen if dystocia occurred at this time.
Two quarters of an hour later, just when Pang Gang's patience was about to run out, a loud cry came from the delivery room.
There was silence outside the room, and Pang Gang murmured softly: "Are you giving birth?"
After a while, a stable woman came out holding a child in a bright red cloth. She smiled and said to Pang Gang and others: "Congratulations, Mr. Hou, mother and child are safe!"
"Mother and child are safe!"
"Ah, Mr. Hou is having a baby!" There was a sound of joy outside the delivery room.
Huge joy surged through Pang Gang's heart like a wave. Pang Gang couldn't hold it back anymore. He ran into the delivery room without time to look at the child. In the delivery room, which was illuminated by dozens of oil lamps, Kong Ruolan's pale and beautiful face was filled with tears.
She was covered with sweat and the broken hair on her forehead was stuck to her face. Even so, she still smiled, but Pang Gang cried...
The news that Pang Gang was pregnant with his son spread like a whirlwind. Before the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the news had spread throughout Shandong.
As the actual master of Shandong Province, Pang Gang can be said to be a man of his word in Shandong. There are many officials who want to give gifts, but usually there is no chance. Now that the opportunity has come, why don't the officials still give gifts? So in
In the past half month, the Champion's Mansion was crowded with officials, big and small, giving gifts. The gifts they sent almost filled a warehouse.
Faced with gifts of all sizes, Pang Gang was happy but also a little bit dumbfounded. China has always paid attention to etiquette and reciprocity. Whenever there is a wedding or wedding, people will give gifts to the host. Even the emperor can't control this.
Even less so myself.
However, when he saw that the gifts sent by these officials were worth dozens of taels of silver, and some were worth thousands of taels, Pang Gang couldn't sit still.
"Man Ting, look at it. Why did they even send such expensive gifts?"
Pang Gang, who was just a small city administrator in later generations and had never had the opportunity to accept bribes, was shocked when he held a long scroll.
This is a painting about two meters long and more than 30 centimeters wide. This painting has a delicate outline and elegant colors. The artist took advantage of the splendor of the royal gardens and palaces to show the daily life of the concubines in the palace with extremely gorgeous brushwork.
Life is extremely descriptive. Even a person like Pang Gang, who has no trace of elegance in his body, can see that the meticulous depiction of the lady in this painting is delicate, energetic, and elegant. At the bottom of the scroll
It has the words "Picture of Spring Dawn in the Han Palace" and other words.
When Pang Gang saw the words "Spring Dawn in the Han Palace", he couldn't help but feel a little dizzy. This... This painting by Qiu Ying, a great painter of the Ming Dynasty, was known as one of the top ten handed down paintings in China in later generations.
One of the famous paintings was later hidden in the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Who was so ignorant that he sent it here?
When Pang Gang looked through the gift list, he found that the person who gave the gift was Wen Renjun. Pang Gang couldn't help but got angry and said, "Wen Renjun is such a poor man. How can he have the money to give such an expensive gift? This painting does not cost tens of thousands of taels."
There is absolutely no way he can get the money. He has only been in office for a few days. Where did he get so much money? Could it be that he dares to be greedy?" At this point, Pang Gang couldn't help but have a murderous look on his face!
Wei Manting on the side burst into laughter. "My husband, what you said makes no sense. This painting is worth a thousand taels of silver at best. Besides, Mr. Wen is considered an heir to farming and studying. It is normal for him to have a few good paintings at home.
Why is your husband so angry?"
"Well......."
Only then did Pang Gang remember that Qiu Ying had not been dead for long at this time, and his paintings were not as valuable as later generations, but he was wrong.
However, Pang Gang is still a little worried about this trend of giving gifts. "Man Ting, this won't work. My husband just gave birth to a son, and the officials are so busy giving gifts, and almost all of them are heavy gifts. If you have more children in the future,
They are not allowed to sell the house yet!”
Wei Manting, who is very familiar with the bad habits in official circles, asked puzzledly: "Does your husband mean to return the gifts? But in officialdom, this kind of welcome and delivery is very common."
"There is no need to refund. You order the housekeeper to list the prices of these things, convert them into silver for the officials, and send them one by one. Otherwise, this precedent will be difficult to correct in the future."
"All right!"
Although Wei Manting felt that her husband was making a fuss, she still followed Pang Gang's words and called a few accountants to come in and spend a whole day counting the gifts. When they reported the gift list after the celebration,
Even Wei Manting was shocked. The total value of these gift orders reached an astonishing more than 200,000 taels.
"My darling, this money is enough for a battalion of soldiers and horses to live happily for five or six years." Pang Gang's face was very ugly. He didn't expect that he would receive so much money after giving birth to a son. This will be a problem in later generations.
But it’s tens of millions of RMB.
Pang Gang said to Wei Man Ting in a deep voice: "Man Ting, do you still think this is just a normal relationship?"
Wei Manting also shook her head and smiled bitterly: "My husband's words are reasonable, but this is a bit too much."
"Well, just do as I say."
After saying that, Pang Gang walked out of the warehouse, but he was thinking about the problem as he walked.
Now Pang Gang is considered to be a big family, with thousands of officials under his command, and the number of soldiers and horses has reached 60,000 or 70,000. It is not an exaggeration to say that he is a prince. With so many people, there will naturally be a mixture of good and bad, and there is no powerful one.
Supervision and management by departments will inevitably breed corruption. We didn't notice it before, but now that we are aware of this problem, we can no longer ignore it.
"Well, after the Chinese New Year, an Independent Commission Against Corruption should be established to specifically supervise officials at all levels. The salaries of officials at all levels should also be increased accordingly. The salaries customized by the imperial court are too low. They should be based on the original
They need to increase their salary by four to five times to maintain a decent life. The strategy of raising a high salary to support a clean and honest person should still be effective."
Pang Gang walked toward the inner courtyard while thinking, his thick-soled official boots making a creaking sound on the snow... (To be continued!~!
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