Aspirations

Chapter 9 Jingxing Qingyun
Along the way, the lights are bright, and the hawkers are constantly heard. The hawkers along the street are selling their own products. The second girl downstairs greets the guest with a smiling face.

Xiao Wu's eyes were straight, and his eyes were so dazzling that he didn't even know what to do next to a young lady of twenty-eight, so he just grinned.

"Hey, hey, it's so fun, so beautiful, so good, sir, I don't want to go back to Lingshou, I want to live in Shangjing."

"Sir, what is this thing? It's like a cloud of white clouds, and white clouds can eat it too? What kind of sugar is rock candy? Is sour sour delicious? The biscuits only cost a penny each, and I'm hungry again."

"Sir, is this the place to take a bath? Strange thing, you have to pay for taking a bath? I'm in the mountains, I jumped into the river and I washed it clean without spending a penny."

"Look, sir, the little lady in pink upstairs has been waving at you for a long time, why are you ignoring her? She even called you head, no, it means come quickly."

Xia Xiang only knew that Xiao Wu was talking so much. He couldn't help laughing and laughing. He wanted Xiao Wu to shut up, but he couldn't bear to blow his curiosity. He happened to pass by a high gate mansion with a black gold silk nanmu plaque hanging at the top of the red and red lacquer gate. Three big characters: Xingwangfu.

There is a red pillar on each side, and the red pillar and a pair of unicorns face each other from afar.There are glazed tiles on the top and bluestone on the bottom, solemn and solemn.

Xiao Wu learned a lot of characters with Xia Xiang along the way, and recognized the three characters of Xingwangfu. He was dumbfounded: "Which king is Xingwang?"

"The King of Stars is the third prince, and the younger brother of today's sage." Xia Xiang stared at the word Xingwangfu with a half-smiling smile, his eyes revealing intriguing meaning, "The emperor has four brothers, in order of age, the emperor is The second prince and the third prince, Xingwang, were born to the same mother. The first prince, King Jing, the fourth prince Qing, and the fifth prince Yun, were the first cousins ​​of the emperor and were the cousins ​​of the emperor. The titles of the four princes were based on Jing. Xing Qingyun is the number."

Jingxing, a bright star, Qingyun, is a multicolored auspicious cloud.Jingxingqingyun means auspicious signs.

Just as he was talking, the closed red lacquer door of the Xingwang Mansion suddenly opened from the inside, and the two came out from the inside.After the two went out, their vigilant eyes swept around, and they turned on their horses without finding any abnormality.

It was also a coincidence that the two of them lifted the reins and rode their horses, just passing by Xia Xiang and Xiao Wu.The person on the horse glanced at Xia Xiang more, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and a cold light flashed in his eyes, as if he had discovered some secrets in Xia Xiang.

He stopped his horse, looked down at Xia Xiang for a moment, and asked, "Who are you?"

Xia Xiang bowed his hands in a salute, neither humble nor arrogant nor in a hurry: "Back to Taiwei, Xiaxiang is under Xiaxiang, a native of Lingshou County, Zhendingfu, Hebei West Road."

"What's the matter in Beijing?" For some reason, when Gao Jianyuan saw Xia Xiang at first glance, he felt familiar, as if he had known Xia Xiang a long time ago, that's why he stopped his horse and asked this question, but I heard it. When Xia Xiang was a native of Lingshou County, Zhending Prefecture, Hebei West Road, he denied his own judgment and must have admitted the wrong person. He only visited Lingshou once, that is, he went to Zhongshan Village to arrest Li Dingshan more than a month ago.

"Come on for the exam." Xia Xiang knew in his heart that the people who came out of the Xingwang Mansion were by no means ordinary people. Although the people in front of them did not wear official uniforms, their speech and behavior were obviously not commoners.However, he didn't have too many scruples about the person in front of him, but the man next to him who said nothing, made people feel inexplicably gloomy.

"Since you're going to Beijing to take the exam, don't wander around, go back to rest early." Hearing that Xia Xiang was a test student, Gao Jianyuan lost interest in Xia Xiang, and rode his horse forward.

"Master, could Xia Xiang be Li Dingshan's disciple?" After walking out a few feet, Yan Hao was still unwilling, and looked back a few times. Xia Xiang under the light stood indifferently, with a peaceful face, and he couldn't help but feel suspicious. , "Xia Laocheng said that Li Dingshan taught in Zhongshan Village for three years..."

"Yan Xiaowu, you are worrying too much." Gao Jianyuan waved his hand to stop Yan Hao. Yan Hao ranked fifth. In private, he would refer to Yan Xiaowu as Yan Xiaowu. When he called Yan Hao Yan Xiaowu, he was in a good mood. In good times, "Let's not say that Li Dingshan is teaching in Zhongshan Village, and even if he teaches in Lingshou County, he may not happen to be Xia Xiang's husband. Besides, Xia Xiang calls himself Lingshou Ren, but it is not known whether he is from Zhongshan Village. The most important thing is to find out the whereabouts of Li Dingshan and Xiao Jia as soon as possible. What if Xia Xiang is really Li Dingshan's disciple? The third prince wants Li Dingshan's life, not Xia Xiang."

"With Li Dingshan's talent and learning, Xia Xiang is really his protégé, and high school jinshi is no problem. If Xia Xiang is allowed to leap over the Dragon Gate and step into the court, he will inevitably become a big problem for his confidants in the future." Yan Hao thought more than Gao Jianyuan. , when he saw Xia Xiang for the first time, the feeling in his heart was much stronger than that of Gao Jianyuan.

"Hahaha, Yan Xiaowu, if I hadn't known you for many years, I would have slapped you firmly in the face."

Gao Jianyuan has been frightened for a month, lest he will be convicted by the third prince. After waiting for a full month, he finally came to the third prince who came back from summer vacation.Not only did the third prince not blame him, but instead praised him a few words, and said that Li Dingshan had already arrived in Shangjing, and he just had to wait and see, and Li Dingshan would automatically throw himself into the net, and he didn't need to be arrested and brought to justice with great fanfare.He also regarded Li Dingshan's self-introduction as a contribution to Gao Jianyuan, and a great contribution was recorded.

After a month of panic and anxiety in exchange for comfort and praise, how could Gao Jianyuan not be overjoyed?Just like a person who is on the verge of drowning, suddenly finds that he has stepped on solid ground, and the feeling of escaping from death is much more comfortable than getting promoted and rich.

Gao Jianyuan, who is still immersed in excitement, can't hear Yan Hao's groundless speculation, he is too lazy to speculate from an unfounded beginning to an even more unwarranted next step, there are too many uncertainties, he is not sure if he does not do it things, and don't think about things that haven't happened yet.

"Yes, the lower official knew it was wrong." Yan Hao couldn't tell the difference. He was no more familiar with Gao Jianyuan's temper. He always only made suggestions. It's okay for Gao Jianyuan to accept it. Act your own way.

Looking back at Xia Xiang again, Yan Hao firmly remembered Xia Xiang's appearance.

"The little black guy is ruthless." When Yan Hao looked back at Xia Xiang, Xiao Wu's eyes were also fixed on Yan Hao, his eyes were direct and hot, showing unprecedented vigilance, "When he was riding a horse, his upper body Not moving at all, you can put a bowl of water on your shoulders without leaking, which is a great skill.”

"How can you see it?" Xia Xiang was secretly surprised. Xiao Wu was sometimes as simple as a ten-year-old child, and sometimes as calm as a seasoned master. His evaluation of the little black man just now was appropriate and consistent with his views on this person. .

"His complexion is pale and blue, his eyes are too white, his lips are thin and his eyes are thin, he is definitely not a good person..." Xiao Wu said a few words, suddenly ran out of words, scratched his head naively, and smiled, "Anyway, it feels good. It's uncomfortable, and I don't know what's going on."

Xia Xiang looked at the backs of Gao Jianyuan and Yan Hao, and thought for a moment, the shadows of Li Dingshan, Xiao Jia, Xia Lai and Xia Qu kept flashing in his heart, and he couldn't help sighing: "I hope Mr. Saburo's death becomes auspicious!"

Li Dingshan's hurried departure and the disappearance of Xia Lai and Xia Qu were all caused by Gao Jianyuan. How could Xia Xiang not hate Gao Jianyuan?It's just that he really couldn't figure out how Li Dingshan was a prisoner of the imperial court.The gentleman is nothing more than a desolate teacher. What heinous crime can he commit as a scholar to make the court angry?
Could it be that the husband offended the Third Prince?Since the person who captured Mr. Xingwang's mansion can enter and leave at will, it can be seen that if it is not the personal soldiers of the star king's mansion, it is the most trusted person of the star king.Xingwang also served as the prefect of Shangjing, and was in charge of the administrative, judicial, and people's livelihood matters in the capital and Shangjing. It will be decided exclusively, and major events will be reported.”

The governor of Shangjing is a high-ranking governor. There were several monarchs in the previous and this dynasty who served as governors of Shangjing.Shangjing is the capital, and if it were not for the person who is most trusted and relied on by the saint, he would definitely not hold such an important position.Otherwise, if there is a tiger sleeping soundly on the side of the couch, how can you sleep peacefully?

The emperor was in bed for a long time, and he had no children under his knees, and the position of the crown prince was undecided.The third prince is only thirty years old, and he also serves as the governor of Shangjing, who can only be held by successive princes. Moreover, he is also the younger brother of the emperor's mother and compatriot. He imitated the elder brother and the precedent of Taizong who passed on the throne. But the crown prince who has been named!

The third prince and the prime minister Hou Pingpan have a very good personal relationship.Hou Pingpan served as the minister of Pingzhang under the door of Tongzhongshu, usually called Tongpingzhangshi, and was the prime minister.

The central organization of Daxia is the "two-government system", that is to say, there are two organizations, the Zhongshu and the Privy Council, "two handles for civil and military affairs, and the number is the second government".The characteristic of the two-government system is the separation of powers between civil and military.Hou Pingpan is the highest officer of Zhongshu, who leads the political affairs of Daxia, one person is less than ten thousand people.

With the power of the prime minister plus the status of the royal family of the three princes, as well as the status of the possible heir and the power of the governor of Shangjing, the two of them joined forces to control the government.

Xia Xiang's heart was ups and downs, if the husband was really not tolerated by the third prince, I'm afraid it would be difficult to turn over again.In case the third prince inherits the throne, it is fortunate that the husband can save his life.At the beginning of the establishment of the dynasty, Taizu ordered the descendants of future generations not to kill scholars and officials in vain.There was a lyricist Liu Qibian who wrote the word "forbearance of the floating name, changed to a shallow voice and sang in a low voice", when Taizu was in power, Liu Qibian was in the jinshi examination, Taizu saw it, and said unhappy: "Since I want to' Sing in a low voice, 'Why should you care about a false name?" Liu Qibian's fame was then crossed out.

It's just to cross out the fame, not to kill him nor to add additional charges.

After the current emperor ascended the throne, Lian Yi and his brother Lian Che joined Jinshi Ke in the year of the big examination.Lian Yi, who was young and worried about the world, wrote in the test paper: "Today the emperor is in the palace, with thousands of beauties, singing, dancing and drinking all day long, drunk with money, and neither caring about the suffering of the common people, nor discussing with the ministers to govern the country. Anbang's plan."

The chief examiner at that time thought that Lian Yixin was lying to the emperor and should be severely punished.The emperor took it indifferently: "I set up the imperial examinations to open the door. Lian Yi, a small official, dared to speak so bluntly, he should be commended."

Later, there was a scholar in Sichuan who dedicated a poem to the governor of Chengdu, and advocated that "burning the Broken Sword Gate to the pavilion will make Chengdu a different universe".When the prefect of Chengdu saw him, he broke out in a cold sweat, and he was blatantly inciting rebellion. He should be escorted to the capital and asked the court to punish him.

According to the laws of the past dynasties, treason is a serious crime, and beheading is still a light sentence. Generally, even the nine clans must be executed.After the emperor found out, not only did he not get angry, but he smiled: "Old Xiucai is eager to become an official, and he wrote a poem to vent his personal anger. How can he be punished? Since he wants an official, it is better to give him an official to do it."

As a result, this person was awarded the post of Sihu to join the army.

Xia Xiang was still a commoner at this time. Even if he passed the exam and was awarded an official position, he was only a minor official of the seventh rank and below. under the king's authority.If he wants to save Li Dingshan's life, with his power, I am afraid he is powerless.

Forget it, I don't want to think so much anymore, the imperial power is mighty and powerful, I hope that the third prince will obey the order of the Taizu and not kill the scholar-officers, maybe the gentleman can still have a way to survive.Xia Xiang retracted his thoughts, lifted his spirits, and continued to move forward with Xiao Wu.

Half an hour later, Xia Xiang and Xiao Wu stood at the door of Baojian Camp.

Baojian Ying said it was a brothel, but it was all red, with red lanterns hanging on the eaves, as bright as day.The sound of silk music, the fluttering red sleeves, and the sound of Yingyan Swallows, is a dazzling atmosphere.

The guests at the entrance are constantly coming and going, there are sedan chairs, horses, and walkers. Although they are not full of Zhu Zigui, they can be regarded as chatting and laughing, and there are endless people.

Xia Xiang stood a little closer and was pushed by Duke Gui who was standing at the door.Gui Gong was born with clear eyes and beautiful eyes. At first glance, he looked like a woman. If it weren't for the tuft of hair growing on the mole on his chin, he would be considered an above-average handsome man.

"What are you looking at? Go away." Duke Gui pretended to be vicious and glared angrily at Xia Xiang, "Look at your poor appearance. If you entered this golden cave, you probably won't even have bones left."

Xiao Wu was angry, whoever dared to touch Xia Xiang was no different from taking his life. He took a step forward, reached out and picked up the collar of Duke Gui, and roared: "If you dare to touch my husband again, I will unscrew you. brain."

"Xiao Wu, don't be rude." Xia Xiang smiled like a spring breeze, patted Duke Gui's shoulder, and then pulled Duke Gui's hand, "Didn't you ask your honorable name?"

Duke Gui stiffened his neck and refused to give in. After all, at the door of his house, as long as he greeted him, more than a dozen people would come out from inside. There were only two people on the other side, and he could be brought down with three punches and two belly feet.

Before he could open his mouth, he suddenly felt that there was something in his hand, and when he looked down, it was a treasure.There are a few hard objects in the kit, and if you touch it with your tentacles, there is no doubt that it should be broken silver.He smiled immediately, nodded and changed his face: "Guest officer, the youngest surname is rich, and because he ranks eighth, he is called Wang Hachiro."

Wouldn't it be better to be called Wang Ba?Xia Xiang almost laughed out loud, but he endured it with all his might to not be rude, and said, "Balang, you must know all the brothels in Shangjing. Let me ask you, how many times are you in Shangjing? Family brothel? I walked all the way from Quanyou Inn. There are four inn, four teahouses, four restaurants and three restaurants, but there is not one brothel. What is the reason?"

Xiao Wu was confused. The husband walked all the way and looked around like him, but he didn't see anything he was paying attention to. How could he remember it so clearly?He never remembered that there was a well-known inn, tea house or restaurant along the way.

"Guest officer, you're right when you ask me. Looking at the entire Shangjing, who is my son... Lang knows the brothel in detail and has devoted his life to the brothel business?" Wang Youqian hugged his shoulders triumphantly, He pretended to be mysterious and said, "Speaking of good times, I'm not afraid to tell you that good times are not only in Shangjing, but also in Daxia, and there is no brothel. Do you know why?"

Xia Xiang smiled implicitly: "Is it because the owner of the good times is a lady?"

"How do you know? You can't know, I have to tell you." After Wang Youqian was stunned, he said very dissatisfiedly, "Yes, the owner of the good times is a lady, and it is said that she is a lady. Stunning lady, but she has a certain color in the end, no one has seen her. She has a mysterious identity and superb skills. She has built the No. [-] business in Daxia in just three years. It is really admirable. Hey, guest officer, you Why are you always so interested in good times?"

Xia Xiang laughed and said with a half-truth, "I actually want to do a big business with Haojingchang."

The disdain in Wang Youqian's eyes filled instantly, and a long sneer came out of his nostrils: "Just you? Guest officer, even if you have a million fortune, it's not worth the good times. It’s getting late, so I listened to Qu’er, and people read it. I went back to have a good dream, got a job exam, and became a prefect, no, it’s not good for a prefect, I’ll be a fourth-grade official You may be qualified to see the little lady who is always in good times."

When the figures of Xia Xiang and Xiao Wu disappeared around the corner, Wang Youqian took out the kit and opened it. He looked suspicious at first, then took out a few things from it, his face changed, and he scolded abruptly. Said: "You bastard, dare to deceive Lao Tzu with stones, Lao Tzu curses you to die!"

In Wang Youqian's hands, there are a few colorful stones.The stones are colorful and gleaming in the light.

"It's a fart!" Wang Youqian raised his hand and threw the stone into the distance.

In fact, Xia Xiang didn't completely deceive the king. The red and green stones were the gems he picked up from the beach, but at this time, no one realized the value of the gems.More than ten years later, when gemstones became the accessories worn by women in Daxia, the value of gemstones rose thousands of times.Wang Youqian recalled the gems he threw away at that time. After an estimate, it was worth more than [-] taels of silver. Outer man, almost so sad that he can't help himself.

Not long after, he died in depression and regret.

(End of this chapter)