The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 270

After returning to Jingzhou from Tucheng, Xu Xuan unexpectedly did not propose to immediately return south to Jiangnan, nor did he immediately give up his duties as mayor of the agricultural reclamation area.

He took Li Congjia back to the agricultural reclamation area, and refused Zhu Xiu's request to accompany him. He said with a cold face that they would still live in the agricultural reclamation area in the near future, and he would perform his duties as mayor with all his heart.

The only requirement is that Zhu Xiu must not come to disturb him.

No matter how Zhu Xiu apologized and Li Congjia tried to persuade him, Xu Xuan remained unmoved and looked determined to draw a clear line with Zhu Xiu.

It seems that Tao Wenju was secretly instructed to demand 70 yuan of "meat ticket money", which caused indelible harm to Xu Xuan's heart.

In desperation, Zhu Xiu had to ask Guan Tieshi to escort them back to the farming area.

Half a month later, at the end of February, Xu Biao led his men to escort 30 guan of money and arrived in Anding County under the escort of the soldiers from Qiugu County.

Pei Jin organized the officials in the Du branch to conduct an inventory. It took more than half a day to complete the inventory and verify that it was correct, affixed seals and stored it in the Jiedu government warehouse.

The officials in the Du Branch Office have become numb to the large-scale work of counting money and goods, and they are not surprised that the Jiedu Mansion can receive huge sums of money in addition to a batch of salt money from time to time.

They didn't know where Master Shijun got so much money, nor did they know how much money was in the Jiedu Mansion's warehouse. They only knew that the combined savings of the Changyi Army in the past 30 years were not as much as the money they had obtained in the past two years.

Anyway, everyone in Jingzhou knows that the Jiedu Mansion is rich, and the young envoy is even richer.

However, not long ago, some party members sent hundreds of kilograms of gold to Jiedu Mansion. The golden gold collars were piled up like a hill. It was said that the golden light could blind people.

The Jiedu government had ample finances, subordinate officials received many benefits, and the soldiers had sufficient food and pay, and everyone was happy.

When Xu Xuan learned of Xu Biao's arrival, he rushed back to Anding County with Li Congjia the next day, and a resignation letter was also placed on Zhu Xiu's desk.

Zhu Xiu knew that Xu Xuan had decided to leave and that their identities had been exposed. It was not safe to stay in Jingzhou and it would also be a trouble for Zhang Yijun.

Zhu Xiu happily approved the release and saw him off outside the east gate of the county seat the next day.

Originally, Zhu Xiu wanted to hold a grand farewell banquet for Xu Xuan, but Xu Xuan declined. Instead, he took Li Congjia and made a special trip to Shenghe Dishe to pay homage to the dishe's clerks, the master chefs in the back kitchen, and the aunts. Farewell.

In order to thank them for taking care of them over the past few days, Xu Hyun also specially prepared a red envelope for everyone.

The aunties expressed their gratitude to Li Congjia with all kinds of expressions of reluctance.

This little fat man Tuya, who had been with them for more than half a year, was deeply loved by the aunts, and even said that if Li Congjia was willing to stay, they would marry their daughter and niece to him as their wife.

Li Congjia was sweating profusely and bowed to express his gratitude. By the time he escaped from the aunts' encirclement, most of his clothes were already wet.

Outside the east gate, Xu Xuan was dressed in a green and black brocade robe and a cloak. He was looking at the Anding County town with his hands behind his back in a daze.

The ancient city wall with mottled traces, snow-capped snow piled on top of the city, the cold and damp air, the warm and simple people, various innovated regulations and systems, from the government to the military and civilians, a scene full of vitality. These are all the things Xu Xuan left behind In my heart, there is a memory that I will never forget.

Of course, there is also a treacherous and cunning young man with a human face and a beastly heart. He suffered a loss and was deceived, but in the end he still wanted to be good to him. Xu Xuan felt that all his life's losses were finished in Jingzhou. This is what he has engraved in his soul. deep memory.

Xu Xuan looked at Zhu Xiu with complicated eyes, and moved his eyes behind him to the Dishe clerk named Hu Guangyue.

In front of him, Hu Guangyue was dressed in scale armor, with a sword hanging from his waist. His face was solemn and majestic, as if he was a warrior in the army. He stood three feet away from Zhu Xiu, his eyes lowered, and he faithfully performed his guard duty.

Xu Xuan secretly smiled bitterly, such an image was so different from the tall and honest Dishe boy in his impression.

Aware of Xu Xuan's gaze, Hu Guangyue raised his eyelids, grinned, nodded slightly, and then lowered his eyes solemnly to remain alert.

"This General Hu is the real head of Shenghe Dishe, right?" Xu Xuan sighed.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "Hu Guangyue is my deputy commander, and Shenghe Residence is also a property under the name of Jiedu Mansion."

Xu Xuan's face trembled. It turned out that he and Li Congjia had been under Zhu Xiu's surveillance since the day they moved into the residence.

At first, he only thought that Hu Guangyue, a simple young man from the county town, although he was just a small clerk, his conversation and knowledge were quite extraordinary, and he would always have the opportunity to stand out in the future.

Unexpectedly, he already had a military position, so he hid it well.
Xu Xuan laughed at himself, as expected, there are just as many subordinates as there are masters, and all of them are sinister and sinister.

Zhu Xiu curled his lips. Looking at this guy's appearance, he knew that he was slandering her in his heart again.

Xu Xuan took a long breath, slowly raised his hands and said: "Anyway, Zhu Shaolang was kind to the little prince and Xu. During this time in Jingzhou, I also asked Zhu Shaolang to take care of me. Xu will definitely remember this kindness in his heart." !”

Zhu Xiu blinked, feeling that when Xu Xuan said these words, there was a feeling of gnashing his teeth, and he didn't know if it was his own illusion.
"Mr. Xu is serious! I have gained a lot from my acquaintance with Prince Anding and Mr. Xu. I just wish I could always follow you and listen to his teachings!" Zhu Xiu shook his head regretfully.

Xu Xuan smiled bitterly, "Zhu Shaolang has a mentor who is a scholar of heaven and man. Compared with Xu, the silver candle is to the bright moon and the sand is to the desert. How dare they compare! Xu and Zhu Shaolang have talked several times, and they can always talk about it. I have benefited a lot. I was fortunate to serve as the mayor of the agricultural reclamation area during this period, and I also have a new understanding of managing the world and benefiting the people. Xu should thank Zhu Shaolang for his generous teachings!"

Saying that, Xu Xuan bowed sincerely.

Zhu Xiu quickly turned aside and said, "Mr. Xu, you can't do this, it's a shame!"

Hu Guangyue came forward with a tray covered with a piece of red silk cloth.

Zhu Xiu uncovered the red silk cloth and found two pieces of gold paper underneath.

"Please accept Mr. Xu's parting gift." Zhu Xiu said with a smile.

Xu Xuan originally thought that Zhu Xiu was going to give away travel expenses, but when he was about to decline, he saw two pieces of gold paper. He was stunned, took it out and opened it to read.

An article was transcribed on the first piece of paper, it was the "Snow Ode".

A poem was written on the second piece of paper, titled "Send Off to a Friend".

Xu Xuan glanced at Zhu Xiu and whispered:

"The lonely boat is far away from the thousands of flowers in the spring, and the clouds are light, the mountains are green and the water is full of streams. It is expected where the guests are worried, and the green shade official houses are listening to the warblers."

Xu Xuan seemed to be touched by some emotion deep in his heart. He trembled and his eyes were slightly moist. He couldn't help but read the poem several times.

"Spring is about to begin. I wish you, sir, to return from your trip to the south and enjoy the spring scenery and return happily!" Zhu Xiu smiled and bowed in salute.

"Thank you, Mr. Zhu!"

Xu Xuan was so moved that he let out a long sigh, holding two golden pieces of paper that were very precious to him, and laughed openly: "Good calligraphy, good poems, and good articles! What a great opportunity to get acquainted with Mr. Siyou." Mo Bao, this trip is really worth it!"

"Haha, sir, you are exaggerating. Mr. Siyou is the name of the family teacher. I am just a donkey wearing a tiger's skin and showing off in the market!" Zhu Xiu shook his head and said seriously.

Xu Xuan's smile became more and more cheerful, and he stroked his beard and said: "In time, the world will know the names of Mr. Siyou and Mr. Zhu Shaolang. Anyway, you master and disciple are just the same person. Who is pulling the tiger skin of whom is not important to the people of the world~ "

Xu Xuan smiled thoughtfully, and Zhu Xiu spread her hands helplessly.

"Master Zhu, farewell! See you again someday!" Xu Xuan carefully put away the gold paper and bowed solemnly to say goodbye.

"Sir, take care all the way!"

Xu Biao stepped forward to help Xu Xuan board the car: "Third Grandfather, slow down~"

Xu Biao wanted to glare at Zhu Xiu fiercely, but he glanced around and saw many soldiers with scales and swords staring at him intentionally or unintentionally. He immediately thought of what he had experienced in the transformation field, and felt a little chilly all over. He did not dare to lower his head. Then he climbed into the carriage, waved his whip and drove away.

The carriage Li Congjia was riding in stopped, and a round fat head stuck out of the window. Little Fatty Rabbit Ya said sadly: "Brother Zhu, take care, I'm gone."

Zhu Xiu cupped his hands and said, "Have a good journey, dear brother!"

Li Congjia reluctantly said: "Brother Zhu gave me many candies and snacks, and also gave me the recipes and secrets of Taihelou. I have nothing to repay in return. I hope that Brother Zhu can go to Jiangning in the future and let me do my best as a landlord." Friendship." Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "There will definitely be a chance. As a wise brother, as a prince, brother Yu may have to rely on a wise brother for support in the future!"

Li Congjia scratched his head and said sheepishly: "Brother Zhu thinks highly of my younger brother. My younger brother is just an idle prince with no power and power. He only knows how to sing the wind and the moon. I'm afraid he won't be able to give Brother Zhu a rich future."

"Haha~ Things are unpredictable. Anyway, good brother, just don't forget me in the future!"

Li Congjia said with a stern look on his fat face: "My little brother was taken care of by Brother Zhu and spent an unforgettable happy time in Jingzhou. Brother Zhu's kindness will never be forgotten!"

"Take care of me, dear brother!"

"Brother Zhu, take care! Farewell!"

The carriage rumbled away, and the long motorcade slowly drove away to the south.

The light snow that had stopped for many days fell again. Zhu Xiu tightened her clothes and blew out a breath of white air into her palms. The late spring cold of the new year was coming again.

Zhu Xiu sighed suddenly, with a sad look on his face.

Hu Guangyue said with emotion: "The young envoy and Mr. Xu, Li Shaolang, are really very affectionate! Please don't be sad, the young envoy, parting is a common thing for friends, and there will be a chance to meet again in the future."

Zhu Xiu rubbed her hands in anger and glanced at him strangely: "Who said I was worried just to say goodbye to my friends?"

"Then why do you sigh?" Hu Guangyue looked confused.

Zhu Xiu rolled her eyes at him: "You are stupid. The 70 yuan you received flew away like this. Who can not feel sad? Let alone sigh, even crying is not an exaggeration!"

Zhu Xiu sniffed and squeezed her eyes, as if she wanted to prepare for tears.

After winking and fussing for a long time, I didn't feel anything. I mumbled, tossed my sleeves and robe, climbed on the horse and went back to the city.

Hu Guangyue was stunned, shook his head helplessly, got on his horse and followed.

~~~
Yacheng Prison is a prison set up by the Changyi Army. It is closely guarded and houses some serious criminals, as well as officials and generals who have committed crimes.

There were torches hanging on both sides of the dark corridor, and the swaying light of the fire lengthened the figures. In the silent prison, you could occasionally hear the squeaking of mice and the clanking of the shackles of individual prisoners' hands and feet.

Nowadays, the public security in Jingzhou is good, and the number of thieves and criminals among the people has been greatly reduced. Some petty thieves have been sent to the reform center to work hard, and there are very few prisoners who are qualified to be detained here.

The officials and generals became much cleaner after Xue Shiliu's purge. Initially, Zhu Xiu decided on the last step of the three-step process of governing the Changyi Army - to clean up the administration of officials. After vigorous rectification, the entire military and political system operated more efficiently and more cleanly.

Coupled with the strict supervision of the Zangfeng camp, very few officials and generals dared to break the discipline at the risk of being struck by thunder.

Therefore, this prison in Yacheng was once vacant, and more than a dozen prison guards were at risk of losing their jobs.

After streamlining the manpower, redundant jailers were deployed to other positions, leaving only a few responsible for the daily operations of the prison.

A heavy iron door slowly rose with the rotation of the winch, and light was projected into the dim corridor. The wind and snow poured in, blowing the firelight on the stone walls on both sides to almost extinguish.

Zhu Xiu walked into the corridor, and the damp air-conditioning made him tighten his thick cloak.

Hu Guangyue followed behind him holding a torch.

Two jailers stood aside respectfully.

Zhu Xiu looked around. There were more than a dozen cells in the prison. They were fairly clean, but he could still smell a musty smell that was difficult to remove.

He couldn't help but think of the days when he was imprisoned in Cangzhou Prison more than two years ago.

They are both prisons. Comparing the two, they are completely different from a shack and a five-star hotel.

"Young Envoy, the prisoner Yan Ping is being held in the innermost room." A jailer said respectfully.

Zhu Xiu nodded: "Lead the way."

Follow the warder along the corridor to the deepest part of the prison. In front of a cell, the warder opens the iron chain, pushes open the cell door, then wisely steps aside and stands waiting at a distance.

"You're waiting here too." Zhu Xiu said lightly before getting into the cell.

Hu Guangyue hesitated and said: "It is better to let my subordinates accompany me."

"No need." Zhu Xiu shook his head and ducked into the cell.

Hu Guangyue could not stop him, so he had to stand outside the cell, holding the knife at his waist tightly, with a cold expression, always paying attention to what was going on in the cell.

The cell was clean and the air was filled with a musty and bloody smell.

A simple wooden bed was placed against the wall, covered with a thin old straw mattress. Yan Ping was lying on his stomach, covered with a leather mattress, motionless, and only the faint sound of breathing could be heard.

Maybe it was the sound of chains and footsteps that woke him up, Yan Ping slowly opened his eyes, his blurred vision gradually became clear, and he saw Zhu Xiu standing in the cell.

"Young Master." A hoarse voice came out with difficulty from his throat. Yan Ping struggled to lift the mattress, climbed off the bed, and knelt down on the cold stone bricks.

His face was pale, his hair was disheveled, and he was wearing a gray-white prison uniform. His entire back to buttocks were covered with blood stains, which was shocking to see.

Those were the marks left on his body by the eighty-stick punishment.

"Imprisoner Yan Ping, please see the young envoy!" Yan Ping pressed his forehead heavily against the stone bricks and whimpered, his whole body shaking uncontrollably.

"You have two crimes. The first is that you failed to perform your duties, which caused people with unknown backgrounds to sneak into Jiedu Mansion and leak important military information; the second is that you were careless and neglected your duties. Many suspicious people entered the county and passed through the customs. Your subordinates reported early warning , but you turned a blind eye, which led to the incident in the agricultural reclamation area."

Zhu Xiu looked at him with a very indifferent tone, "Because of you, Du Fang and five other first-class soldiers of the Zangfeng Battalion were killed in the battle, 11 civilians in the farming area were killed and injured, and more than [-] officers of the town office were killed and injured. According to the Zangfeng Battalion Army Gui, you should have been beheaded in public, but since Hu Guangyue and a group of Zangfengying brothers interceded for you, and the old commander personally interceded for you, I only gave you eighty sticks.

Yan Ping, remember, your life is a lucky one, but you will never be sorry for the souls who died because of your mistakes! "

Yan Ping kowtowed desperately, his forehead was bruised and bleeding, and big tears fell.

His hoarse cry sounded in a low voice: "Yan Ping knows that he is guilty and does not dare to ask the young envoy for forgiveness. He only asks the young envoy to give this villain a chance to redeem himself and make meritorious deeds!"

Zhu Xiu said indifferently: "According to the rules of the Zangfeng Camp, you have been dismissed from all military positions and become a white body."

Yan Ping suddenly raised his head, his eyes were red, he knelt down for a few steps, kowtowed heavily, and roared hoarsely: "I am willing to be punished by stabbing my wife. I just ask the young envoy to allow me to continue to serve in Zangfeng Camp! I am willing to start from scratch." rise!"

Zhu Xiu was silent for a moment, "Have you thought about it?"

Yan Ping struggled to stand up, clasped his fists tremblingly, gritted his teeth and said word by word: "I will serve the young envoy and Zang Fengying for the rest of my life, and I will never regret it!"

Zhu Xiu nodded and said calmly: "After recovering from the injury, let's set off for Taiyuan and take care of the business of Shenghe Dishe over there."

Zhu Xiu glanced at his thin clothes, took off his cloak and threw it to him, turned around and stepped out of the cell door.

Hu Guangyue looked at the cell, lowered his head and followed quickly.

The jailer hurried forward to close the cell door and lock the chains.

In the cell, Yan Ping hugged the thick cloak, and there was still warmth inside.

"Young Envoy!" Yan Ping cried loudly, hugged his cloak tightly, and kowtowed heavily in the direction Zhu Xiu left.

(End of this chapter)