Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 881 Students Come to Say Goodbye
Luoyunhou Mansion,

Zhang Jinyu came out of the palace and looked at the backs of several cabinet ministers. He always felt something was wrong. He said that today, the letter from General Gu Ping of Jingnan said that Yu Shiyuan had surrendered to the enemy. Why did they react so excitedly? Even the Prime Minister did not agree with it. How could they know the inside story?

"My Lord, where are we going?"

"Of course I'm going back to my house to rest. By the way, I want to ask you something. Do you think the governor of Jingnan will surrender to the enemy?"

Zhang Jinyu walked a few steps to the carriage, stepped onto the frame, and got into the carriage. As the coachman waved the whip, the frame started moving. Then, his personal guards followed on horseback, dressed in bright armor and looking very majestic.

Ning Bian rode a horse and followed the carriage. The Lord Yu that the Marquis had just asked about was Yu Shiyuan, the governor of Jingnan. It was impossible for him to surrender to the enemy.

"My Lord, you are talking about Yu, the governor of Jingnan. He is a veteran of two dynasties. He shouldn't be like this. If he surrendered to the enemy, Linshan County would have fallen into the hands of the enemy long ago. How could those officials and the people from the Imperial City Department not know about it? In addition, there are so many defenders in the county. If the defenders don't resist and lose the county, it will still be suspicious. If they fight to the death, it is even more unbelievable."

"That's true. We don't know whether they surrendered to the enemy or not. If it was the Taiping Cult that spread rumors and besieged the county town, that's possible. But if it's true, and they've done this, I think that noble person will probably show up."

Zhang Jinyu thought about it and felt that this was not right. If he set a trap to lure Wang Ziteng, he had to make it look real. When the county city was trapped, Wang Ziteng would definitely lead his troops to rescue it. At that time, besieging the city and attacking the reinforcements would be considered a classic battle. What a pity.

He sighed secretly and lost interest. No matter who they were, rebel troops, bandits, or even the princes within the Great Wall, they were always plotting against the imperial court. Now, it was the four kings and eight dukes who wanted the court to be stable. In the end, it felt a little funny.

The carriage swayed eastward, passing the south bank of Qing Lake. The noise of Yanchun Tower was still there, but I had lost interest in it. All living beings like singing and dancing, but how many people remember the troubles at the border and the suffering of the people?

The rich are feasting and drinking, while the poor are freezing to death on the streets. This has been the case throughout the dynasties. There are gentry and powerful people everywhere, and there is really no way to deal with it. Fortunately, the people outside the Great Wall have been ravaged by the Jurchens, and some have fled and some have died. Only their family is left, but they are being held back by refugees, and it is unknown when they can recover. And it is unknown whether the Jurchens have really given up the idea of ​​advancing westward, or are just lying in wait.
Just as I was daydreaming, the car stopped and Ning Bian's voice came from outside the car.

"My Lord, we have arrived at the Marquis' Mansion, and Xu Changwen and Gao Wen are waiting at the door."

"Oh, they are both here too,"

When he lifted the curtain of the carriage, he saw two people wearing green robes, waiting outside the palace gate. After getting off the carriage, he asked in confusion:
"Why did you come here today and encounter difficulties?"

When the two saw the Marquis coming back, they hurried forward and bowed deeply.

"Teacher, I am here to say goodbye today,"

Seeing the two people's happy faces, Zhang Jinyu suddenly realized that this was the Ministry of Personnel's order to transfer documents, so he tried to ask,
"But you are going to take up a post in Jiangnan?"

Xu Changwen looked surprised, then he thought about what his teacher had said before. It seemed that the position of county magistrate was also arranged by the Marquis. His gratitude was overflowing with words, and he bowed.

"Yes, teacher. Yesterday the Ministry of Personnel sent me a transfer order. I will be appointed as the county magistrate of Chunyang County in Jiangnan."

"Teacher is well, the student is blessed by the teacher and serves as the county magistrate of Wuzhong County, Suzhou."

Gao Wen also interjected, his face full of joy. Who would have thought that after passing the provincial examination, he would be appointed an eighth-rank official and serve as a county magistrate. He had never dared to dream of this before.
"Oh. Wuzhong County is a good place,"

Zhang Jinyu waved his hand and asked the two to follow him into the mansion and to the west hall.

Everyone followed him, entered the house and sat down, and the maids serving him inside began to serve tea and water with courtesy.

"Since the transfer order has been issued, when do you two plan to leave?"

This was what Zhang Jinyu wanted to know. Jiangnan was in a big turmoil. The decision to change farmland into mulberry trees was made by the cabinet. Local disputes kept coming one after another. He himself hadn't figured out how to explain it. The eldest son and Lord Lu also had some hidden meanings in their words, and they were not happy with what they said.
Gao Wen seemed a little excited, and told the decision that the three of them had discussed before, and hoped that the Marquis would give him some advice, so he said;
"Thanks to the Marquis' kindness, my disciple and I have sent the silver awarded by the court back home. My family has also replied. I am thinking of discussing with Brother Xu that we can go to Jiangnan to take up a post together without wasting time. Once we are settled, we will bring our parents back home to fulfill our filial duty."

"That's good. Jiangnan is rich and the salary is high. You can make decisions on small matters yourself. You don't have to resist big matters. When things settle down, you can bring your parents over to enjoy a good life. It is also a filial piety. Changwen needs to be settled as soon as possible, and the engagement of the daughter of the Feng family should be concluded as soon as possible. If it is really not possible, you can bring your mother to live in the capital first, and the Marquis's Mansion will pay for all expenses."

Zhang Jinyu said these words because he was really optimistic about this man. Xu Changwen was born with a handsome face and extraordinary bearing, like a young man from an aristocratic family. If it weren't for the fact that his travel permit and the examination papers proved that he was a child of a poor family, it would be hard to tell. Once he went to Jiangnan, as long as he served for three years or made significant achievements, he could be promoted to the sixth-rank Tongzhi. In this way, after two more terms, he would be able to become a fifth-rank prefect.

Xu Changwen blushed slightly, and was somewhat moved. His mentor had already paved the way for his life and career, and he had no way to repay him. His eyes turned red, and he knelt on the ground to thank him.

"I thank my teacher, but I have nothing to repay him."

He kowtowed while sobbing. Gao Wen couldn't sit still any longer, so he followed suit. Zhang Jinyu accepted the kowtow and asked the two to stand up, comforting them.

"A man should not act like a woman. He should do what he should do and what he should not do. The court is in trouble now and the ministers are struggling to support it. It is time for you to play your role. The forces in Jiangnan are complicated, so be careful. By the way, how do you arrange for the two people in the Imperial Examination Hall?"

After explaining the words, he thought of the two disciples of Lord Nan. Since the eldest son and Lord Lu both had that intention, there must be a reason for this arrangement. But Gao Wen smiled and said;
"Teacher, Xu Dong from the Imperial Examination Hall has received his transfer order, saying that he will be appointed as the county magistrate of Yongning County in Jinling, and Zhuang Jinwen will be appointed as the county magistrate of Yushui County. We both know about this because we live together,"

"Oh. So close,"

That's not right. Those counties in the south of the Yangtze River are not only extremely rich, but also located in the south of the Yangtze River, which is a great place to go. How could they lack so many officials? Or were they left behind on purpose? It doesn't make sense. After the provincial examination, there are still the metropolitan examination and the palace examination. If I pass all of them, the official vacancies in various places will be so good. I thought about it but couldn't figure it out. Maybe Mr. Nan knows something. Forget it.

"Since we are so close, don't worry. I have an idle ship at the West City Wharf. You two can take Xu Dong and the others with you and go south on the ship. It will be safer, okay?"

The two were overjoyed. It was great to be able to take the boat from their mentor's house. After all, the pirates in Xihe County were rampant.

"Thank you, Master,"

"Ahahaha, OK, come on, go to the dock and tell them to prepare a boat to send them to Jinling. Also, give each of them 100 taels of silver."

"Thank you, Master, but I don't need any more money from you."

Zhang Jinyu laughed, it's good that they are not distant, a teacher should have this style, but after the two thanked him, they waved their hands again and again, refusing the money. Under their kindness, he had to accept it. Zhang Jinyu didn't care about these, but cared about Jiangnan's future.

After all, the summer planting has begun, and he is ready to take care of all the grain in Jiangnan when the autumn harvest comes. After all, he cannot guarantee that the grain harvest outside the Great Wall will be enough.

"Take it, take it. Now that everything has been arranged, go to your post with peace of mind. During the autumn harvest, the Jinling Su Family Chamber of Commerce will come to purchase grain. You two should know that there are too many refugees outside the Great Wall, and we are afraid that there will not be enough food for the winter." "Teacher, don't worry, this matter will definitely be arranged properly."

"That's good."

Xu Changwen and Gao Wen stood up, bowed, agreed, and then said goodbye. Since they were leaving today and didn't know when they would be back, Zhang Jinyu didn't insist on keeping them. He waved his hand and asked them to go back and prepare. He also personally sent them out of the house. Apart from other things, the civil officials might have great potential in the future.
North City, Nan Zixian's residence,

In the deep and quiet courtyard, in the half-open study, Mr. Nan was sleeping leisurely on a recliner. There was also a small pond in the yard, with several brocade unicorns playing in the water, looking so leisurely.

at this time,

There was a sound of footsteps at the gate of the courtyard, and a steward and two servants came into the courtyard, breaking the silence.
"Master, there are two new recruits outside the mansion. Xu Dong and Zhuang Jinwen are seeking to see you,"

"Oh, it's them. I guess the Ministry of Personnel has issued a transfer order."

Nan Zixian opened his eyes, a gleam of light flashed across his eyes, not at all like he was just asleep. Thinking of what the eldest son and the Minister of Personnel Lu Wenshan had said to each other before, he guessed that Jiangnan was very lively. However, there was one thing he couldn't understand. The Inspector General Jing Cunliang was a guest official of Prince Zhongshun, so why did the eldest son still care about the relationship? This relationship was not small.

Looking at the steward who was still waiting, he nodded;
"Ask them both to come to the study hall and prepare the tables, chairs and refreshments."

"Yes, sir, I will go right away."

The steward agreed and asked the two servants behind him to move the tables, chairs and benches and put them here. After finishing the work, he turned around and left.
They went to the gate of the mansion and respectfully invited the two in. They walked into the front yard. Xu Dong and Zhuang Jinyun seemed a little nervous. After turning a few corners, they arrived at a quiet courtyard full of green bamboos. There was a simple thatched cottage in sight. There was also a small pond in the middle of the courtyard. There was a lounge chair on the shore. The teacher was lying there covered with a blanket. The tables and chairs next to him had been set up. How could they not know that the teacher had been waiting for a long time?
The two looked at each other, walked closer quickly, and bowed at the same time.
"Disciples Xu Dong and Zhuang Jinwen pay their respects to the teacher,"

"Well, get up and sit down. Why did you think of coming to your house today?"

The leisurely words came from the recliner. Nan Zixian did not move, and asked knowingly.
Xu Dong stood up, clasped his fists, and explained his purpose;
"Master, we are here to say goodbye to you. The transfer order from the Ministry of Personnel has been issued. I am a humble disciple and will be serving as the county magistrate of Yongnian County in Jinling."

"Master, I am now working in Yushui County, Suzhou. I am grateful for your kindness and I have no way to repay you."

Zhuang Jinwen seemed a little nervous. He had never expected that the trip to the capital would really bring him such great wealth. Not only did he pass the provincial examination, but he was also granted an official position and finally became the magistrate of a county. It was like a dream.
"Well, these are two good places, both of which are large and prosperous counties in the south of the Yangtze River. When you two come here, don't get involved in the local disputes. Although there are many gentry and powerful people, don't get involved. If things are impossible, "

After a pause, Nan Zixian suddenly sat up and turned to look at the two of them.
"If it is impossible to do anything, protect yourself first, and keep an eye on Xu Changwen and Gao Wen. Remember that?"

Seeing the teacher's solemn instructions, the two of them were nervous, but they did not hesitate to agree.
"Yes, teacher, I will keep it in mind."

"Haha, don't worry, with me and Marquis Luo Yun here, the court will ensure that you are safe, but it is still necessary to set an example. When you go south this time, you must be careful in what you say and do.

Come on, take out 100 taels of silver from the account for each of you two to take with you. Also, if I am not mistaken, Xu Changwen and the other two will go south, and the Marquis' Mansion must have made arrangements, so you two can go with them."

Nan Zixian laughed, thinking of the generosity of Luo Yunhou, he must have arranged everything. As the saying goes, if someone prepares the boat, it is good to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

But the two people in front of him didn't know this and knelt on the ground.

"Thank you for your advice, Master. How dare I take the money?"

"You, if you want to do great things, how can you delay for these small gains? Jiangnan has you to learn, don't waste time, go."

What Nan Zixian cares about is not these, but the series of changes in Jiangnan. The adults have been gone for so long, there should be an explanation, but he just can't guess how it will change.

Seeing this, Xu Dong and the other two had no choice but to kowtow and thank them again, then said goodbye and left. They went to the treasury to get the silver bills. Thinking about their teacher's teachings, although they were confused, they kept them in mind and went back to Youlai Inn to look for Xu Changwen and the others.

At noon, a buffet was served in Rongguo Mansion. In the evening, the lights were on everywhere. Because of the busy day, the second wife ordered all the servants and managers to have a feast in the courtyard. Today, no outsiders would be admitted.

This surprised all the servants, especially the gatekeeper, who closed the gate of Rongguo Mansion, left two servants to guard the door, and took people to the southeast courtyard to eat, drink and joke with the people in the mansion.
In Rongqing Hall,

In the East Warm Pavilion,
After what happened in the morning, the second wife cleaned up a room and washed the tables, chairs, and benches, as well as the bowls, chopsticks, and plates on the table. She then put them in the room and set up a yellow cloth for the incense table, with all the offerings and the incense altar on top.

From now on, I will pray for incense every day.

After finishing all this, he took the maid back to Rongqing Hall.
Perhaps she had some guesses in her mind. Mrs. Xing beside her also looked unhappy. Even a fool could see that there was something fishy about the table, chairs and benches, but she did not dare to ask. All the young people in the room were there, the maids Sanchun, Daiyu and Baochai were whispering, and even Shi Xiangyun was joining in. The room was noisy, but Li Wan only sat for a short while and asked to leave. The old lady actually agreed. She saw all these things. It seemed that Li Wan had moved to the East Mansion at some point.
Seeing the second wife sitting down, she opened her mouth and said;

"Old lady, those things have been arranged. The incense table is ready for offering. Nothing will go wrong."

"Okay, that's good,"

Grandmother Jia nodded with satisfaction, pulled Wang Xifeng's hand over to her side, patted it, and said;

"This time, Feng girl, you have made great contributions to the mansion. Before, I was still thinking about whether to tell you what happened afterwards. I hesitated for a long time. Now it's evening, and there are still many things to explain. You all, listen together."

Although Grandmother Jia's tone was negotiating, her words carried an aura that could not be ignored. Even Lady Xing and the Second Madam couldn't help but raise their heads, not to mention the three sisters.
"Look at what you said, old lady, how dare we not listen to you,"

Wang Xifeng greeted them with a smile and her playful words relaxed the atmosphere in the inner hall.
"You monkey, why are you doing all this? In the palace, the Imperial Concubine has been promoted, which is a great joyous event. The mansion has also benefited from it. But at this critical moment, don't let the Jia family be the first to take action. You know, there are many jealous people. It's okay for Sanchun and the others to stay in the mansion. Feng, the housekeeper, should also be careful inside and outside. As for the two of you, you should know what's going on."

Grandmother Jia didn't want to say these words, but how could Ningguo Mansion not be alerted in such a situation? Especially in the afternoon, the large and small carts in front of the East Mansion, pulling tables, chairs and benches, had long been heard by the old lady. Jia Rong's matter was pitiful at this point, and even the matter of the three concubines in the East Mansion, the old lady finally sighed and let it go.
Everyone was silent after hearing this. It was such a happy day, but no one expected the old lady to say such words. The second wife, in particular, felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on her. She was trembling. Originally, Yuanchun should have been very proud of being crowned as a concubine, but the old lady said these words, which were obviously meant to warn her.

Mrs. Xing, on the other hand, smiled. She glanced at the second wife and spoke with a smile.

"Yes, old lady, you gave me instructions in time. We should be cautious in everything. The incident in the East Palace just happened not long ago and it was at the cusp of the storm. With the gift from the palace, we have finally passed this hurdle and are safe now."

With Mrs. Xing's words, the atmosphere in the room was not so tense. They seldom went out of the house on weekdays, so it was nothing. Only Wang Xifeng seemed a little unnatural, with a pang in her heart. She had agreed to the matter of Shuiyue Temple, and sealed a silver note of five thousand taels, as well as a visiting card from Rongguo Mansion, and asked Lai Wang to go directly to Chang'an County to find the Yun family!

(End of this chapter)