The chief clerk, who was pacing in the hall, sat down and felt unsteady, not just because of the current situation.
This is Dou County without Mrs. Wu.
Although the cushions on the chairs are still there, soft and thick, there is still tea on the table, which is fragrant and greasy, and the lilies of the valley are blooming in the hall, which is light and refreshing.
He looked outside and saw officials in the county government office walking around in a hurry and talking loudly. There were soldiers guarding the county government office.
"Sir, it's time to eat." A servant came in carrying a food box, "Today we have meat and vegetables."
When the food box was opened, the aroma was fragrant. The county government's kitchen was still there, and food and drink were rationed and distributed like everyone else. However, Mrs. Wu's cook could make different delicacies even with the most common ingredients.
Mrs. Wu's cook is still there.
"Master Registrar." There was a pretty voice and figure outside the hall.
The clerk called Miss Kumquat.
"Master Registrar, do you have any new documents today?" Jin Jue asked, "I want to read them to Madam."
The chief clerk pointed to some documents on the table and told the clerk: "Send them to Miss Jinju quickly."
The clerk responded and happily took the kumquat. He did not refuse the kumquat and left chatting with him.
Mrs. Wu's mother-in-law and maid are still here.
The chief clerk moved on his chair, trying to change his posture to be more comfortable. Everything about Mrs. Wu was still there, everything was the same.
In fact, Mrs. Wu rarely appeared in the county government office on a daily basis. Yuanji Jinju would talk about something, and unless they went to see her, she rarely came out to see them.
But...it was completely different. When the chief clerk stood up, there seemed to be nails growing on the ground, and he had to pace back and forth.
After this young lady who had no daily presence left, the county government office seemed to be empty, and the entire Dou County was also empty, although there were still soldiers and horses patrolling outside.
The chief clerk stopped and looked around the hall. What was it like in the past when there was no Mrs. Wu in Dou County? He suddenly couldn't remember.
"My lord, my lord."
Rapid footsteps came from outside, accompanied by the sound of weapons clashing. The collision made the chief secretary feel numb for a moment. He took a few steps back and fell onto the chair. He raised his hand to interrupt the soldiers and generals who ran in.
These soldiers are the scouts in charge of sentinels. These days, the chief clerk is looking forward to them and afraid of them. Without news, it is difficult day and night. When there is news...
"Wait a minute." He took a few deep breaths, tightened his grip on the armrest, and then looked up at these people.
Officials from the county government also poured in, staring eagerly at these soldiers.
The soldier general could also understand everyone's mood. He took a deep breath and said in a soothing tone: "The traitors have fled, and the young lady has entered Guangzhou Mansion."
The hall immediately cheered, and then there were cheers outside the county government office. The cheers spread far into the distance and would soon resound throughout the city.
The chief secretary sat limply on the chair, seemingly without strength, and seemed relaxed and leisurely. He did not join in the cheers, but just smiled and twirled his beard: "As expected, as expected."
The clerk on the side smiled and complimented: "Master Registrar, you are like Xie An."
Another clerk pushed the food box and said, "Master Xie, you can eat this time. I haven't touched my chopsticks for several days."
There was laughter in the hall.
The Lord Registrar did not scold this unruly little official. After everyone laughed out of the fear and depression of the past few days, he waved his hands and asked the soldiers for details.
"The details are still to come," the soldier said. "We saw the beacon smoke announcing victory and hurriedly came back to report the news."
As he finished speaking, there was another commotion outside, and a group of soldiers with dusty clothes and blood stains on their robes rushed in.
The chief clerk immediately recognized the acquaintance among them and shouted "Zhongwu" and stood up to greet him. At this time, he didn't care that he was an official. This "Zhongwu" was just a servant of Mrs. Wu.
Zhongwu stood up and saluted, Your Excellency, and while the whole hall was looking forward to it, he succinctly and comprehensively described the process of the siege: "Two thousand thieves were annihilated and fifteen hundred others were wiped out. The remaining ones were broken up and were in pursuit. The soldiers in the city suffered heavy casualties.
Fortunately, the city is safe, the people are safe, and the magistrate and Zhu Tong personally welcome the young lady into the city."
He said it simply, and everyone was breathless. The fierce and brutal battle was unimaginable.
"When will the young lady come back?" an official asked anxiously.
Zhongwu Road: "Guangzhou Prefecture suffered heavy casualties. The prefect asked the young lady to appease the people and discuss the aftermath together."
The officials were immediately anxious.
"Young lady has worked so hard! Why bother her?"
"The government is too greedy. It's not enough to beat away the thieves, but we also need to help with the aftermath?"
"Aren't the prefect and Zhu Tong still alive?"
Probably because Guangzhou Prefecture asked Xiaodou County for help, the officials were a little arrogant and dared to say disrespectful words to the prefect.
The chief clerk coughed lightly to stop the noise: "This is also expected. After all, Huainan Daofu no longer exists. Mrs. Wu's husband, Wu Duwei, is with the emperor in the capital. He can go up to Heaven to listen and discuss the aftermath with her.
Of course."
Therefore, no one wanted to hug Mrs. Wu's big tree! No one wanted to let go of the tree, and the officials were indignant.
Zhongwu said: "Yuan Ye asked me to ask Mr. Yu Qian to go there to plan the next war preparations. In addition, the chief secretary also sent people to the state capital. There are still some detailed explanations about the matters here."
The Master Registrar immediately arranged for Zhong Wu to meet Jin Jue and the blind woman, and explained the matter about Li Minglou to them in detail.
Early the next morning, a group of people walked out of the gate of Dou County, surrounded by a group of soldiers and horses.
The people had already received the news and sent it outside. Some were asking about what happened in Guangzhou Prefecture, and more were questioning the officials and Zhang Xiaoqian.
"Let's go ask the young lady to come back."
"Please escort the young lady back quickly."
The chief clerk followed behind with a somewhat complicated expression. The young lady would not be able to come back.
Officials called Guangzhou magistrate greedy, but in fact it was Mrs. Wu who was really greedy. Guangzhou Prefecture was much larger than Dou County, so how could Mrs. Wu spit it out when she ate it in her mouth?
Look, the first thing to go is the remaining money, which is the property of Gwangju Prefecture.
.....
.....
"Miss."
Yuanji kept up with the two people running ahead.
Li Minglou reined in his horse and stopped on the hillside. Fang Er, who was following closely beside him, always held an umbrella, and the bright spring sun was knocked away.
Li Minglou looked at the front covered by the bright sun. Here he could overlook the entire Gwangju Mansion. Although the post-war city had scars, it still could not hide its majesty.
"The prefectural city is much larger than the county seat." She looked back at Yuanji, who was following her.
Not only is the area large, Yuan Ji pointed in one direction: "Miss, over there is the Gwangju Prefectural Army Horse Farm." Then he pointed in another direction, "There is a military craftsman camp over there."
Military craftsmen are craftsmen affiliated with the government who specialize in making official weapons.
Even through the veil, Yuanji could see the little girl's eyes sparkling.
She said: "I want Guangzhou Prefecture."
It has been more than half a year since I left for Dou County.
Hearing this kind of words again, Yuanji would not be as puzzled as before, and bowed his head with a smile: "I asked someone to ask for the remaining money."
...
...
Although he was not wearing a military uniform, Zhang Xiaoqian kept running with the scouts who were exploring the road.
Sometimes he would run back and report to everyone on the front.
He galloped back on his horse: "Ahead is the bridgehead, the town closest to Gwangju Prefecture." He looked sad and angry, "It's half burned, and there's not a single person in sight."
I don't know if they ran away or were killed.
An official in the team had red eyes: "I came to the state capital during the Chinese New Year and stayed at the bridgehead for one night. It is even more prosperous and lively than our Dou County."
Along the way, they went from excitement to silence. Now if they were not riding horses, their footsteps would be too heavy to walk.
Only after leaving Dou County did we know the consequences of the war.
"This is not a place that was really ravaged by the rebels." Zhongwu said.
On the Gwangju Prefecture side, there were only stragglers with Ande Chung acting as sentinels, and those who attacked the Gwangju Prefecture were only two to three thousand soldiers and horses from Xuanmu Road. If it was really Ande Chung's army, it would be easy to attack the Gwangju Prefecture.
Even if there are thousands of people, they will sweep everywhere they pass. Even if some cities take the initiative to open their doors and surrender, it still depends on whether the rebel generals are happy or not.
If you are happy, you will plunder all the property and women and go away. If you are not happy, you will kill a group of people to establish your authority. As for raping the people, it is indispensable.
Civilians used it to pull baggage when marching, and they could also be used as human shields to fill trenches when attacking cities.
Standing in front of Gwangju Palace, Zhongwu pointed to the wide moat: "When we came over, the corpses here were filled."
The corpses have been cleaned up, but there are only stains left on the ground, and the putrid smell in the nose has not faded, reminding everyone of the cruel scene that took place here.
Dou County official Zhang Xiaoqian and the people who came with him all looked solemn. This is the rebel army, this is war, this is displacement...
If I had not gone to Dou County, would I and my family be dead now or running away in panic? Many Minzhuang thought this way. They shuddered just thinking about it, clenched their hands and gritted their teeth.
They must not become like this, they must protect Dou County and their current life.
The city gate of Guangzhou Prefecture was still closed, but when a group of them came over, the city gate was already opened without shouting a greeting.
"Zhang Erdan!"
"Fat San!"
Shouts echoed from the city walls.
The people in the team raised their heads and smiled when they saw the waving guards on the city wall. These were their brothers. Looking at the city gate, which was much taller and more majestic than Dou County, there was no formality.
The gatekeepers are our own people, and it feels like returning to your own home.
After passing through the city gate, more soldiers came forward, saluting the officials, heckling Zhang Xiaoqian, and hugging and patting the newly arrived civilians. For a moment, it seemed that everyone had not arrived at a new place after running for two days, but had returned to Dou.
County military camp.
Although I am happy, I am inevitably sad. There are many faces that I cannot see.
"Where is Xiao Liuzi? His mother asked me to bring him a new pair of shoes..."
Before he finished speaking, Minzhuang, who had patted his shoulder and laughed, hugged his shoulder and started crying. Minzhuang, who asked, understood what happened, and his eyes suddenly turned red.
The city gate was very noisy, and many people on the street looked over anxiously and curiously.
An official reminded softly: "Go and see the young lady first."
The generals in the Minzhuang team also ordered the whole team to form. Death could not stop them, let alone grief. With the order, the Minzhuang people immediately lined up and stood in line.
After receiving the news, there were also officials in the government office to greet him. These officials were acquainted with the officials in Dou County. The two parties greeted each other and walked towards the city.
More and more people were watching on the street, sizing up the group, and the group was also sizing them up.
Although they had narrowly escaped death in embarrassment and fear, the people in Fucheng looked and dressed decently. At first glance, most of them were wealthy people or scholars. Although the street residences in Fucheng were damaged by stone bombs and rockets outside the city, they were simply cleaned up.
Dou County is unprecedentedly wealthy.
This is Fucheng, and it is the first time for many of them to come to Fucheng. The country people are a little cautious when entering the city, but the city people do not look at them with indifference and contempt.
"He's from Dou County."
"The soldiers and horses of Dou County."
The news has spread, and the people in Fucheng are pointing and talking in low voices. They are grateful and in awe as they look at this group of people whose official and military robes look a bit shabby.
"Are they coming to reinforce us again?"
Occasionally, the crowd said "Thank you." and "Thank you for your hard work."
Under the watchful eyes of these expressions and words, the officials became more solemn, and the people also straightened their chests and backs.
Soon a group of people came to the front of the government office. There was a tall archway and plaque here, which made everyone look up. But they quickly lowered their heads. Chang Shi led the officials to greet them. Fortunately, the people did not compare.
The officials in Dou County were very emotional. In the past, when they came to Fucheng, the handymen in front of the gate would look at them with their noses...
His attitude changed drastically in the blink of an eye, not because of his changed status, but because of Dou County.
Dou County has soldiers and brave generals who can repel the thieves and protect the city to ensure peace.
The officials were familiar with each other and were comfortable with each other. After some verbal exchanges, Zhongwu took the Minzhuang people to see the Minzhuang here. The two officials took Yu Qian, Zhang Xiaoqian and the general to see Mrs. Wu.
Just like in Dou County, Mrs. Wu also lived in the back house of the government. The back house of the government office was larger than that in Dou County. There were also pavilions and a small garden. The prefect moved his female relatives out so as not to disturb Shao Wu.
Madam, it seems even more empty.
Mrs. Wu was sitting in the study, wearing a blouse to cover her face. Just like in Dou County, the officials were very excited when they saw her. They talked about their worries and worries, as well as their excitement and joy after hearing about the victory. They also broke down the daily life of Dou County these days.
Let’s talk about it in detail.
The quiet study became noisy and lively, as if summer had arrived early, with cicadas chirping, but Yu Qian remained quiet and taciturn as always.
Mrs. Wu did not disperse the cicadas, but listened to their stories and asked a few questions. It was not until Yuan Ji came in to interrupt that the officials picked up their tea cups and drank them all in one gulp.
"Take Master Yu with you," Li Minglou said.
Yu Qian didn't ask any questions and just followed Yuan Ji as he was told.
Naturally, others had no doubts.
"When will you go back, young lady?" Zhang Xiaoqian asked.
The prefect who came in a hurry happened to hear this sentence and staggered in his steps. Chang Shi helped him in time.
"Young Madam, it's great. These are the reinforcements." The magistrate walked into the hall and said happily, and he couldn't help but talk to the two officials, and by the way, he also treated Zhang Xiaoqian and the general randomly.
Thanks a lot, "Thank you for your hard work."
Before official Zhang Xiaoqian could react, Li Minglou smiled and said, "They came here to have a look, but they still have to go back."
The two officials reacted and were furious. The magistrate was too greedy. He wanted to keep all the soldiers and horses in Dou County!
"We in Dou County can't live without people."
"It's closer to Xuanwu Dao and more dangerous."
"We should guard the borders for the state capital."
The two politely declined.
The magistrate did not share their knowledge, and even a fool knew who had the final say on the soldiers and horses in Dou County. He only said: "Yes, yes, stability is so important. The city will survive a disaster. Young Madam, you have to stabilize the people's hearts here."
Li Minglou nodded and said, "Dou County does need stability and has a large population."
"Move them all here." The magistrate said immediately, sighing, "The towns near the prefecture have been emptied due to the brutal attacks by the thieves."
There is plenty of space, the population of Dou County can be accommodated, and the soldiers and horses of Dou County have also come to guard the city, and everyone will be safe.
Li Minglou said: "There is more than one Dou County in the prefecture. Sir, the prefectural city cannot protect all the cities, and the real protection is to make them all become like Dou County, a place that can be defended, so that our prefecture is connected.
Mutual protection and mutual assistance can create an inviolable force."
All the surrounding cities are like Dou County, with soldiers and horses like Dou County. Imagine the scene... The prefect was yearning and disappointed: "What should we do? How can there be so many soldiers and horses."
"There will be soldiers and horses." Li Minglou said, "Dou County has not had a magistrate for a long time. Please promote the chief clerk to the county magistrate so that the officials and the people can have a backbone."
The prefect's expression became even more gloomy.
Although the county magistrate was a junior official, he was also from the imperial examination. He was appointed by the imperial court. After the Jiedushi Observer was appointed, some powerful Jiedushi Observer could also be appointed.
But now there are no observers in Huainan Road.
"The observation envoy of Huainan Road betrayed and surrendered to the enemy. He is no longer an official, but a thief." Li Minglou said, "Without him, the sky of Huainan Road has not fallen. There is still you, sir. You are guarding one side on behalf of the emperor. You are Guangzhou."
It’s the fate of the people of the government, you have the final say on this side.”
The magistrate straightened his back, held his sleeves and said to the chief historian: "Get the great seal of my office."