Lord: Start with a book of Water Margin

Chapter 598 An Unexpected Visit

Of course, going out on a tour is not something that can be done on a whim, unlike the wives and concubines in the backyard, where one can be taken more or less. But officials and guards in the front must carefully consider.

The route, the place to stay, and the duration of stay also had to be planned. Every time he arrived at a place, he also had to arrange in advance who he would meet. After all, this trip also had another purpose, which was to understand the people's sentiments and demonstrate his power. In addition to summoning local officials, he also had to meet with gentry and fifth-class households. Zhao Zhen even planned to summon some people to meet him immediately.

Therefore, this matter cannot be rushed.

The planning of the tour had already been arranged by Pei Xuan and others in the early stages, and after Zhao Zhen gave the order, he no longer cared about it.

On this day, Zhao Zhen was looking at the layout of the newly built mansion. Just as Pei Xuan said, [Nine-tailed Turtle] Tao Zongwang heard about this and actively participated.

The blueprint was discussed by several people together. In order to embody solemnity and show momentum, it adopts a layout with central axis symmetry and front living room and rear bedroom.

The loess land alone is three thousand meters long from east to west and one thousand two hundred meters from north to south, which makes it much larger than the Bianliang Imperial Palace.

Unfortunately, Pei Xuan and others lacked knowledge, so the palace they designed naturally had no special features. It could only be described as mediocre at best.

After Zhao Zhen looked at it, he pondered for a moment and said, "I have this blueprint. I will ask someone to take a look at it. Let Taoist Dong and Senior Brother Gongsun take a look at it and see if there is an auspicious Feng Shui spot."

Tao Zongwang said: "Sir, if there is a blueprint, I can build it with a group of craftsmen, but I can't arrange such a large-scale palace."

Zhao Zhen said: "It's not a big deal. I'm just about to go back to the main world to see if I can buy a set of blueprints."

Pei Xuan heard this and said, "Sir, it's better to do this as soon as possible. Now that we have started firing bricks and tiles, the location of the city wall must be determined first."

Zhao Zhen nodded upon hearing this.

After seeing them off, Zhao Zhen pondered for a moment and said to Liu Hui Niang, "Hui Niang, the tour will take more than ten days. I will go back to the main world and find someone to finalize the palace layout. I will also ask Brother Tao Zongwang to lead the team to build the palace wall first."

After talking to Liu Hui Niang, Zhao Zhen went to the back to talk to Cheng Wan'er and others. Then he packed up and came to the training ground in front of the hall, ready to return to the main world.

Before they could set off, they saw Ding An running in on his horse.

Ding An was one of the few people who could ride into this place on horseback, so he must have been brought here by a pigeon message.

Zhao Zhen waited for Ding An to come closer and asked, "Where did the pigeon letter come from?"

Ding An replied, "Sir, this is a pigeon letter from Qingzhou."

Zhao Zhen took the pigeon letter and saw that it was written by Liu Guang. It turned out that it was Chai Jin from Cangzhou who came to visit Zhao Zhen.

Zhao Zhen was also surprised when he saw it. He thought Dai Zong was just talking, but he never thought Chai Jin would actually come to visit him.

In this case, it would be bad to go to the main world and let him go in vain. After all, Chai Jin is also a man of generosity, helping the poor and needy, and is well-known in Hebei and Shandong. It would be a good story to get to know him.

Thinking of this, Zhao Zhen asked Zhao Yuanli to put back all the things he was going to take away, and asked Li Xiaoer to get ready in the kitchen.

Zhao Zhen naturally also sent Dai Zong to lead people to welcome them.

Three days later, Zhao Zhen personally led people to welcome Chai Jin and his party to Baishi Manor.

Everyone greeted each other again in the hall, and Zhao Zhen spoke first, "I have heard of you but never met you. People in the world have always said that you are the Little Tornado of Hebei and the Little Mengchang of Shandong. Today, we finally meet. I also heard from Dai Zong and his brothers that Mr. Chai has dragon eyebrows and phoenix eyes, white teeth and red lips, and looks like a descendant of a dragon. After meeting you today, I find that you are indeed a man of extraordinary appearance."

After hearing this, Chai Jin quickly replied, "In terms of reputation, who in the Jianghu can compare to you, sir? I am only relying on the influence of my ancestors, how can I compare to you, sir? I started from the grassroots and now occupy most of the two roads in Jingdong. When you mention you now, everyone will praise you as a hero."

The two men complimented each other, and the accompanying heroes also responded with a smile. Wu Yong said: "The two most extravagant heroes from Shandong and Hebei are gathered here today, and it is time to make a big fuss. Sir, why don't you take the table and ask us brothers to welcome Mr. Chai."

On that day, there was a lot of fanfare in Baishi Manor, and a group of heroes accompanied Chai Jin to celebrate the wedding banquet.

They drank from noon till three o'clock in the morning and then dispersed.

Everyone was drunk, and they sent someone to send Chai Jin to the Honglu Pavilion to rest.

The next day, after lunch, Chai Jin came to visit the village again.

Today was different from yesterday. Chai Jin only brought a few private farmers with him and brought some things.

Zhao Zhen also only sent Wu Yong and Pei Xuan to accompany him.

After greeting, Chai Jin said, "I heard that you like exotic things the most. I came in a hurry and only brought a pair of Gerschnitzgesn as a gift for you to use for hunting. I also brought two boxes of authentic Polygonatum odoratum produced in Mengzhou."

As he said this, he asked everyone to bring up two boxes and the falcon.

Zhao Zhen did not refuse and asked someone to take it.

Zhao Zhen said, "Master Chai is very thoughtful. When you leave, please take some of our special four-bearded carp to enjoy."

Chai Jin said politely: "Speaking of which, the dish of [Fish Leaping Over the Dragon Gate] at the banquet yesterday was unforgettable."

Zhao Zhen asked, "I wonder what the purpose of your visit is?"

"My lord, you have a keen eye. But I have something that requires your help." Chai Jin said.

Zhao Zhen said: "Just tell me, sir. If I can help you, I will not refuse."

Chai Jin was overjoyed when he heard this, and said, "Sir, you are the son-in-law of the Privy Councilor Tong. I wonder if you are friends with the Grand Marshal Gao?"

After hearing this, Zhao Zhen smiled bitterly.

Wu Yong said, "Sir, although you are the son-in-law of Secretary Tong, you don't have much contact with the Prime Minister, let alone Gao Qiu."

Fearing that Chai Jin might misunderstand, Wu Yong continued, "Not only is it not good, but there is also some hatred. It was us who drove Gao Qiu's brother Gao Rang out of Kouzhou. A few days ago, we drove Gao Yanei out of Xingren Mansion. It is a blessing that Gao Qiu does not hate us."

After hearing this, Chai Jin couldn't help but smile bitterly.

When Zhao Zhen saw him, he asked, "I wonder what the great official wants that requires you to go to the Grand Commandant? Perhaps there is another way."

After hearing this, Chai Jin hesitated for a moment, then said, "I have an uncle named Chai Huangcheng, who lives in Gaotang Prefecture. He wrote to me a few days ago, saying that he was bullied by the brother-in-law of Gao Lian, the prefect of Gaotang Prefecture, who wanted to occupy his house. I am going to Gaotang Prefecture to argue with him."

"I didn't expect this guy to rely on the power of his brother-in-law Gao Lian and run rampant here. He refused to give me the slightest bit of face and just asked my uncle to vacate the room. My uncle was pushed, robbed and beaten by him. Because of this, he couldn't get up from bed, refused to eat, and took medicine that didn't work. It's obvious that he is not doing well."

"I have many inconveniences in Cangzhou now. I did not bring many able-bodied men with me when I came here. And since I am in Gaotangzhou, I dare not conflict with him. So I came to you, the great official, and asked you to speak for me, but I am afraid that is not possible now."

Wu Yong listened, gently waved his feather fan, and said: "Other things may be difficult to handle, but you may be able to help the great official with this matter."

(End of this chapter)