As the New Year approaches, Shen Tang can't help but feel anxious thinking about his beloved wife at home! After inspecting Tongquan and Shehong counties, he rushed to Tongchuan Prefecture without stopping! Stopping at Tongchuan Prefecture After three days, we headed west all the way to the last county that needed to be checked - Zhongjiang!
Shen Tang was also very satisfied with the situation in Tongchuan Prefecture. Although it was slightly inferior to Suining Prefecture, overall, the local government was quite powerful and no major troubles occurred.
Including corruption, although it is not without it.
However, it is obvious that some people's greedy money had already been replenished before Shen Tang arrived!
Although Shen Tang abides by his integrity, he is not pedantic or stupid! Some people do too much and have no repentance, so they will naturally be punished harshly.
However, if there were only slight flaws or repentant actions, Shen Tang wouldn't mind giving them a chance.
If we use the standards of Bao Zheng and Hai Rui, there will not be a few officials left in the entire Song Dynasty.
However, these many prefectures, counties, and countless people still have to be managed by these officials.
In fact, even if you really change a batch, it may not be much better.
Regarding this situation, not to mention him, even the imperial court, even Zhao Shen, and even the saints could only figure it out slowly when they were still alive, and it was impossible to make a one-size-fits-all decision.
"The front is Zhongjiang County. Judging from the situation in Tongchuan Prefecture, the situation here should not be bad! We only need to stay here for a day or two before returning to Chengdu Prefecture."
Shen Tang said enthusiastically.
Zhao Ling on the side was naturally extremely happy to see Shen Tang happy!
"Well, let's go back as soon as possible. Sister Xiangling and the others must be waiting impatiently!"
Before sunset, a group of people entered the city under the welcome of Zhongjiang Magistrate! After a simple dinner, everyone went to rest separately! At this moment, Nong Liqiang stared hard at the secret letter in front of him, his eyes Bursting out infinite murderous intent!
"Master Nong, tell me, if Shen Tang already knew about Kuizhou Road and you were behind it, would he deal with you?
An imperial envoy was surrounded and killed by local soldiers, and a princess was almost killed! You... are the biggest mastermind behind this!"
"Some things don't require evidence! Besides, where is the real secret in the world?"
"There is only the last sixty miles from the Zhongjiang River to the Hanzhou border! Some things have no turning back..."
Nong Liqiang held the letter tightly in his hand, a pair of eyes radiating a heart-stopping light...
Two days later, outside Zhongjiang City!
Shen Tang and his party packed their bags and prepared to leave Zhongjiang and return to Chengdu Mansion! Nong Liqiang and his troops were waiting to see them off! When Shen Tang appeared from the house, Nong Liqiang hurriedly greeted him.
"Sir Shen, early this morning Zizhou sent a report that some local soldiers and horses have not yet been paid! Therefore, I must rush there as soon as possible! I cannot continue to see you off, so please forgive me! Fortunately, we are sixty miles ahead. It is the border of Hanzhou, and it only takes half a day for adults to reach it.
I wish Sir Shen a safe journey in advance! When I have some free time, I will personally go to Chengdu Mansion to consult with you on how to become an official.
If there is a chance, I can fight with you on the battlefield, even if you are just a pawn, I will be happy to serve you!"
Shen Tang smiled and cupped his hands, and then said, "As officials, we cannot help ourselves. Master Nong has official duties, so just go ahead. If there is a chance, you and I will drink freely!"
Nong Liqiang mounted his horse, cupped his hands and drank, "Send me off, my lord, I'll go first!"
Shen Tang and his party also got on their horses, "See you later!"
Afterwards, the two groups of men and horses, one heading west and the other heading south, soon disappeared from the sight of the people who were sending them off in Zhongjiang County...
After just a few miles, a guard came to the side of Shen Hall with a bit of surprise, "Sir, just now the villain's horse harness suddenly broke, and all the belongings he was traveling with were scattered on the ground. However, he discovered that there was something in it. There is a letter, and it is marked on the front that it must be opened by the Lord himself!"
"oh?"
Shen Tang's expression changed slightly, he reached out and took the letter from the guard, opened it, looked at it, and then closed it again!
"I know about this, bring your horse over here! Also, think about who can get close to our horses!"
The guard directly handed the horse shoulder to Shen Tang. Shen Tang checked it and found that there were indeed only two silk threads left on the horse shoulder strap, and there were no traces of cutting or deliberate rubbing. Shen Qiu He also inquired again and reported back to Shen Tang, "Sir, except for the horses of you and the princess, all the other war horses are in the stables of the post house. We and the Guang'an Army are guarded by the guards of the post house. Also accessible.
Moreover, the stable is only surrounded by a wooden fence, and the post house is surrounded by people."
"When we first arrived at the post house, many people came to watch, and some children came to watch our horses out of curiosity. The brothers did not stop us, so it is difficult to find out who put this letter in. "
"Moreover, this is only Zhongjiang. If we include the places we have passed through before, it will be even more difficult to verify."
"I know, keep going!"
Shen Tang nodded.
The team returned to normal, Shen Tang controlled the speed, and soon he fell beside Zhao Ling and others!
"Brother Shen, we should be able to reach Chengdu Mansion before sunset tomorrow! I miss my sisters so much!"
Zhao Ling said happily.
"Yes, as long as the road is clear, it won't be far!"
Shen Tang responded casually, and then whispered to Zhao Ling and Qingqiu beside him!
Zhao Ling's face couldn't help but become a little shy, but she still nodded obediently.
Generally speaking, there is a post station every twenty or thirty miles along the official road! After Shen Tang and others traveled westward for thirty miles, sure enough, a not so big inn station was located beside the official road.
"Send the order, let the brothers stop and rest for a while! Have a bowl of hot tea. When we arrive in Hanzhou in the evening, I will invite you brothers to drink..."
"Thank you, sir!"
All the guards shouted in unison, and then the group entered the inn!
"Xiaguan is the postmaster of this place. Is he the imperial envoy, Mr. Shen?"
Is there any official who doesn’t know Shen Tang’s current name?
Coupled with Shen Tang's fast-moving style, these Yi Cheng have long remembered it in their hearts! Therefore, although they have never seen Shen Tang's face, the Yi Cheng guessed Shen Tang's identity as soon as they saw this scene. .
"It's me!"
Shen Tang immediately stepped forward and said, "Prepare a clean room. There is no need to eat. Just cook some hot soup! Let the boys go and get rid of the cold!"
"I obey my orders!"
Yi Cheng hurriedly took a group of minor officials to prepare. Qingqiu and several maids followed Zhao Ling into the room. Shen Tang casually sat on a bamboo bench in the yard, calling the guards to dismount and rest.