Civil servants of the Tang Dynasty

"There are so many good things there every day?" Tang Cheng pulled Zhang Xiangwen and motioned him to go out, "Just inform me to go to the county government in the afternoon."

"Oh", Zhang Xiangwen didn't know that Tang Cheng had resigned from his job in the county government office, so he lost interest in further inquiries after hearing the words.Lin Xuezheng is really too busy, so it's worth mentioning this crap?

Tang Cheng insisted not to let Zhang Xiangwen see him off. After seeing his carriage go far away, he strolled home step by step. Anyway, he didn't have to work in the yamen in the afternoon, so he didn't have to rush as much as before.

Strolling leisurely at the foot, Tang Cheng didn't stop in his mind, he was always wondering why magistrate Zhang wanted to see him again?

What Tang Cheng can be sure of is that this time it is definitely not for playing chess, but he can't figure out what the other reasons are, but he has a faint feeling that the county magistrate Zhang is looking for him this time. Important matter.

When Tang Cheng returned to his residence, Mrs. Gao Li greeted him with a smile, and then helped him to wash and change into his household clothes.Sister Lan used to do this, and it was like this in Zhuangzi.But when Mrs. Gao Li was doing these things today, she didn't let Sister Lan intervene.

Originally, the dishes were just sitting and waiting. Tang Cheng started to clean up the pot as soon as he entered the door. After he finished cleaning up, the kitchen was also busy.In the past, the food was good when the woman didn't come, but when she came, it was raised to another level out of thin air.But what made Sister Lan depressed was that during the whole meal, even things like adding more food to Tang Cheng were covered by the madam herself, so she didn't let her intervene.

After eating and sitting and gossiping for a few words, Tang Cheng took a nap while taking advantage of the rare leisure, and when he got up, he felt refreshed all over his body, which was really indescribably comfortable.

Because Mrs. Gao and Li were also taking a nap, after changing the clothes for going out, Tang Cheng greeted Sister Lan and then Shi Shiran went to Tianfu Temple in the north of the city.

It was a rare leisure time for Tang Cheng to enjoy the spring scenery all the way to the temple, but the leisure did not last long. Once he entered the abbot, he started another round of study. The order set by the old monk Chengning was the same as Liu Like the wind, learn painting first and then piano.

This sitting lasted for two hours, and the old monk talked eloquently. Tang Cheng listened intently. After all, he was learning a new field. Tang Cheng was afraid that he would miss something important, so he moved out the habits of later generations, Take notes while listening, and don't let go when you don't understand or understand something, just ask right away.If it weren't for the fact that the lecturer in front of him was a monk, and he was wearing a monk's robe, Tang Cheng, who was sinking in, suddenly had the illusion of returning to the university classroom of later generations.

Tang Cheng's habit of taking notes and his meticulous study satisfied the old monk, but after all, he is a foreigner who has eliminated all emotions and desires. Except for the occasional flash of light in his eyes, his face did not show any signs of it. He was just lecturing. In the process, it became more and more meticulous and serious.

Two hours later, the lecture ended, Tang Cheng took his notes and resigned. Seeing that it was almost time, he changed his leisurely pace and walked towards the county government office.

It was still in the houya, still in the study room yesterday, when Tang Cheng just came in, County Magistrate Zhang waved him away without waiting for the attendant to serve the tea.

Seeing that County Magistrate Zhang wanted to pour tea himself, Tang Cheng hurriedly stepped forward to stop him from taking the teapot and started pouring tea by himself.

After the tea was divided, Tang Cheng saw that the magistrate Zhang didn't intend to gossip, so he smiled and asked directly, "I don't know why the county lord called the students here."

Now that yesterday's plan has been decided, County Magistrate Zhang didn't make any more bells and whistles, and went straight to the topic, "Tang Cheng, you must be aware of the current predicament in this county."

Tang Cheng didn't expect Magistrate Zhang to be so direct, and his heart skipped a beat: "Looking at today's posture, it's really a big deal to find me." He also had a straightforward temperament. After a moment of meditation, he nodded and said: "The student knows." .

"Okay, let alone the extra words, there is an important matter in this county that I want you to do, are you willing?".

Seeing the solemn magistrate Zhang, Tang Cheng who put down the teacup in his hand also got serious, and replied solemnly: "As long as the county magistrate can be trusted, the students will definitely work hard to repay the kindness of knowing you."

……

When it was dark, Tang Chengcai came out from the county government office, but at this time his mood was no longer as relaxed as in the daytime.He didn't expect that magistrate Zhang asked him to do such an important thing, and he was both happy and worried for a while.

The joy is that County Magistrate Zhang can entrust this kind of matter to him, and he clearly has the intention of accepting him as a confidant. Although the current situation of County Magistrate Zhang is not very good, he is the honor of a county after all, and he is skinny. A camel is bigger than a horse, so being his confidant will be of great benefit to his future development.

What is worrying is that after taking this step, even if you step into the vortex of the dispute between Yao and Zhang firmly, if one is not good, before you see the bright future in the future, it may become a two-person struggle It is not known whether the victim was beaten back to its original form.

Why!Difficult, really difficult!However, since he went from the countryside to the county school with the help of County Magistrate Zhang, he actually had no other choice, not to mention that he couldn't do it. I can't trust him.

But in this era, with his current foundation and roots, if no one supports him and wants to develop, it is tantamount to nonsense.

After much deliberation, he actually had no other way to go, so Tang Cheng felt relieved, who cares, since there is only this way, then go for it. Isn’t there a popular saying in later generations of universities, to die Chaotian, immortality for thousands of years!

Since later generations, Tang Cheng has always disliked bringing outside troubles into his home, and this attitude towards life has continued to this day.After eating with a normal expression, he said to Gao Li as if nothing had happened: "Tomorrow I will go to Daozhou City. If it is soon, I will be back in three or two days."

Unexpectedly, he said such a sentence suddenly, after Gao Li was taken aback, he said: "What's the important thing about going here?".

"Well, there are some urgent things that need to go." Tang Cheng didn't want the two of them to worry after knowing, so he didn't say a word about the specific affairs, just smiled and said: "Don't worry, it's nothing serious, you can come back when you go." .

In this era, the male dominates the outside and the female dominates the inside. It is considered virtuous for women to ask less about men's foreign affairs and interrupt less. When they see him and don't talk about it, Gao Li, who is looking forward to being a good wife, doesn't say any more. , I only asked a few questions, besides a change of clothes, what else do I need to bring.

Gao Li also took care of sorting things out. Although Sister Lan followed her around, she didn't intervene in anything. Judging by her posture today, Sister Lan might be responsible for anything involving Tang Cheng in the future. I can't get in anymore.

As a result, although Sister Lan still forced a smile on her face, there was obviously something wrong with her eyes.Ordinarily, this is what she should do as a girl, Madam... what does it mean?

Seeing this, Tang Cheng sighed silently in his heart, this Mrs. Gao Li really has nothing to say.

"Let Sister Lan come with me tomorrow. I'm used to it these days. I'm afraid I can't even wear clothes when I'm away from people around me." Tang Cheng met Gao Li's gaze and said with a faint smile: "If you want to Take a stroll around Zhoucheng, just follow along.”

Gao Li's eyes flickered for a moment, but he still couldn't avoid Tang Cheng's eyes and said with a smile: "You are busy, why should I go shopping? Besides, there must be someone watching at home."

Chapter 62 Iron Wall?

"Thank you for your hard work." Tang Cheng took Gao Li into his arms, "Well, next time I will accompany you to visit Zhoucheng."

"Look at what you said, it seems like I'm just like a child." Although her mouth was full of reproaches, the woman showed a smile on her face.

After a few more gossips, Mrs. Gao went back to the West Wing, and when he entered the study, he already had an extra flying ticket in his hand, "It's a good time to be at home, but it's difficult to go out for a while. The old people always say, 'the poor family is rich and the road is rich. ', it means that no matter how poor your family is, you should bring more money when you go out. Although it is not too far to go to Zhoucheng, it is not close. You should bring this money, just in case something happens. easy to use".

"I have it here. I haven't spent all the money I brought with me. These days, I still have [-] Wen saved in the county office every day. Not to mention going to Zhoucheng, it is enough to use it even in Xiangzhou, Daocheng." Tang Cheng smiled and gently pushed the flying ticket back, "The county town is no better than the countryside, everything has to be spent, and you can save these to subsidize the expenses of the house."

After Tang Cheng finished speaking, he didn't wait for the woman to let him go, so he said to Lancao on the side: "Sister Lan, you don't need to pack your things, you can get up early tomorrow." When he was speaking, he heard a faint voice behind him. sigh.

Early the next morning, after Tang Cheng got up, he realized that it was Mrs. Gao Li who was waiting for him to wash up, "Why did you get up so early, Sister Lan was going to go with me, so she did it together."

Gao Lishi didn't say anything when he heard the words, just smiled, but his hands were still busy.

Kankan waited for him to wash and wash, the porter Mr. Gao had already replied outside the gate of the inner courtyard that a set of carriages and horses had come outside the gate, saying that he was waiting for the young master.

When Tang Cheng took Sister Lan out of the gate, he saw the signboard of Liangji Carriage and Horses on the carriage waiting outside, but the driver was the long follower of Zhang County Magistrate's family.

After nodding to the long attendant, Tang Chengcheng took Sister Lan into the carriage, opened the window and waved to Mrs. Gao who was sent out, and the carriage started to move forward.

The carriage hired by the chief entourage was not bad, the space inside was nearly twice as large as the scallion carts commonly used by women when traveling, and it was more than enough for two of them to sit alone.

The journey was lonely, and Tang Cheng saw that Sister Lan was always depressed, so he simply reached out and hugged her into his arms and sat down, stroking her soft body and asking, "What's the matter?".

Sister Lan curled up in Tang Cheng's arms like a kitten, and said softly, "Ma'am, she...".

"It's okay, I'm here!" Tang Cheng withdrew his hand from Sister Lan's arms, stroked her back and said, "Besides, your wife doesn't miss old feelings, it must be because she separated from me too much this time. It’s been a long time. Just don’t think too much about it.”

"En", Sister Lan nodded submissively, and after a moment of silence, she said in a low voice: "I used to dislike you when you always refused to take your wife's money, but now it seems to be good."

"I told you not to think too much, but you didn't listen at all, let's see how I punish you." There was no way to talk about it, so Tang Cheng simply stopped talking. With both hands moving, Sister Lan immediately begged for mercy. She didn't have much thought at first, but after Tang Cheng's interruption, the original worries quickly dissipated like the wind.

Sister Lan really enjoys the feeling of the two of them being alone, she especially likes to lazily lie in Tang Cheng's arms and talk small things, let the man's hand caress her all over her body, and listen to the blushing words that come out of the man's mouth from time to time. The love words on her face never disappeared.

Sister Lan was in a good mood, Tang Cheng was in her arms, so she was in a good mood. The originally monotonous journey became less boring because of the pink embellishments, so that when she arrived in Zhoucheng at dusk, Sister Lan unexpectedly It was a look of reluctance all over his face.

After entering Zhoucheng, looking for an inn, arranging meals and so on were all arranged by the chief. Sister Lan saw that Tang Cheng didn't mention his background, so she obediently didn't ask.

That night, Tang Chengcheng took Sister Lan to live in the same upper room, thinking about the business to be done tomorrow, the two of them didn't have much intimacy, and fell asleep hugging each other.

Whether it can be seen or not eaten, Tang Cheng originally thought that it would be uncomfortable to sleep this night. Who would have thought that he would be really sleepy after a long day in the car. Not long after touching the pillow, he fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, after getting up to freshen up and eat the morning food, Tang Cheng left Sister Lan to stay at the inn with peace of mind, and then followed the entourage out of the gate.

When they went out to the bustling street, the chief immediately asked, "Master Tang, shall we go shopping?".

"No hurry", Tang Cheng shook his head, "We always have to find out Mr. Shijun's preferences before we buy things."

That's right, Tang Cheng came to Zhoucheng to give gifts to County Magistrate Zhang, and the recipient of the gift was Sun Shijun, the prefect of Honzhou.

It is said that the county magistrate Zhang should come in person for such a thing, but as the county magistrate who guards one side for the emperor, he obeys the strict order of the Ministry of Officials and is not allowed to leave the jurisdiction without a specific time, otherwise it is a dereliction of duty crime.He couldn't walk if he wanted to, and Lin Xuezheng couldn't come to Jinzhou for the same reason.This matter can only be entrusted to others. Although the two long-term attendants who followed him to the post are reliable, they have no education after all, so they can't do such a thing.In the end, it could only be entrusted to Tang Cheng.

As for the reason for giving the gift, County Magistrate Zhang has already planned the item of "friendship from the same hometown". It's a bit far, but it's enough just as an excuse to give a gift.

When Chang Sui arrived, he had already received orders from his master, and Tang Cheng was in charge of everything about gift giving this time, and he was only responsible for paying for the name stab, so after hearing what Tang Cheng said, he just nodded and said nothing.

After this inquiring, Tang Cheng's heart turned cold, because Jinzhou's public opinion of Sun Shijun was so good that he even changed three tea shops, and it was said that he never met customers in his private house. , not to mention receiving gifts.

County magistrate Zhang had only been in office for a short time, and shortly after he took office, he fell into a fight with Master Yao, so he didn't know much about Shangguan Sun Shijun, and everything was up to Tang Cheng himself.

Hearing such news made Tang Cheng very upset. If the envoy really doesn't accept the gift, wouldn't his job be ruined?Zhang County magistrate messed up the task assigned for the first time, which is too...

Tang Cheng was also an unbeliever. After coming out of the third tea shop, he went straight to the market. He picked up two baskets of "wax beads" cherries that had just hit the market and were of the best quality and variety.Then he and the long follower carried the cherries to the outside of the envoy's mansion.

Tang Cheng ordered the chief attendant to take the cherry to the gatehouse of the Governor's Mansion to vote for the famous stab, while he himself stood aside and observed carefully. After all, the famous stab of the magistrate Zhang still played a role. As rumored in the market, although the steward had a kind face, the two baskets of cherries were indeed confiscated.

"I didn't accept those two baskets of cherries. Is this Shijun really a fucking model of honest government?" After the long follower came back, Tang Cheng didn't leave, but just stood in front of the Shijun's mansion and watched for more than an hour. It's really evil. However, none of the envoys who went to the Emperor's Mansion and were welcomed in brought anything, they all came and went empty-handed, not even a small four-piece gift box.

Is it because he likes to show up?Tang Cheng thought about it for a while and then denied this idea. If Sun Shijun really liked others to give them real money, he would not be so strict on the door. He would not even accept baskets of seasonal fruits, and others would dare to give them to him. Send money?This is not self-defeating.

After looking at it for more than a hour without any clue, Tang Cheng had no choice but to carry the two baskets of cherries back to the inn with the long attendant.

After returning to the inn, Tang Cheng ordered a cup of tea and meditated behind closed doors. After lunch, he called the long follower, "Fifth Brother Zhang, you will go to the envoy's mansion later. You don't need to hand over the name badge, just wait in the porter's office." It doesn’t matter if you just ask for money, or treat him to a drink after he’s paid off, in short, you have to get familiar with the door.”

Chang followed Zhang Wu and nodded when he heard the words.

"After getting acquainted, you must inquire about Sun Shijun's affairs from Menzi, the members of the family, what they like, etc. In short, as long as any news about him is leaked," Originally These are common words, but Tang Cheng gritted his teeth when he said this, "Of course, it would be better if we could find out the inside story of gift giving. Please trouble Brother Zhang, remember, don't spare money! ".

After Tang Cheng watched the chief go out with Zhang Wu, he got up and went to the window and looked at the governor's mansion not far to the south and said in a deep voice: "You are a fortress of iron and steel, and I have to drill a hole for you!".

Chapter 63 A Very Valuable Word

After ordering Zhang Wu to go, Tang Cheng, who only had to wait for the news, had nothing to do in the afternoon, but because this important matter was not settled, he didn't feel like going out for a stroll.There are few opportunities to release it alone like this. Sister Lan is happy to stay with Tang Cheng, and has no intention of going to the street to watch the excitement. Immediately, she ran to the cabinet excitedly to borrow Shuanglu, and the two hugged each other. Play Shuanglu Juzi together.

Because Tang Cheng was not on top of it, he lost a few rounds in a row, but he looked serious on the face, and Sister Lan didn't notice anything unusual, and she smiled happily.

Losing another round, Tang Cheng looked out the window as the twilight was fading away. Zhang Wu hadn't come back yet, so he probably wouldn't come back at night, which was a good thing.Thinking of this, Tang Cheng, who was bored in the inn all afternoon, pushed Shuanglu up and said, "I'm so stuffy in the room, let's go, let's go to the night scene of Zhoucheng too."

After Sister Lan told the waiter not to pack meals in the inn at night, the two walked out of the inn together.The current season is that the weather is getting hotter, so there are more people coming and going on the street.As soon as she left the gate of the inn, Sister Lan glanced at Tang Cheng, then reached out to hold his hand, and then smiled sweetly.

Since this girl saw the newlywed couple outside Yunxi City last time, whenever she had the chance, she liked this tune the most, and the more she met the crowded streets, the more willing she was to do so.

On the noisy long street, under the hazy sky, Sister Lan, who was smiling sweetly, exuded a kind of innocence on the face of a girl who was satisfied with her worries. Tang Cheng could only see her move, and backhanded her slippery skin. Hands clenched tightly.

Sister Lan turned her head, the two of them were speechless, and the warmth between them looked at each other and smiled.

The prefecture-level city is indeed much more lively than the county town. Walking with the one I love in a completely unfamiliar street, all the girlish nature of Sister Lan, who has lost her bondage, is stimulated, dragging Tang Cheng meows here, looks there, even if she encounters a grasshopper cage seller, she can make her smile like a silver bell. This way, her laughter has never stopped following Tang Cheng Pass.

Tang Cheng originally came here just to vent his sullenness, and his heart was not loose at first, but he was slowly infected by Sister Lan's clear and crisp laughter, and the things blocked in his heart were relieved, and finally he became happy.

The two of them didn't find any big wine shop, and when they were hungry, they sat down at a food stall with a load of old men on the side of the road, and ordered Sanhe soup like those men who were working hard and part-time.

The practice of Sanhe soup is to use thick fatty chicken soup to serve the noodles and thin-skinned wontons. Although the old man’s stall is small, the craftsmanship is really good. The soup made Tang Cheng eat it heartily, and he still didn't feel satisfied after eating it, so he yelled again: "One more bowl".

He is a handsome and elegant scholar who wears a Confucian shirt and brings his beautiful family members to this kind of place to eat, which is already eye-catching. This time he shouted, which made the other diners laugh for a while, but they all felt that this Xiao Xianggong is proud, unlike other scholars who are coy with pantothenic acid.

Seeing that Tang Cheng was not a mischievous person, immediately there were diners on one side chatting up. First, someone made fun of the two tightly holding hands, and then someone said that they were a newly married couple, and that Tang Cheng It's a good fortune to have a beautiful wife who is tough and eye-catching.

Eating in such a place where people can't help talking and laughing makes Tang Cheng feel like he's back in the later generations drinking beer at a food stall. He doesn't refute and get angry at everyone's teasing, but instead holds Sister Lan's hand high He raised his eyebrows, eating Sanhe soup in his mouth, laughing vaguely and loudly, and said: "My wife is beautiful, and if you marry such a beautiful wife, you have to hold tight even when eating."

This sentence of his made the other diners burst into laughter, but the one who was the happiest was Sister Lan. Although her face was blushing and resentful, the joy in her eyes was so thick that honey juice flowed out.

When they came out after dinner, Sister Lan leaned closer to Tang Cheng, and laughed more along the way. Taking advantage of the excitement, the two went to Canglang Temple, the largest in Zhoucheng, to listen to a common lecture, and after watching two small plays , This is the best time to return.

On the way back, Sister Lan's laughter became much less. When she reached the door of the inn, she reluctantly let go of her hand, shook Tang Cheng's arm lightly and said, "Ah Cheng, I asked about it when I was leaving today. Well, not only is the Sanhe soup delicious at the stall at night, Mr. Jiang also has a special skill of physalis noodles, if you are fine tomorrow, let's try it again, will it work?".

Looking at Sister Lan who looked hopeful, Tang Cheng lamented that it is not easy for women in this era. When meeting a beauty like Sister Lan in later generations, her boyfriend has to change ways to please her. ? , "OK, why not".

Sister Lan was not a complicated person at all, she said she was going to eat physalis noodles, but she was so careful that Tang Cheng didn't know what else, after nodding in agreement, Tang Cheng made fun of him in a low voice, "Why? , just like being my wife so much?"

After the two returned to the inn, they waited for a while, and Zhang Wucai came back smelling of alcohol. Although he didn't inquire about the specific things, he finally hooked up with the old doorman of the envoy's mansion.

Tang Cheng saw that Zhang Wu was top-heavy, so he didn't say any more, but told him to go again tomorrow, and to take down this old man by whatever means.

After a few simple sentences, the two sides went back to their rooms. Sister Lan had ordered Xiao Er to prepare Lufeng hot water for waiting. The two had a lively bath. Sister Lan washed it as clean as a freshly peeled egg.

In the next two days, Tang Cheng took Sister Lan to wander around the city, while Zhang Wu went out early in the morning and returned very late.

On the third night, when Zhang Wu came back, Tang Cheng could smell a strong aroma of powder from afar.

The two entered Zhang Wu's room, and Tang Cheng asked with a smile, "Why, did you go to Goulan?".

"Old Sun Fei is going." Seeing that Zhang Wu's face was a little embarrassed, Tang Cheng waved his hand with a smile and said, "They are all men, who doesn't have all kinds of emotions and six desires, and besides, you are also doing business. How about it, what can he say?" Something useful?"

When he asked, the embarrassment on Zhang Wu's face became more intense, and he said bitterly: "This old thing only eats but doesn't vomit, so he just talks useless things to fool me."

Hearing this, Tang Cheng's face darkened slightly, "Well, tell me what he said, don't miss a single word."

There was indeed nothing of much value in what Zhang Wu relayed afterwards. Sun Shijun is 47 years old this year. Because of his fear of his wife, he has never taken a concubine. It is because I think the style of writing in the east of Shannan is not good, so I stay in my hometown in the south of the Yangtze River to study.

Because he was afraid of his wife, Sun Shijun seldom entertained outside on weekdays, and even dared not go to the land of Goulan Washe for fear of attracting the roar of the lions in the east of the river.Originally, Tang Cheng still wanted to use his brains on the Hedong lion in his family. Who knew that although this woman was jealous, her own style was really tough. Except for burning incense in the temple on the Sanyuan Festival, she was basically If you don't leave the gate, don't walk through the second door, even the servants in the mansion won't be able to see her, let alone the men outside.

After waiting for three days for such news, Tang Cheng was really anxious. The Shangyuan Festival has just passed, and the Ghost Festival will be more than a month away. How can he have the time to spend so much time in Jinzhou?Furthermore, looking at Mrs. Sun's posture, even if he wasted his time, he might not be able to take her down in the short time of burning incense.

"What else?" Because of the disappointment in his heart, Tang Cheng's tone was inevitably a little anxious.

"It's nothing, this old grandson drank blood and sucked oil. He just didn't do good things. He called two girls in a daze at night. God bless him, he will have sex in bed tonight..." See Tang Cheng Urgent, Zhang Wu, who had spent so much money and failed to accomplish anything, was even more anxious, and started scolding Lao Sun in a hurry, but he remembered something after cursing and scolding him, hesitatingly said: "After eating flower wine at night, After paying the money, I said goodbye to that idiot because I wanted to come back first. When the old man sent me to the door, he raised his mouth and said that Sun Shijun had a brother-in-law who also came from Shannan Dongdao. A tea shop opened in Beishi, Zhongzhong City."

Hearing this, Tang Cheng's eyes lit up suddenly, who was a little frustrated at first, "Why didn't you say this earlier, well, let's talk about it in detail, what else did Lao Sun say, and even his facial expressions and actions when he said this?" come out".

"I didn't say anything else." Zhang Wu was still a little puzzled, "This old man means that he will be on duty tomorrow, so that I don't have to go to the porter. If I feel that staying in the inn is too free, I might as well go to the tea shop." Go shopping".

"Okay, okay", after hearing this, Tang Cheng almost screamed up to the sky, "Just this one sentence, it's worth how much money you spent on Lao Sun, so let's go to the tea house tomorrow morning visit".

Chapter 64 Black!What a fucking black!

Tang Cheng slept very soundly that night, woke up refreshed the next morning, and took Zhang Wu straight to West Market after eating the morning food.

The North and South Tea House opened by Sun Shijun's brother-in-law is really inconspicuous from the outside, and there is only one waiter inside. Seeing Tang Cheng and the two coming in, he didn't come out to greet him, and he sat there arrogantly, with a look of love. Look or not, like to buy or not.