Fenghou

Zhong Huan took out the inner guard's silver medal and said coldly: "The inner guard is investigating a case involving your shopkeeper. Please ask him to go to the inner guard to assist in the investigation. I hope he will not cause trouble for himself!"

"This...it's hard to handle! He really went back." Humpty Humpty said with a troubled expression on his face.

"Where did he go?"

"He went to the main store of Pingjiang Mansion. Didn't we buy the Yi'an Teahouse next door? He and Xiao Liugui went back to report, and then considered how to merge the two restaurants into one and build a new Taibailou."

"Who is Xiao Liugui?" Zhong Huan asked.

"He is the accountant of the main store. He is also called Liu Gui, which is the same name as our shopkeeper, so he is called Little Liu Gui. He came to sign the contract the day before yesterday and bought Yi'an Teahouse."

The truth was suddenly stripped away, and it turned out to be so simple. Zhong Huan frowned, and asked, "Who was the person who bought Taibai Restaurant five years ago? His name is also Liu Gui. Is he the shopkeeper?"

"No! It's little Liu Gui's father, also named Liu Gui, who was the big tent of the main store. He passed away the year before last. After his death, his son inherited his father's name and changed his name to Liu Gui!"

"What do you mean? Why can't I understand, the name can still be inherited?" Zhong Huan was a little confused.

Steward Wu smiled wryly and said: "It's actually very simple. Our proprietor's surname is Liu, and they are all domestic servants of my proprietor. They were originally not named Liu, but after reaching certain qualifications, they took the surname of their master and changed their names to Liu Gui, Nice names like Liu Fu, Liu Lu, and Liu Shou, so there will be duplicate names, there will be sons and stepfathers names, villains are not domestic servants, so they can only use their own surnames."

Domestic servants are servants in disguise. The laws of the Song Dynasty did not allow slaves, but the dignitaries used the alternative method of recognizing righteous women and signing long-term contracts to keep some more dependent servants, or called doormen. The master’s house provided housing, and the servants also It is normal to start a family and start a business, but has been serving the master, even serving the master for several generations, this is a domestic servant.

The biggest difference from slaves is that domestic servants can leave at any time to make a living by themselves, but in fact, domestic servants are treated very well, and the master trusts them very much. It is the greatest honor for them to be able to take the surname of the owner after a certain number of years and seniority. Therefore, it is normal for two or even three Liu Gui to appear. This is not their real name in the first place. .

After understanding this point, Zhong Huan was a little discouraged. After checking for a long time, everything was so logical and there was no problem at all.

"What is the name of your proprietor? What is your identity?"

"My proprietor's surname is Liu. I don't know their name. I only know that they have been big grain merchants in Bianliang for several generations. Their family background is very strong. years of calamity."

There was no problem at all, Zhong Huangong cupped his hands and walked away, he didn't notice that Manager Wu turned around and heaved a sigh of relief.

……

After listening to Wang Hao and Zhong Huan's report calmly, Chen Qing nodded and said: "If there is nothing strange about this matter, don't spend too much energy on it, let's stop here!"

Wang Hao hurriedly bowed and agreed, but Zhong Huan stood there without moving. Chen Qingxiao asked, "Does Commander Xiao Zhong have any doubts?"

"Reporting to Your Highness, it still feels a bit wrong to be humble, but I can't tell where the problem is. It's just an instinctive feeling."

Chen Qing smiled slightly: "Trust your intuition, think about it, what feels wrong?"

"I feel humble... That manager Wu answered perfectly, dispelling all the doubts of the humble, so everything that was suspicious was perfectly explained by him, which made the humble feel uncomfortable."

Chen Qing nodded, "There is nothing perfect in this world, too perfect is actually not perfect."

"Yes! That's how it feels."

"Then what are you going to do?" Chen Qing asked lightly.

Zhong Huan pondered for a moment, "The humble official intends to use a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, he will send people to Bianliang and Pingjiang Mansion to investigate the background of the grain merchant named Liu, and on the other hand, the humble official will investigate who leaked the news, so that the treasurer Liu left overnight."

Chen Qing praised: "The idea is good, let's check it like this!"

Wang Hao and Zhong Huan left immediately, and walked out of Prince Yong's mansion. Wang Hao punched Zhong Huan on the shoulder and said with a smile, "You performed well today. The blue is better than the blue."

Chong Huan said apologetically: "The humble position is only a temporary feeling, and I didn't deliberately conceal the control!"

"Your sharpness is good, who do you plan to send to Bianliang and Pingjiang Mansion?"

"Reporting to the control system, Bianliang I intend to send Qin Kuangming to investigate. The Pingjiang Mansion is more dangerous, and I intend to go there myself."

Wang Hao nodded, "Go! I hope to hear good news from you soon."

……

The grassland in September is when the war horses are fat and strong, and it is also the hunting season for the nomads. Since the Mongolian tribe was defeated by the powerful Jin soldiers and forced to surrender to the Jin Kingdom, the Jin Kingdom has continued to exert pressure and lobbying, both hard and soft, demanding The Mongolian tribe sent troops to Datong Mansion.

Some tribal leaders in the Mughal Tribe were bewitched by the envoys of the Kingdom of Jin, thinking that they could go south to plunder the population and property of the Han people. The seven tribes jointly dispatched [-] cavalry and began to go south to harass the periphery of Datong Mansion.

In the wilderness more than 3 miles east of Datong Mansion, I saw a mighty team coming westward, with a total of [-] or [-] people. Cars, carrying loads, every big car is full of old people and children, everyone looks terrified, they are the people who fled from Ying County.

The city of Ying County is small, and it has been attacked continuously by tens of thousands of nomadic cavalry. The people rushed out of the city and evacuated to Datong City.

The western army guarding the people was led by Li Mai and he led a thousand cavalry. Li Mai felt very uneasy. When they came out, they were spotted by enemy spies and rushed back to report. After a night and a half day, if the other party wants to chase and kill, this time should come.

"General, look!" one of his soldiers shouted, pointing to the distance.

Li Mai saw it, and a long black line appeared in the distance. It was the Mughal cavalry chasing after him.

Li Mai immediately summoned a thousand cavalry, raised his sword and shouted: "Brothers, the time has come to defend our home and country, protect our fathers and fellow villagers and retreat, and fight with me to kill the enemy!"

"Kill the enemy!"

A thousand cavalrymen of the Western Army were full of enthusiasm, raising their spears and shouting. Under the leadership of Li Mai, they fearlessly killed the [-] enemy troops rushing to the east...

The first thousand and 130 chapters and the third increase in troops

Tens of thousands of people suddenly panicked, children cried loudly, women screamed, all their belongings and luggage were thrown away, carts speeded up, and everyone was scrambling to escape.

A thousand cavalrymen of the Western Army were like a hard rock, blocking the nomadic cavalry from running. They fought hard to kill the enemy with the determination to die, and killed the nomadic cavalry with heavy casualties.

The [-] nomadic cavalry became angry, gave up chasing the people, and tried their best to encircle and suppress this lone army. Arrows were like rain, knives and guns were like forests, and the sound of killing was loud.

The cavalry of the Western Army became less and less as the war progressed. Li Mai, who was seriously injured, and the last [-] cavalry were finally swallowed by the tide of [-] cavalry, and all [-] Song cavalry were killed.

When they won half an hour for the fleeing people, the tens of thousands of fleeing people were getting closer and closer to Datong City.

At this time, the head of the Datong Palace, Zhe Yanzhi, got the news, and immediately led five thousand cavalry out of the city to meet the people.

The cavalry helped the elderly and children to enter the city first, but Zhe Yanzhi did not see the Song Army of Yingzhou. He suddenly saw Qi Yuan, the county captain of Ying County, and hurried forward and asked, "Captain Qi, where are Li Mai and his army?"

Qi Yun pointed to the east, "General Li Mai led a thousand cavalry to cover our retreat and go to meet the enemy!"

Zhe Yanzhi hurriedly looked to the east, only ten miles away, the overwhelming nomadic cavalry was coming to this side, and there was no figure of Song Army cavalry.

With a pain in his heart, Li Mai's army must be killed in battle.

"Hurry up and enter the city!"

Tens of thousands of people rushed into Datong City, and [-] cavalry also retreated in. The gates of the city were suddenly closed and the suspension bridge was pulled up.

Not long after, a rescue eagle letter was carried by a flying eagle and flew towards Jingzhao City.

……

What Chen Qing was most worried about really happened. The grassland nomadic cavalry began to harass the northern border. Datong Mansion was the first to bear the brunt, and Lingxia Road would be attacked next.

He immediately ordered Niu Gao, the governor of Taiyuan, to send [-] troops to the north to aid Datong Mansion, and ordered Li Zun, the commander in chief, to lead [-] troops to Lingzhou. At present, the defense of Lingxia was changed from Cheng Huan, who had just been promoted to deputy capital commander, to lead [-] permanent troops. He and the [-] militia army were in charge of guarding, and Li Zun's [-] troops rushed to Lingzhou, which would definitely greatly strengthen Lingzhou's defense.

But this is not enough, he must strengthen the resident troops of Datong Mansion. In the camp of the Baqiao Huben Army, the commander Yan Jun walked into the tent of the Chinese Army, knelt down on one knee and saluted, "See Your Highness!"

"General Yan, please stand up!"

Yan Jun has served as the commander of Chen Qing's personal army for many years, and belongs to Chen Qing's confidant, and even his wife was introduced by the princess, who is Zhang Yan, the leader of the princess's personal female guards.

Chen Qing asked with a smile: "How is the situation at home?"

Yan Jun has a son and a daughter. His son Yan Enping is seven years old, and his daughter Yan Xiaojiao is four years old. Every time he comes to play in the palace, he will become the attendant of Chen Qing's eldest daughter Chen Binger. Their home is a small official residence covering an area of ​​three acres. parents also live with them.

"Reporting to Your Highness, my son has gone to school, in Yanqing Primary School."

Yanqing Primary School is a private school run by Wang Yanqing, a great Confucian in Guanzhong. It is very famous in Jingzhao. There are [-] children studying in it, all of whom are seven to nine years old. The annual tuition fee is [-] yuan. It is a place to cultivate outstanding talents. , Wang Yanqing's disciples have already produced seven Jinshi.

Yan Jun himself is a martial artist. Of course he wants to train his son to become a civil servant. Of course, with his income, there is no problem for his son to go to Yanqing Primary School. The key is to get in. Wang Yanqing only accepts extremely talented prodigies. His son is talented, and the princess intercedes, so of course Wang Yanqing wants to show the princess face.

Chen Qing nodded, "Are you mentally prepared for what I told you last time?"

Yan Jun immediately said: "Humble job is willing to guard the border!"

Chen Qing nodded, "It's not that you are always guarding the border. You are guarding the border for five years. In winter, the grassland is covered by heavy snow. There is no border trouble. You can go home to visit relatives and explain to your parents, wife and children."

"They all support me!"

Chen Qing pondered for a while and then said: "Zhe Yanzhi gave birth to a son, but he has not reported to the military department according to the regulations. Of course, I also understand how he feels about getting a son when he is old, and I will continue to trust him as much as possible. I asked for help, hoping to increase the garrison of Datong Mansion. I approved his request, but after thinking twice, I decided to let you lead [-] troops to support Datong Mansion, and at the same time serve as the deputy general of Orihiko. The [-] troops are actually in the hands of In your hand, do you understand what I mean?"

Yan Jun nodded, "I understand!"

Chen Qing sighed and said: "Zhe Yanzhi violated the rules and concealed the fact that he gave birth to a son from me. I have always had a shadow in my heart. Considering the importance of Datong Mansion, once Datong Mansion falls, the entire Northeast River Road will fall, and the whole Northeast Road will be lost. Hedong Road, Shaanxi Road and Lingxia Road all pose a huge threat, so I have to be cautious. After you arrive in Datong Mansion, you must stick to your principles. If you find that Zhe Yanzhi's order is not good for defense, you must resolutely dissuade it. If you don’t, report to me in time.”

"His Royal Highness teaches, and the humble position will be kept in mind!"

Chen Qing pondered for a moment and then said: "Zhe Yanzhi is a veteran. He has gone through many battles and ups and downs. I believe in his loyalty. I am worried that someone around him will slander. In the end, he was sent to Taiyuan Mansion in mourning."

"Does Your Highness have any clues?"

Chen Qing said slowly: "Datong Mansion has the eyeliner of the intelligence department. There was news a few months ago that Orihiko trusted two confidantes, one was his staff, the other was his brother-in-law, who gave birth to his son. My concubine's elder brother, these two people can't find out their background, it can be said that their origin is unknown, you go to Datong Mansion, you must pay attention to these two people, in addition, Datong Mansion judge Yelu Qiyan is good, what is the situation I don't know , you can ask him."

Yan Jun bowed and said: "Remember the humble job!"

Chen Qing smiled and said: "That's it! Go back and say goodbye to your family, and lead the army to set off tomorrow morning!"

"Retire from humble position!"

Before dawn the next day, Yan Jun set off with [-] troops. Although the [-] troops were infantry, everyone rode northward on horseback. At the same time, there were [-] camels full of supplies and grass going north with the army.

Although Chen Qing sent troops to the north to deploy in an all-round way, the allied forces of the Mongolian tribes who invaded the south this time were not fully prepared. The city of Datong was tall and generous, easy to defend and difficult to attack. The north retreated to the grassland.

Although it is not a large-scale southward invasion, it still sounded the defense alarm for the northern border. It is very likely that next year, the grassland nomadic cavalry, with the support of the Kingdom of Jin, will invade the south on a large scale, and the Western Army has another high-hanging war on its head. With the big sword, the strategic pattern is developing in a direction that is not conducive to the Western Army.

……

This morning, the harvest of crops in Chen Qinghou's garden finally arrived. More than 400 corns were planted in one lot, and nearly [-] corn cobs were broken off, which weighed several hundred catties. If the corn cobs were removed, the net harvest would be corn The grains weighed about ninety catties, which met Chen Qing's expectations. Although the weight may drop again after water evaporation, Chen Qing believes that after continuous improvement, the yield per mu will definitely exceed one thousand catties, and it will become the most important grain in the north. One of the food crops.

Chen Qing then handed over all the harvested corn to the Agricultural Advice Department, asking them to plant at least ten acres of corn in official fields outside the city next year.

The pumpkins were also harvested at the same time. Mrs. Wen planted a total of twelve vines in three places, and finally harvested twenty large pumpkins. They need to be placed for a period of time to fully mature, and then the seeds are taken out to dry. It is planted in large quantities outside the house, and it is also planted in front of and behind the houses of the common people.

The successful cultivation of two high-yield crops will undoubtedly lay a solid foundation for the growth of the northern population.

The first thousand and 130 chapter four Pingjiang

In mid-October, the rice in the south of the Yangtze River began to be harvested. There was sufficient light, heat and water, which was suitable for the growth of rice. Especially after the promotion of double-cropping rice during the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, the Jiangnan area became the most important grain-producing area in the Song Dynasty.

The abundance of food greatly improved the social structure of the Song Dynasty. Since the Han and Tang Dynasties, the habit of eating only two meals a day gradually changed to three meals a day.

The increase in food production also brought about population growth. By the time of Xuanhe, the population of Song Dynasty had exceeded [-] million, the highest in history.

At noon that day, a scholar riding an old horse came from outside Wu County, Pingjiang Prefecture. He was wearing a flat scarf and a scholar's uniform. With a book box, he looks like a typical scholar rushing for an exam.

This scholar was Zhong Huan. He traveled eastward by boat from Xiangyang, and it took him a month to arrive at Pingjiang Mansion.

The old butler and the servants are both members of the inner guard. The old butler's surname is Jiang. Everyone calls him Uncle Jiang. He has a sharp mind and rich experience. He is a native of Kunshan County, Pingjiang Prefecture. He can speak the local dialect, so it is very convenient to take him with him.

The young servant looks honest and basically silent, but he is the assassin with the highest martial arts among the inner guards. He is the deputy commander and his name is Mei Wu. He can kill people dozens of steps away with a flying sword.

He was originally a Taoist priest in Zhongnan Mountain. He had studied martial arts for more than ten years. Because his parents died tragically at the sword of the Jurchen cavalry, he went down the mountain and joined the Western Army five years ago. He participated in the anti-golden cause and avenged his parents. .

His secular surname is Li, and Meiwu is his Taoist name, so he simply used his Taoist name as his name.

A group of three people entered Wuxian County. Wuxian is the seat of Pingjiang Prefecture. It is the second largest city in the south of the Yangtze River after Lin'an. It has a large population and developed commerce and trade. Composed of Wu County and Changzhou County.

"Mr. Zhong, go to Gaosheng Inn to stay overnight! Businessmen like to go to their house, and they can get a lot of news."

"can!"

Not long after, they came to the Gaosheng Inn by the Caohe River. This is an old store. It opened in the Song Zhenzong era and has been rebuilt several times. Uncle Jiang has lived here a few times before, but he has left his hometown for more than ten years. In [-], things have changed and people have changed. The shopkeeper and the clerk have changed. In this case, the owner is usually changed.

"You guys are lucky. There are the last two upper rooms in the shop. They are very clean and they are just right for you."

The shopkeeper is a middle-aged fat man who speaks Bianliang Mandarin. He smiled and asked, "Listen to your son's accent, you must be from Bianliang too!"

Chong Huan smiled and said: "In the past, I fled to the south of the Yangtze River with my family when I was a child, and I couldn't go back."

"Yeah! I'm also from Bianliang. Bianliang was ruined by Jin soldiers and puppet Qi, and my home was taken over by people who don't know where. It doesn't make sense, and there is no evidence in the lawsuit, so I have to forget it."

Zhong Huan nodded and asked again: "The shopkeeper, I want to ask you something."

"you say!"

"Is there a Taibai Restaurant in Pingjiang Mansion?"

The shopkeeper thought for a while, shook his head and said, "Probably not!"

Chong Huan's heart felt cold, and he quickly asked again: "Is it because the shopkeeper doesn't know, or it doesn't exist!"

The shopkeeper said with a smile: "I have been here for more than ten years. The inn and restaurant itself are one. I know all the famous restaurants in Suzhou City, unless it is a small tavern in an alley. I really don't know much about that kind of tavern. .”

The restaurant that can spend 12 coins to buy a store is certainly not a tavern, Zhong Huan had no choice but to nod, "I see, thank you shopkeeper!"

"Come to me if you need anything!"

The shopkeeper explained a few words and left. Uncle Jiang said with a smile: "Young master, I don't think its main store may be called Taibai Restaurant. Taibai Restaurant is specially suitable for Jingzhao. Jiangnan may have another name."

Chong Huan sighed, "Maybe it is!"