The Little Officials of the Song Dynasty

Lu Fang, the son of Lu Taigong in Lujiazhuang, Songjiang Mansion in the Great Song Dynasty, nicknamed Zhuan Tianshu, has four sworn brothers, namely Han Zhang, Chu Dishu, Xu Qing, Chuanshan Mouse, Jiang Ping, Fanjiang Mouse, and Bai Yutang, Chinchilla Mouse. , the five people are collectively called the Five Rats, also known as the Wuyi, and Lu Fangzheng ranks first.

Previously, the fifth younger brother Bai Yutang stole to Tokyo to provoke Yumao, Lu Fang was worried that he would cause a big disaster, but instead of a disaster, there was news that his young and energetic younger brother was working as a guard in Kaifeng Mansion, Invite their four older brothers to Tokyo.

Not to mention that Bai Yutang is now in Tokyo, this Kaifeng is a forest of heroes from all directions, an abyss of hundreds of thieves, and strong men emerge in large numbers. After discussing with the other three righteous brothers, Lu Fang decided to go to Tokyo to have a look.

Lu Fang condemned Han Zhang, Xu Qing and Jiang Ping to go on the road first, and he himself settled here on Xingkong Island before heading to Tokyo.

Lu Fang had been to Tokyo before, but it had been a long time, and this time, it was really different.He walked into the city slowly, and seeing the prosperity everywhere, he couldn't help admiring in his heart, it really deserves to be the capital.

There are many teenagers near the city gate, holding some pamphlets and selling them, and whenever they see foreigners, they will go to them.Lu Fang looked left and right, and immediately a half-grown child came up to him, "Is uncle a foreigner?"

Lu Fang nodded, "A certain is from the Songjiang Mansion."

"Look at you, it's your first time here?" The child raised the brochure in his hand, "I have Tokyo boutique travel guides, shopping guides, etc., which cover interesting and delicious places in Tokyo, as well as If there is any place to buy special products, there are everything, as long as four pennies, it is a bargain! And this content is absolutely reliable, it comes from the station that receives foreign envoys, and they are waiting for those envoys to go to these places !"

Lu Fang found it interesting, "Let me see."

He took a book and flipped through it. Sure enough, there were many scenic spots written on it, with detailed addresses and precautions, etc., which was very convenient.It only costs four pennies, which is not expensive.Lu Fang directly gave him [-] Wen, and bought both of them.

Lu Fang held two pamphlets, read them, and continued walking into the city. He didn't ask for the direction of the Kaifeng government office immediately, but planned to take a stroll first and eat something.

When they got to a bridge, they saw some commotion in the opposite street. A carriage was startled. The coachman on the carriage shouted, and the people beside him dispersed.The horse sighed and ran towards the river.

When Lu Fang saw it, he immediately stuffed the booklet into his bosom. Seeing that it was too late, he stepped off the bridge, stepped on the ferry a few times, and landed by the river, just as the startled horse ran to the left.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the coachman jumped out of the car, but there were still shouts from the car, obviously there were people inside.

Lu Fang took out a dagger, cut the horse rope quickly with his eyes and hands, and held on to the shaft of the carriage, so the horse jumped into the river, and the carriage almost rolled over to the bank.Lu Fang went forward again, and helped out a young man whose legs were already weak.

The young man's face was pale, he thanked him again and again, and said that if it wasn't for Lu Fang, he would be here today.

At this moment, the coachman came over timidly. The young man got angry and kicked him, telling him to dispose of the cart and horse. He took out a big bag from the cart and told Lu Fang said: "Grandpa, it's almost noon now, if you have nothing to eat, I'll treat you to some."

Lu Fang was also straightforward, bluntly saying that he is a foreigner, so please trouble him.

Since the young man can afford a horse-drawn carriage, he must have some wealth. He agreed with Lu Fang on his name. His original surname was Jiang, and he was a businessman at home. The sixth man brought Lu Fang to an official store.

"It's fashionable to drink brewed tea in Tokyo these days. I didn't like it at first, but I was surprised just now. It's not bad to have a cup of chrysanthemum tea." Jiang Liu said, and called the tea doctor, "Bring me a pot of chrysanthemum tea. scented tea."

The tea doctor said with a smile: "Don't you eat companion flower tea?"

Jiang Liu snorted, "I'm not a woman, and I don't like to be arty. The scented tea is good-looking, but the taste is not as good as scented tea."

Lu Fang was a little confused, "I've heard of scented tea, but what is this accompanying scented tea?" In the past six months, scented tea has swept the Song Dynasty, and making tea has also taken away half of the tea.Lu Fang himself drank jasmine tea, and it was really good.

"Banhua tea is a new one. If Engong is a foreigner, he may not have seen it yet." Seeing this, Jiang Liu said, "In this case, you should serve a pot of Bianhua tea. It should be beautiful and heavenly."

Dr. Tea agreed, and when he went down and came up again, he was holding a set of glazed tea utensils in his hand.

Lu Fang's eyes were a little straight, and he didn't know why he drank tea from a glass vessel.

The tea doctor put the glazed teacup in front of Lu Fang, and put another object in it, which was round and round, like a ball made of many tea leaves.At this time, Dr. Tea heated the water again, and the tea balls slowly dispersed in the water when they met the hot water, and then, a purple-red peony flower bloomed out of it.

The peony blooms slowly, flowing with the color of the glass, which is really beautiful.

Lu Fang was amazed when he saw it, "Who came up with this, it's so beautiful."

Not only is it beautiful, but it is also expensive, Dr. Cha thought in his heart.

Lu Fang took a sip, and the tea smelled like flowers, which was clear and light, completely different from ordering tea.Even if Lu Fang doesn't know how to taste tea, he can feel something interesting.

At this moment, Jiang Liu bent down again, and took out a green melon from the bag he was holding, but it didn't look like a winter melon or other melons, and he didn't know what it was.

Lu Fang was just wondering, Jiang Liu had already asked someone to bring a knife, and while cutting melons, he said: "I just bought three watermelons today, Mr. En, let's taste it, I'm afraid this is not available in other places in Song Dynasty, unless It is a prefecture and county close to the Liao Kingdom."

"Watermelon?" Lu Fang didn't know what it was anymore, but he saw that the flesh was red, and the juice flowed out from everything. Even though he hadn't tasted it yet, he couldn't help swallowing.

At this time, diners came over and asked to buy Jiang Liu's melons. The price was so high that Lu Fang couldn't understand it, it was even more expensive than eggplant gourd.

Jiang Liu refused in words, saying that now there is a price but no market, and it is rare for him to buy three.

When Lu Fang heard that it was so precious, he hurriedly said: "Then you should take it back yourself!"

Jiang Liu shook his head, "Benefactor, don't say that. Although the price of watermelon is high, your kindness is even more precious. Besides, you cut everything up and brought it back. You are making fun of me."

Lu Fang is not a man of tweaking either. Hearing this, he nodded, "Then I appreciate your kindness."

Lu Fang took a piece of watermelon and ate it. He felt that it quenched his thirst and produced body fluids. It was sweet and delicious. He drank tea and ate the watermelon, chatting with Jiang Liu.

Lu Fang showed Jiang Liu the shopping guide and travel guide he bought. Jiang Liu is a native of Bianjing. Too reliable, I am afraid it is to raise the value.

Lu Fang thought it was right, and when the dishes came, Lu Fang ate the special dish of this restaurant, and thanked him again, "My foster brother is working in the government office in Kaifeng, I wanted to go to him after finishing the meal by myself. Unexpectedly, I met Brother Xian, a local, who took me to such a good meal, which is really cheap for me."

Jiang Liu listened, but showed a strange expression, "Grandfather, why did you settle the meal by yourself before going to Kaifeng Mansion to find your brother?"

Lu Fang chuckled, "Firstly, I came here for a stroll, and secondly, he must also eat the public kitchen at noon, so I won't join in the fun, and wait for him to come out to eat wine and meat at night."

Jiang Liu: "..."

Jiang Liu couldn't laugh or cry and said: "Oh, then you have suffered a great loss! Benedict, you may not know that there is no place where the food is better than Kaifeng government office!"

Lu Fang: "Huh?"

After listening to Jiang Liu's detailed explanation, Lu Fang realized that Bao Zheng, the magistrate of Kaifeng Mansion, had made many adjustments to the mansion after he took office. Experts were invited in the public kitchen, and the meals were so delicious that even the officials passed on the dishes, and the recipes that were handed out casually were spread all over Bianjing.

"I didn't expect that..." Lu Fang scratched his head. After all, the food of the public kitchen in the yamen is generally recognized. The world is the same. Bring it up.

If this is the case, Lu Fang is looking forward to the days to come. After all, he will live in Kaifeng Mansion, and he has to consider whether to join the government as well.

After having a meal with Jiang Liu, Jiang Liu also gave the remaining half of the watermelon to Lu Fang, and the two bid farewell.

Lu Fang carried half of the watermelon all the way to Kaifeng Mansion and informed him of his name. The concierge immediately knew that he was the righteous brother of Bai Yutang's white guard, and three of them had already arrived before, so they skillfully took him in to find him. Bai Yutang.

When Lu Fang entered Kaifeng Mansion, he was shocked again.

This place doesn't look like a government office, but rather...a vegetable field.

Vegetables were planted almost everywhere except the walking area, but there were no flowers and plants. At a glance, there were still many prisoners busy with farm work under the supervision of the guards, carrying water and fertilizing.Occasionally, some officials in official uniforms can be seen, and they are also busy.

Lu Fang suddenly became a little dazed, "What are you doing...?"

The guide looked at Lu Fang's appearance, and said proudly: "This is the characteristic of our Kaifeng government. Other officials are also envious. They want to learn it, but not everyone can approve it. Although there are criminals who grow vegetables, they usually After finishing the official duties in the house, everyone will grow vegetables and relax as before. The vegetables grown in the house can't be eaten up, and they can be sold."

This... This is the most distinctive government office that Lu Fang has ever seen. Is the fifth brother working in such a place?

Lu Fang had keen eyes and ears, turned his head, and noticed a raccoon cat jumping over the roof.

The person leading the way said quietly again: "That's the mouse catcher of our government office..."

Lu Fang: "..."

Although it took less than a cup of tea to come in, Lu Fang felt that this Kaifeng mansion was really poisonous...

He followed the man to the classroom, where he saw an official stroking his stomach and taking out a bunch of melon rinds.

Lu Fang thought to himself, just now in the main store, Brother Jiang clearly said that this watermelon is hard to buy, and he also saw with his own eyes that someone raised the price and mentioned that it was higher than eggplant, but now it seems that since the officials of Kaifeng Mansion can Affordable, it shouldn't be that rare, right?

Entering the classroom, Lu Fang saw his fifth younger brother Bai Yutang sitting on a top chair, with his feet up on the table, holding a glass of iced watermelon juice in his hand, and sucking it with a reed pipe, with a lazy expression on his face. Yes, a person next to him was seriously saying to him: "Yutang, this is already the third glass of iced watermelon juice you've had, if you do this again, you'll have a stomachache..."

"You don't care..." Bai Yutang was talking, when he caught a glimpse of Lu Fang and jumped up, "Brother!"

Bai Yutang put down the watermelon juice, rushed up and hugged Lu Fang with a smile, "Brother, you're here, I've been waiting so hard!"

Lu Fang smiled and said, "I see you are very happy, what's wrong with you?"

Bai Yutang blushed, and quibbled: "My heart is bitter, my heart..." He looked at what Lu Fang was holding, and changed the subject, "What are you holding?"

Lu conveniently took out the watermelon and told him that it was given by someone who had saved someone before.

Bai Yutang nodded, "This guy is pretty good."

The person who said earlier that Bai Yutang also came over and said, "Brother Lu Fang, it's been a long time!"

Lu Fang looked at him curiously, "Who is your Excellency?"

"Under Zhan Zhao, I met Brother Lu Fang once in Mohua Village, but you never knew me." This person is Zhan Zhao.

It was only now that Lu Fang knew that this was Zhan Zhao. He was worried that his fifth brother would bother him to go to Beijing to find Zhan Zhao, and would stay in Kaifeng Mansion. There would be rift between the two of them working together, but after seeing it just now, it was much better than he imagined.

"So it's Nan Xia, I've admired him for a long time!" In front of Bai Yutang, Lu Fang naturally wouldn't tactfully mention the title of Royal Cat.

"Don't dare, just call me by my name." Zhan Zhao exchanged pleasantries with Lu Fang. He knew that Lu Fang was called by Bai Yutang, and he had seen Lu Fang's character before, so he naturally hoped that Lu Fang would stay too, so Talked to him about the affairs of the mansion in a very good manner.

Lu Fang was already full of curiosity about the Kaifeng Mansion, so now he naturally listened carefully and asked questions from time to time.

Bai Yutang also added at the side, just as he was talking, another sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy came in from outside the classroom, holding a plate of grilled meat on bamboo sticks, "Who called barbecue takeaway?"

Bai Yutang immediately stood up, "I called, why did you bring it here?"

"Barbecue in the afternoon... I just met at the door, so I dropped by to help deliver it." The young man put the roasted meat over, and Lu Fang immediately smelled a very strong aroma.

Bai Yutang pointed to this young man, and introduced to Lu Fang: "I said in the letter earlier that I was sworn brothers in Bianjing, and this is my stepson who sworn brothers, Yun Yanhui. In terms of seniority, just call him Brother Yan."

Lu Fang saw that the young man was handsome and cute, judging from his footsteps and breath that he had no martial arts, but he was very cute with a smile on his face, so he felt a little good in his heart and said hello.

The brochure that Lu Fang bought before was accidentally exposed, and Brother Yan saw it and stared at it. He simply took it out and said with a smile: "When I entered the city, someone was selling it. I think it is still written. Not bad, I bought two copies."

Before Brother Yan said anything, Bai Yutang yelled, "What a loss, what are you buying this for, there is a living guide standing here."

Lu Fang looked at Bai Yutang puzzled, "What?"

But Bai Yutang pointed at Brother Yan who was smiling shyly, "Here, he was the one who created the route in this guide."

Brother Yan also said: "I'm ashamed, I've always messed around in the market and entered the Kaifeng government office, so I still know Bianjing well."

Lu Fang smiled, "It's my fault that I didn't know, eight copper coins were wasted."

It's not that everyone is short of the eight cents, so Bai Yutang just yelled, let's forget about it, and asked Lu Fang to eat roasted meat together.

There is no such kind of broiled meat in Songjiang Mansion. According to Bai Yutang, it seems to be the flavor of the Nanmiao people. Lu Fang can't eat spicy food, but this broiled meat, or barbecue is really delicious, so he can bear it. I couldn't help eating a few more skewers.

Bai Yutang sighed again: "It's a pity that I'm on duty at this time, otherwise I can bring some wine to serve the dishes. I don't know, this wine is made in Kaifeng Prefecture. It is very fragrant and mellow, and it doesn't have a taste anywhere else."

Lu Fang is also a person who likes wine, and when he heard it, he felt itchy in his heart, and when he heard that it was brewed by the mansion, he sighed again: "I think this Kaifeng mansion is so particular, you are so happy!" .”

Brother Yan then smiled and said: "So, Brother Ling, why don't you call Brother Lu over to have fun together?"

Needless to say, Lu Fang was really moved. The atmosphere in Kaifeng Mansion was much better than he imagined. When he came in, he could see that everyone was busy, but strict and friendly. Even his fifth brother remembered to relax and go home. Relax, don't break the ban.

Lu Fang said in his mouth: "Wait for me to talk to my second, third, and fourth brothers... Speaking of which, where are they now?"

"It's me who troubled them." Brother Yan said shyly.

"What's the trouble? It's a good job," Bai Yutang said. "The famous Daxiangguo Temple Food Festival is about to start. I invite them to try food. These days, I come back every day with a hungry stomach."

Lu Fang couldn't help laughing, "There is such a good thing."

Bai Yutang pointed to Brother Yan, "This kid is a lay disciple of the great monk there, so he stuffed the three brothers in, but the eldest brother came late, but he still has to pay for food when the food festival opens." .”

Lu Fang nodded, "That's natural. If you come to Bianjing this season, how can you not go to the food festival at Daxiangguo Temple?"

Brother Yan blinked, "Is this food festival also famous in Songjiang Mansion?"

"That's natural," Lu Fang said, "not only in Songjiang Mansion, but also in other places. In our Songjiang Mansion, I heard that there are old gourmets who go to Beijing just for the food festival. After returning, they said it for a year and a half. However, for you Bianjing people, especially you are a disciple of the vulgar sect, it should be regarded as normal."

Brother Yan said embarrassedly: "Yes..."