Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 786: Strolling to the City Square
Before,
Yu Dingzhi also kept an eye on it.

Taking advantage of the palace wall, he led his men westward along the wall. As the saying goes, the higher you stand, the farther you can see. At a parapet near the Meridian Gate, he climbed up to the beacon tower and took a few secret glances.
With the help of the light from the burning drum, they could see clearly that it was someone from the Rongguo Mansion of the Jia family. They were surprised, and for the sake of caution, they secretly returned with their people and did not tell anyone else. Even Sun Shan who was guarding the palace gate did not know about it.

"You are taking advantage of me. I am invigilating the exam, how can I know what is happening outside? Tell me, who is here?"

Zhang Jinyu chuckled. He didn't expect General Yu to be such an interesting person. Yu Dingyi slapped his head when he heard this.
"Oh, Lord, please don't blame me. I was confused. The one who came to the Meridian Gate was none other than the old lady of Rongguo Mansion in the capital. She came with the women of her family to cry in front of the Meridian Gate and burned the drum for hearing the news. As for the reason, I also know it. At noon, I heard that Jia Jing of Ningguo Mansion came here to beat the drum. Who knew that a moment later, "

Yu Dingzhi swallowed his saliva and continued to reply;
"Who would have thought that I heard that the Imperial Censor Zhong came back twice and said something to Jia Jing. After hearing what he said, Jia Jing of Ningguo Mansion hit his head and died on the Dengwen Drum Stone Platform. That's how it ended."

After saying this, he gestured with his hands, referring to those who came to cry for the deceased, who were kneeling in a large area.

Only Zhang Jinyu was full of suspicion. How could it be possible that someone from the Jia family of Rongguo Mansion came here? In this case, how could it be another noble family causing trouble? If it was arranged by Old Lady Shi, it was really possible. However, once Jia Jing died, there would be no successor to the Jia family in the capital.

The key is, what did the censor say that made Jia Jing so determined to die?
What's happening here is really curious.

"Oh, I didn't expect Jia Jing to be so stubborn and rush right in without any hesitation?"

Zhang Jinyu still didn't quite believe that there was a great terror between life and death, not to mention that Jia Jing and other pampered nobles, if they really didn't care about life and death, they would go to the military camp or the frontier army to fight for wealth and fame.
Of course, the prerequisite is to be alive. However, with such character, he can succeed in anything he does, unlike Jia Zhen who is a coward!
"My Lord, please don't disbelieve me. I saw it clearly. He attacked without hesitation and the man was gone."

Yu Dingzhi curled his lips. It was true. At that time, he was standing on the beacon tower and watching. The two were fine. In the blink of an eye, they were gone. It seemed that the imperial guards were also scared. Fortunately, he was not on duty.
Yu Dingzhi's solemn promise also made Zhang Jinyu believe a lot. Unexpectedly, the man of courage in the Jia family turned out to be Jia Jing, who practiced Taoism outside the Great Wall. Jia Jing also appeared only a few times in the original novel of the Dream of the Red Chamber, and died in the end after taking the elixir.

Think about it, it's the same now. The people are dead anyway, but their deaths are valuable. Jia Zhen and his son have saved their lives, but I don't know whether they will be subjected to forced labor or exile in the future. I'll go back and find out.

"What a pity. It is unheard of to beat the drum twice in one day. I'm afraid it will be a headache for the palace."

"My Lord, who says it's not true? But it just so happens that the Prime Minister has come to the palace, so I think everything is fine. Now that the Jia family has left, the matter is considered resolved. As for the report drum, it is said that it was burned completely, leaving no residue."

Yu Dingzhi didn't worry about these things. Even if the sky fell, there were tall people to hold it up, so why should he worry too much?

"This is a rare thing. The drum for reporting has been burned. Let's go and take a look."

Zhang Jinyu burst out laughing. The famous Dengwen Drum was burned. It must have been the old lady's doing. She got rid of this scourge when she got the chance. She was amazing.
"My Lord, I dare not leave my post without permission. I will not accompany you. Please forgive me."

Yu Ding’s opinion is one thing, but there is no way he can get involved. He should just protect himself for the time being and take a step back if possible.

Zhang Jinyu didn't want him to go, so he waved his hand and led his men to the west side of the Meridian Gate. It wasn't far, just one street corner away.

Just before the Meridian Gate,

From a distance, you can see an upright high platform that has been burnt black. Not to mention anything else, the platform is made of jade and has become as black as it can be. Only two supporting pillars are left on it. The original stone platform with carved beams and painted rafters has been burned beyond recognition and its outline is almost invisible.

The three princes following behind him were shocked when they saw this. Jin Wang Zhou Ding touched his eyes and asked;

"My Lord, who is so bold as to burn the Dengwen Drum? No one has ever burned it since the previous dynasty, even at that time."

Zhang Jinyu also understood the meaning of the words of the King of Jin. It was just that the court of the previous dynasty was incompetent and did not burn the drum for reporting. Now they did what the previous dynasty wanted to do but could not do. Isn't it too bold?

After understanding, Zhang Jinyu smiled lazily.
"What the prince said is true. Unfortunately, many people want to burn him. Even the emperor should think so. It's better to burn him to avoid a lot of troubles. As the saying goes, if there is one, there will be two, and if there is two, there will be three. In the future, the censors will not have peace, and the court will not have peace either. So, it's better to burn him."

Looking at the stone platform again, there really was a spot of blood, but after being burned by the fire, it turned black and no trace was left. The surrounding imperial guards were still standing there on duty. Obviously, after the report drum was burned, these imperial guards would feel much more comfortable.

As for the open space in front, some paper money was floating on the ground, and there were some scattered ashes, making it look gloomy. The Jia family was really good at making arrangements. Further ahead was the busy street corner, and the bustling people had already withdrawn, so there was nothing unusual.
"Okay, we've looked at it, and there's nothing surprising. Let's go back, we still have to mark the papers."

The Marquis had spoken, and the three princes could not linger any longer. Looking at the street not far ahead, the second prince Zhou Chong swallowed his saliva and asked in a low voice;

"My Lord, there are a lot of snacks at the street corner ahead. I heard there are also three-yuan steamed buns. Can you buy some?"

"Yes, Lord, I heard that there are fried, crispy meat-filled biscuits. There is only one day left. Can you buy some more?"

The third prince Zhou Long was not to be outdone. He didn't know where he heard it from. What a mess. Crispy meat-filled biscuits. You should just say Roujiamo. It's really troublesome.
Zhang Jinyu stopped and looked back helplessly. Fortunately, the street corner was not far away, at least a few miles away, so he could make it back.

"Guan, listen to the masters, let's go buy some. Let's make it clear first, no running around."

After some explanation,
Zhang Jinyu turned around again and led a group of people to the street corner. As he walked, the three princes looked happy, with their mouths raised high.

At the palace gate, a figure flashed.

Immediately, a team of soldiers from the Imperial City Division followed closely behind to provide protection.

The tavern at the street corner ahead,

The eldest son stopped the carriage, gave a few instructions to the steward who was waiting at the door of the tavern, and asked the coachman to ride away. Then, a team of guards came out from the backyard of the tavern and followed.

Let the curtains fall.

The Prime Minister asked;
"Have everything been explained?"

"Father, I have explained everything. It is thanks to the help of several senior brothers that things in the cabinet are going so smoothly. However, my senior brother asked when his son would join the cabinet. I wonder what father thinks?"

Li Chaosheng was grateful for the help of his three senior brothers, but the core issue was his early entry into the cabinet. This was where the Li family stood firm, so there was a bit more meaning in his words.

Li Chonghou had a blank expression on his face, then suddenly smiled slightly. His bright red official robe trembled for a moment, then he regained his composure.
"Well, that's a good question. It's rare to have this thought. If you want to join the cabinet, it depends on whether the emperor needs you. If he doesn't want to use you, no matter how much effort you put in, it will be useless. As an old man, I can only help His Majesty to stabilize the government. If His Majesty wants to reform, he needs new people. Lu Wenshan and Gu Yichen are not good enough, and the others are even worse. The final task still needs our Li family, so you have to be a knife, and this knife must be fast at the beginning."

After some explanation, the thoughts of the cabinet and the imperial study were guessed. Especially today, after listening to some of His Majesty's words, Li Chonghou suddenly felt that His Majesty wanted to reform the government drastically, but the court had accumulated problems for many years and could not be changed overnight. The biggest obstacle was the retired emperor of Changle Palace. Therefore, he did not say a word before leaving. The person who wanted to join the cabinet should be someone His Majesty could use.

The eldest son Li Chaosheng paused, looking embarrassed. Political reforms have always been bloody. He never backed down. If it succeeded, it would be fine. If it failed, there would be a greater possibility of being liquidated. At that time, there would be no way to retreat, and the Li family would be roasted on the fire.

"Father, if this happens, our Li family will become the target of public criticism. As the saying goes, a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. At that time, we will be unable to advance or retreat. Even if we are made into swords, they will break easily if they are hard. How can we retreat unscathed?"

"Ahaha, well said, and well asked." Li Chonghou suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes shining, looking at his son who was still a little hesitant. He felt relieved that his son could ask these questions, which was considered a success in the court.

"You can say all this, which shows that you are attentive to the affairs of the court. Although the civil officials are united, they lead their own factions. If you want to maintain it and want others to follow you, you need to have hope. Even if you make a knife, it must be useful.

Lu Wenshan and Gu Yichen both have the intention of reform, but unfortunately they are old. If you want to join the cabinet, this is your chance. As for the comeback of the Li family, perhaps it can give a shock to those who have been suppressed by us in the past. The Li family is not in trouble. As for retreating, haha, you can only move forward. "

At this age, there is nothing to be too concerned about. Even if the Li family wants to retreat, they can't. Those people hiding in the dark are always thinking about revenge. Even if they retreat to their hometown, who can guarantee that they will not settle accounts after they gain power? Therefore, they can only go down this path to the end.
Li Chaosheng was deeply moved by his father's words. It seemed that he had been too superficial in his thinking.
"Father, I understand what you said. If I enter the palace, I will be in trouble."

"Why are you in such a hurry? The emperor is not impatient. You have been able to endure until now, which shows your wisdom. Remember, as long as the emperor of Changle Palace is here, the emperor cannot move. So, these days are the time for you to place people and cultivate your confidants. You must grasp it well. Remember one sentence, there is power in numbers, and even treacherous ministers can have three gangs."

Li Chonghou said the last sentence meaningfully and closed his eyes silently.
The eldest son Li Chaosheng was in a state of confusion. It seemed that it was only a matter of time before he entered the cabinet. His father had also made a smooth arrangement for him. He remembered the words of his three senior brothers, Nan Zixian of Wuying Palace and Luo Yunhou. It happened that the special examination this year had been completed. It was time to contact them.

Like his father, he gently closed his eyes and rested. For a moment, the carriage was silent.

The street outside the Meridian Gate,
It is equivalent to a market square, and it was approved because the court took into consideration the hard work of its officials. They came early during the morning court session and had time to have a meal in the market square to fill their stomachs. Therefore, it was deliberately set up. After all, it is close to the Imperial Palace. Although the distance is not close, the noisy market square will definitely not be built here.

However, I don’t know whether it’s because of its good geographical location or because it’s close to the palace. And like Xishifang, it doesn’t close at night. Over the past decade, the connected market has become larger and larger, even including some residential areas.
It is bustling during the day and full of flowers and bright lights at night. The noisy scene can even be heard in the palace. What's more, the easternmost turn of the Shifang actually extends directly to the land of Beishifang. The connection point is Yanchun Tower on the west bank of Qinghu Lake. It can be said to be a unique place.

From then on, there was a folk saying that if you come to the capital and don’t visit the palace city, your trip is in vain.

Therefore,
The Imperial City Department became a frequent visitor here. They set up secret lines with guardsmen in various important places, and the command office of the Military Department was also set up here to stabilize the place.

At this time, Zhang Jinyu

With the three princes and their personal guards, they walked in along the street.
You don't know until you come. Once you come, you will be stunned. Not only are there a lot of people, but there are also countless shops and roadside snacks. Even Zhang Jinyu, who is used to the world, was a little surprised, not to mention the three princes behind him who seldom go out. They were dazzled by what they saw and felt overjoyed. Everything seemed new to them.

The key is,

When Zhang Jinyu came here, he only went to the East and West Market Squares and passed by the South Market Square. He had never been here before. He quickly glanced at the streets and alleys.
Okay,

There are restaurants, teahouses, inns and pawnshops, except for a brothel. This must be intentional, otherwise, if a brothel was opened here, it would ruin the business of the two princesses.

Speaking of which, as women ourselves, what are you thinking to do this kind of business?

After standing there and watching for a while, the eldest prince behind him was somewhat puzzled and asked;
"Why don't you leave, Lord? Is there something wrong?"

Zhang Jinyu smiled and pointed to the stall to the west, which was selling crispy roujiamo.
"Ningbian, go over there and buy a few more so that each of the brothers can try one."

"Yes, Lord Marquis."

Ning Bian nodded and took the two of them over.

"Your Majesty, it's not that I don't want to leave, but I'm just looking around. This place has excellent feng shui, and it's a good place to make money. Also, take a look at this scale of market, it's well connected, and there are all kinds of shops. But is there one thing missing?"

Zhang Jinyu touched his chin and kept the secret.

When the three princes heard this, they immediately became interested and looked around. However, after looking around, they did not feel anything wrong. They looked at each other and shook their heads. The second prince Zhou Chong could not help but asked;

"My Lord, what's wrong? Look, there is food, drink, and a place to stay. I don't see anything wrong with it."

"Yes, Lord, this market has been open for many years to form such a large scale. Even if something is missing, it will be filled. How can there be a shortage?"

King Zhou Ding of Jin was also puzzled, but did not see anything wrong.

at this time,

Ning Bian had brought people with him, holding a lot of oil paper packages. Zhang Jinyu was not polite and let them share. He took an oil paper package and opened it. He saw that it was a baked golden naan with steamed mutton wrapped inside, with a little pickled vegetables and the like. The aroma was so strong that he couldn't help but take a bite. It was crispy and tender, and it was really delicious. It was also called Roujiamo.
"It lives up to its name, and it tastes delicious."

The prince and his personal soldiers behind him also started to eat one each, which attracted quite a few people to watch. However, as they were all armored soldiers, no one dared to say much.

After taking a few bites, I felt refreshed all over. Not to mention the three princes behind me, who seemed to be starving ghosts, breathing in with their mouths full of food.

"Your Highness, eat slowly. I will buy more later. As for what I just asked, you can see that there are many shops and pavilions around, but there is one thing missing, a brothel. As the saying goes, when you are full, you will think of sex. After eating and drinking, don't you have a place to have fun?"

Zhang Jinyu's twisted logic made the three of them nod their heads unconsciously. Even when they were in the palace, they sometimes let the palace maids who followed them dance or something to relieve their fatigue. It was not a matter of course to visit a brothel.

"Ahem, Lord Marquis, you are right, except for one thing. There really is a brothel in this market, but it's not here. We need to go further."

Even if others don't know, King Zhou Ding of Jin knows it. After all, he had asked about it when he passed by here before.

Zhang Jinyu turned around and looked at the eldest prince who was still a little embarrassed. He wondered if this was true.
There is Manchunyuan in the west city, Chunlou in the east city, Hutong Shibaxiang in the south city, and Yanchunlou in the north city. I have never heard of this place.
"Your Majesty, you wouldn't be hiding this from me on purpose. Although I have never been there, if there really is a brothel, it shouldn't be unknown."

"Well, it's not well-known, but the people who come here are dignitaries, rich people and gentry, and there are not many ordinary people coming here."

Zhou Ding thought about it and asked Deputy Commander Jiang before, and it seemed to be the case.

"Then I would like to ask, what kind of brothel has such unique taste?"

Although Zhang Jinyu had no particular interest in brothels, after all, wild flowers were no match for the fragrance of home-grown flowers, but he just wanted to see the hustle and bustle and meet different women, which was pleasing to the eye and could cultivate his sentiments, so he suddenly became interested.

The other two princes also stared at this place with shining eyes, but they were chewing biscuits, which looked out of place. What good place did the Marquis and the eldest brother miss?

The King of Jin did not keep the secret and pointed to the southern end of the street.
"My Lord, it's just ahead. Not far to the east, there is an attic courtyard. It's quite a big place. I think it's called something. Oh, right, the Jiaofangsi!"

"What, the Jiaofangsi!"

(End of this chapter)