The Bandit Gentleman of the Red Chamber

Lin Chen kindly didn't come forward to recognize Mr. Qin who was pretending to be fine, but let Wei Shuanghan discuss compensation with the team.

Meeting Lin Chen was just a small episode for Qin Zhong. He felt that his stature had grown a lot in the past few years, and his eyebrows and eyes had grown. What's more, he was now dressed in coarse cloth and shorts, like a man doing rough work. My servant, who would be able to associate a trafficker-like figure with the shy and gentle young master Qin back then? (Note [-])

Qin Zhong didn't worry about whether he was recognized by Lin Chen, and he followed the carriage with the cargo into the Lian County Prince's Mansion from the corner gate.

At this time, Ji Qing was waiting in the main hall early in the morning. Seeing him coming in, she hurriedly smiled and said, "Jing Qing has worked hard on this journey, come here and let my cousin have a look, but is it clear?"

Qin Zhong walked up to him, and after a thousand blows, he smiled and said, "Cousin is concerned. But these days, I have lost a lot of weight after eating and sleeping in the open. If it is convenient for my cousin, I really want to rest." rest."

He speaks casually and behaves intimately, without any resentment and resentment after being given up, his words and deeds are the same as back then, as if he is still a heart-to-heart brother with the person in front of him.

Seeing him like this, Ji Qing laughed more and more heartily: "I haven't seen you for a few years, but you are still so temperamental. Your sister-in-law has already tidied up a courtyard, and the dishes and hot water are also available. Go back and freshen up quickly. It’s good to rest and recuperate, and some gentlemen will come to visit you tomorrow.”

Qin Zhong said "Hey" and did not say goodbye to his superiors, he followed the butler of the county prince's mansion to the small courtyard arranged.

Ji Qing watched him run away with a smile, but his eyes were full of gloom - after not seeing him for so many years, his "cousin" has become more and more intelligent...

Although Qin Zhong has returned to the capital, the identity of "Qin Zhong" who has aroused Jinshang's vigilance will no longer be used.

His current identity was arranged by Ji Qing, he was a candidate who missed the imperial examination because of illness.This unlucky man ran out of the inn where he spent all his money for medical treatment, and he had no old friends in the capital. Fortunately, he met the long history of Lianjun Wangfu when he was down and out on the street, so he had another way to survive (Note three).

The name of the unlucky person he impersonated was Wu Ziyuan, a person from the south of the Yangtze River, but his name was Jingqing just like him.What's more coincidental is that this Juren named Wu Ziyuan looks somewhat similar to Qin Zhong, and he was originally raised in the palace. It is cheapest for Qin Zhong to pretend to be such a person.

Of course, where the real Wu Ziyuan has gone now, only His Royal Highness Lianjun himself knows.

—————————————————The dividing line of a serious illness————————————————

Since being reprimanded by Jin Shang a few years ago, Ji Qing's position in the Ministry of Officials has also been suspended.He was no better than Ji Wen, and he still had to deal with the errands that he had given to the crown prince today. It can be said that the king of Lian County is the most leisurely.After setting up Qin Zhong who had just returned to the capital, the "leisure" Prince Lian also had other things to do.

If you say that after the three-year test, it is time for the Hanlin Academy to change its fresh blood. The name of your place.

Sitting in front of Ji Qing now is Ai Qingyuan, Xiuzhuan of the Hanlin Academy and the new champion Lang Ai Qingyuan.

Ai Qingyuan sat on the opposite side of Ji Qing, but there was a bit of shock and bewilderment on his face. He opened his mouth, but he didn't know what to say.

Ji Qing looked at it amusedly, and asked with a smile: "Why is Zixiu staring at me like this? Could it be that a flower has grown on my face?"

Ai Qingyuan was so frightened that he suddenly came back to his senses, and hurriedly stammered: "No, no, just, just the king of Qian, the king..." The more nervous he was, the more his tongue became knotted and he couldn't say anything. Clearly, he just turned over and got off the stool and gave Ji Qing a big gift, "I pay my respects to His Royal Highness Prince Lianjun."

Ji Qing hurriedly stepped forward to help him up, and said with a smile: "If you drink well, how can you be polite? You and I are common people, so there is absolutely no need to pay attention to these etiquettes."

A few years ago when Ji Qing went to Shandong on business, he used the pseudonym Xu Jing, and made friends with several famous Shandong scholars at that time, including Ai Qingyuan.

Unexpectedly, the bosom friend he once thought was actually the current county king, the shock that Ai Qingyuan suffered today is not insignificant.It's just that the "virtuous king" is worthy of being called a "virtuous king". Ji Qing is still very good at attracting people's hearts, and after a few words, he calmed down Ai Qingyuan's emotions and made him believe that the king of Lianjun was indeed " Lixian Corporal", "approachable".

After a few glasses of wine, Ai Qingyuan lost those scruples in his words and deeds, and sighed to Ji Qing: "I really never thought that brother Xu would be the prince of the county, but now that I think about it, we all thought that brother Xu had a good temperament at that time." He behaved extravagantly, and even joked that brother Xu is some noble person in the capital, how could he expect such a nobleman."

Ji Qing took a sip of his wine, and said with a smile: "I was on important business back then, so I had no choice but to hide my identity from Zixiu and you guys. Just one thing, 'Qianzhi' is indeed my word. I thought I would reply Our fate in the capital is broken. That day I heard that the name of Jinke No. [-] Scholar is Ai Qingyuan, and I was really stunned for a while."

When he heard that Ai Qingyuan's name was only a little familiar, he only remembered it after Sun Hechen (Note [-]) reminded him.Ji Qing couldn't help sighing that God gave him a pillow just as he wanted to fall asleep. He was just worried that Lin Chen entered the Imperial Academy, and the people he arranged would not be able to keep an eye on his movements all day. I gave myself such a stunned young man.

As he thought about it, the smile on his face became even warmer. When King Lian really wanted to win someone over, very few people could refuse that kind of warm treatment.

Ai Qingyuan was no exception, and soon he was coaxed into a dizzy state, and he and Prince Lian shouted "good brother" and "brother".

This scene where old friends reunite after a long absence can be described as a joyous occasion for the host and guest. At the end, Ji Qing betrayed his favor and pointed out a few words to Ai Qingyuan, a newcomer in the officialdom. I am very grateful.

The joy of chatting with the majestic county king continued on the second day of duty. Seeing him in such a spring breeze, the second place Chen Wentao couldn't help asking a question.

It's just that Ji Qing told him not to tell outsiders about the meeting between the two of them yesterday. He is a smart person, so he can naturally understand what he wants, so how can he tell the matter at this time.He could only say vaguely: "It's not a big deal, but I accidentally got an ancient fan in Qiqiaozhai last night, and it's an authentic work by Tang Yin. I can't help but like it."

Lin Chen's heart was moved, and he asked with a smile: "Brother Ai also went to Qiqiaozhai yesterday? I also searched for some old paintings with some friends there yesterday, but I didn't see Brother Ai. It's really a pity."

Ai Qingyuan wanted to say more, but saw the head of the academy approaching, so he had to stop talking.

58

After April, the weather in the capital gradually became hotter. People took off their jackets and changed into spring shirts.

It's just that Daiyu couldn't bear it because of her frailty. Even in this weather, she was still wearing a white silk jacket with red and white flowers.And because she has always had the nickname of "Sick Xi Shi", when everyone saw her clothes, they couldn't help winking at each other.

Shi Xiangyun was quick-talking, and at this moment he pointed at Daiyu and joked: "Strange Taoists say that Sister Lin is a fairy daughter from heaven. I'll see you today. This can't be false." Before she finished speaking, she I couldn't hold back a smile, "It's said that the heights are extremely cold. You can see that she is still wearing a jacket on a day like this. The palace hasn't thawed yet!"

Everyone laughed at what they said, so Daiyu leaned forward and made a gesture to hit her. Xiangyun hurriedly hid in Baochai's arms, and shouted as he hid: "It's terrible, the fairy lady is angry and wants to hit someone!" The sisters laughed so hard that they fell down.Daiyu couldn't hold it back either, she leaned on the armrest of the chair and laughed non-stop.

Baochai was still prudent, and at this time she was still able to teach Xiangyun a serious lesson: "Okay, okay, I said it was congratulations to Sister Lin, Pie Yuner, you can make fun of her without mercy. It's just that even if the fairy lady has fallen, We also want to congratulate her." The person who said the line laughed again.

But it turned out that the Rongguo Mansion posted a post to the Lin family today, in the name of celebrating Lin Chen High School.At this time, the elders and the males were all talking in the Rongqing hall, and the sisters were nestling in the flower hall to talk about themselves.

Because it was a happy event for the Lin family, Daiyu naturally became the focus of everyone's jokes, and the whole group gathered around her to make fun of her.Although Daiyu's aloof temperament has not changed in recent years, her temper has improved a lot, and after Xiangyun's repeated offenses, there is no trace of anger on her face, and she is still smiling.

Xichun has the best relationship with her, so she said with a smile at this time: "I remember the other courtyard of Sister Lin's house we went to a few days ago. Take me there, I want to kill the pony there."

What she was talking about was that not long ago, because of Lin Chen's high school, after the Lin family had a banquet, Daiyu specially kept some girls from the Jia family and Baochai went to play in the newly built courtyard of her family.It's just because Mrs. Shihou didn't bring Xiangyun there that day, but Shi Xiangyun didn't know about it.

At this time, when she heard Xichun talking about it, she naturally became interested, and hurriedly pestered Daiyu to ask: "Sister Lin, do you really have a pony? I rode with my father once when I was young, and now I think it's interesting." Well. If there is, dear sister, don't forget me next time you go there."

Daiyu nodded with a smile, and was about to answer when suddenly Tanchun's smiling voice sounded in her ears: "Sister Shi doesn't know, but that horse is a pure Dawan horse. Was it cousin Lin who made people come from here?" The northwestern horse dealer got a birthday gift for Sister Lin, Sister Lin is very precious. With your reckless temper, don’t scare other horses.” As she spoke, her eyes fluttered and she looked at Daiyu, "There is no one in the world who loves my sister as much as Cousin Lin."

What was said inside and out, not only hurt Shi Xiangyun who had just ridiculed Daiyu by [-]%, but also complimented Daiyu greatly.Because Tanchun and Shi Xiangyun had always been at odds, no one was surprised that she suddenly "spoken without words".It's just that the parties involved are very clear in their hearts. Ever since Mrs. Wang brought up the vague marriage, Tanchun has always been so cautious and ingratiating towards Daiyu.

As soon as she finished speaking, Shi Xiangyun's complexion turned ugly, and he was about to explode immediately.

Daiyu hurriedly took Xiangyun's hand and said with a smile: "What kind of famous horse is it? It's just a horse on the left and right. If Sister Shi likes it, I'll post a message to your house tomorrow. Don't be too disrespectful." I babble."

Shi Xiangyun's face became happy again, and he took Daiyu's hand to show his hospitality.

Seeing the two of them like this, Tanchun couldn't help being a little embarrassed, but fortunately, everyone was watching Xiangyun playing tricks, and no one noticed that she was in a bad mood.Only Baochai turned her head and looked at her with a smile, then lowered her eyes, wondering what she was thinking.

After laughing and quarreling for a while, Jin Chuan'er, who was beside Mrs. Wang, came over and sent a message: "The banquet is about to begin, and my wife asked me to come over and invite the girls to the table, and please move around."

Everyone hurriedly got up to tidy up, Daiyu took Xiangyun's and Baochai's hands from left to right, and the group meandered towards Rongqing Hall.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Because they are all relatives of the family, they don’t pay much attention to meals, but a 24-panel large screen divides the hall into two, separating the inside and outside of men and women, and everyone can hear each other talking .

At the table for the women's relatives inside, Mother Jia naturally sat at the head, and Daiyu, as a guest of Jia's banquet and the granddaughter whom the old matriarch loves, sat down at the lower left of Mother Jia.Jiamu's lower right head is Xiangyun, and Baochai sits at Daiyu's lower head.

Lin Chen in the outside world did not have this kind of treatment. Lin Hai, as a second-rank official, was the highest-ranking official among the men, so he sat at the top without any hesitation, accompanied by two brothers, Jia She and Jia Zheng.And as a junior, even if he is the nominal protagonist of this banquet, he can only sit at the bottom with Jia Lian and Baoyu who feel wronged.

In addition, the elders' speech is not something that the younger generation can just get in their mouths. Lin Chen and the others just bury their heads in their meals, and just smile and say a few words when the elders mention themselves.

In fact, Jia Amnesty and Lin Hai had nothing to talk about. He and Jia Min, his sister, were not very close, and he had even less friendship with Lin Hai.Besides, even if he wanted to make friends with this high-ranking brother-in-law, the little ink in his stomach would show timidity if he talked too much, so after a meal, Jia She was rarely silent.

Jia Zheng's side is different. He likes elegance, and he likes scholars the most.Seeing Lin Hai at this time, it was inevitable to have a few more conversations with him.

It's just that Jia Zheng seems to be very interested in Lin Chen. Nine out of ten sentences in the next sentence are praising Lin Chen, and the other sentence is complaining to Lin Hai about how unsatisfactory his son is.

Although Baoyu really didn't think that Lin Chen was the most glorious thing in his studies, but being scolded by his father in front of the guests, he really couldn't bear it on the face.I saw him looking lonely at this moment, his eyes were reddish, and he was poking his rice bowl with chopsticks, he was really wronged.

But Jia Zheng hated his effeminate attitude the most, and he didn't care about the presence of guests, so he immediately blew his beard and stared at him and said, "Naughty animal! I only know how to eat and drink, and don't think about making progress. It's a shame for you to act like this now." Who will you show it to! If you don’t put away all your filthy thoughts, you will ask your cousin for advice in the future!”

Baoyu's eyes turned red again, and he barely stopped crying, and sat upright tremblingly, not daring to speak anymore.

Lin Hai had no choice but to smooth things over and said: "I saw that Baoyu was clever, and he was a very clever child. I also read this child's poems and essays a few days ago, and the rhetoric and ideas are really good. He is just a teenager now. Xinxing, if you work hard in the future, you won't be able to run away with a Jinshi left and right. How did Cunzhou end up here?"

Hearing Lin Hai's praise of Baoyu, Jia Zheng felt a lot more relieved, but he said: "The culprit in my family, because he was weak since he was young, his grandmother inevitably raised him a little bit. I just don't want to raise such a lazy baby. Things, at the same age (Note [-]), Geer Lin is now an official, but he can barely write."

Lin Chen who was named had no choice but to stand up and say humbly: "The younger generation has superficial knowledge and innate talent. The kid can get to where he is today thanks to the careful teaching of his father and mentor, so he can't deserve the praise of his uncle."

It's just that the more humble he is, the more pleasing Jia Zheng is to him. After a meal, Jia Zheng can't wait to change his son with Lin Hai.

After the banquet was over, Jia Amnesty and Jia Zheng invited Lin Hai to talk in the study outside.

On the side of Rongqingtang, Lin Chen looked at the unhappy Baoyu, and he had to bite the bullet and comfort him: "A man can live and live, and there is more than one way to study and become an official. Brother Bao really doesn't need to worry about today's matter. Besides, with Baoyu Brother's talent and fortune, it's unknown if he will become famous all over the world in the future."

Baoyu was still depressed, and even though she was comforted by Lin Chen, she could only force a smile on her face. Without saying a few words, she said that she was not feeling well, and went to Jiangyunxuan on her own.

Jia Mu hurriedly scolded the people who followed Baoyu: "You are all dead, you don't have eyes, why don't you hurry up and serve the second master well!"

He gave two orders to the mandarin ducks and amber one after another: "He is upset, go and see for me, and don't let him be wronged again." After that, he didn't care about Lin Chen, and only talked to Daiyu and Sanchun. Son.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Jia Lian hurriedly bowed to Jia's mother, pulled Lin Chen out, and the two went to Jia Lian's courtyard.

Letting the guests see this, Jia Lian was also a little embarrassed, forced a smile and said to Lin Chen, "Baoyu is such a straightforward character, Brother Lin, don't care about him like him."

How could Lin Chen take such a trivial matter to heart, and said with a smile: "Brother Bao still has such a pure temperament, he may feel uncomfortable and go back to relax. On the contrary, Cousin Lian, I heard it recently... It seems that Lian Cousin now has a livelihood in Ping'an Prefecture?"

Even though Jia Lian donated an acquaintance, after all, it was just a false job, so he still lives with Sister Feng in the second room to help his uncle and aunt housekeeper.A few years ago, he just got a job in Ping'an Prefecture by chance, and he kept it a secret, even Wang Xifeng never told it, but he didn't expect Lin Chen to know.

Immediately, he raised his vigilance, and said hesitantly: "I stay in the capital all day, how can I have any livelihood in Ping'an Prefecture, maybe my cousin misunderstood, and thought someone else was me."

Seeing that he didn't admit it, Lin Chen just chuckled: "My relatives and cousins ​​really don't need to be so wary. The reason why my younger brother asked this question is to tell you the truth. Right now I have a very profitable method in my hands. Because it is far away in Ping'an Prefecture, there is really a shortage of manpower in hand now."

In fact, how can he send people, but Ping'an Prefecture is the territory of Prince Zhongshun, since there is a ready helper like Jia Lian, it's better for him, a new editor, not to attract attention.

As he said and observed, Jia Lian's expression really relaxed a lot.

On the other side, Jia Lian heard that Lin Chen was trying to make money, his eyes lit up immediately, and he was about to ask, so he held back anyway, and just smiled: "What a cousin Lin, you don't even care about my livelihood in Ping'an Prefecture." After finding out, there will still be a shortage of manpower? It can be seen that what you said is not true, and you are probably playing tricks on your brother."

Lin Chen hurriedly smiled and said, "To tell you the truth, my cousin is not short of manpower, but now that I have just joined the job, I am busy with management. Dun... that one is still worshiping Buddha in the palace. At this time, I really can’t move my hands.”

Regarding his relationship with King Dun, Lin Chen never shy away from mentioning it to others. When he mentioned Ji Wen at this time, he also indirectly told Jia Lian who was behind the transaction.

Jia Lian was originally a man who loves to make money, and when he heard that this matter was actually related to the King of Dun County, if he didn't understand anything, he asked Lin Chen immediately.

The business Lin Chen mentioned was actually the idea of ​​cross-border trade.Although the desert where Beidi is located is barren and cold, there is no shortage of gold, fur, and medicinal materials, and the prices are several times lower than those in the Central Plains.However, tea and silk, which are relatively cheap in the Central Plains, are favorite commodities of nomads, and the price difference is extremely profitable.

Jia Lian was ready to be moved by what he said, but he had some knowledge anyway, so he said suspiciously: "Although Ping'an Prefecture is close to the border town, I have never heard of the news that the government has opened a private market, so it could be Cousin Lin's intention... ...to smuggle?"

Regarding his doubts, Lin Chen just smiled indifferently: "Could it be possible that my cousin thinks that the Cordyceps we use and the famous horses we play are all obtained from the legitimate court exchange? The government is turning a blind eye Yes, there is nothing to be surprised about, I think my cousin is too fussy."

He said softly again, "Left and right are the prince's intentions. Even if the sky falls, the prince will be there to support it. My cousin, the Dawan horse, also saw it a while ago. It can be seen that this is the right way."

Jia Lian was really moved by his persuasion, and he was really greedy if he didn't take a bite of the fat delivered to him, so he immediately patted his chest and assured Lin Chen: "Since Cousin Lin has said so, it's the prince and the old man again. No matter how incompetent I am, I will definitely work hard to explain the matter."

Immediately, the two of them made a total calculation, and finally decided that Lin Chen would provide the capital and connections, and Jia Lian would provide the manpower to transport the goods from Ping'an Prefecture to the grassland.

Lin Chen said again: "I have a house slave here. He was originally the young master of a country gentleman's family in Ping'an Prefecture. Later, his family was convicted of crimes and fell down. But he is very familiar with the customs and customs on the grassland. Let him take People in the past are the most suitable."

Jia Lian naturally agreed, and then clamored that he would not return home without getting drunk with Lin Chen today.Lin Chen agreed with a smile, and the two brothers exchanged glasses for a drink.

59

When the young man next to Lin Hai came to call him back to his residence, Jia Lian was as drunk as mud, Lin Chen ordered the people around him to take good care of him, and then went to Rongqing Hall to bid farewell to Jia Mu.

Mother Jia smiled and asked Daiyu to stay for a while, but Daiyu politely declined.Jia Amnesty and Jia Zheng and his wife sent them to the second gate again, and the group resigned again, and the three of the Lin family got on the carriage back home.

Lin Chen was naturally in the same car as Lin Hai. At this time, he also noticed that Lin Hai was in a bad mood. He thought that maybe the two masters of the Jia family could not speak and annoyed Mr. Lin, so he didn't pay much attention.

Who knew that as soon as he returned to the mansion, Lin Hai left him with a sullen face, and immediately asked, "Please explain clearly to me, what happened to the third girl from the Jia family?"

Lin Chen was taken aback for a moment. He never expected that Lin Hai would be angry because of Jia Tanchun. He was a little confused at the moment, so he thought about it and replied: "When my sister came back from Rongfu a few days ago, my son just said What, I don't even know what that Miss Jia San looks like, so how could I have anything to do with her."

Lin Hai is also aware of his son's temperament, but thinking of what Jia's mother said today, he still can't help frowning: "Today, Mrs. Shi mentioned your marriage to my father, and it seems that you are talking to her family. The girl is very different, and she has the intention of sending you two together, what is your plan?"

Because of Lin Chen's abilities that he has shown over the years, Lin Hai no longer regards him as a kid who has to be decided by his parents. On the contrary, father and son often have discussions, and Lin Chen's marriage is no exception.

Originally thought that as long as her family didn't take the initiative to bring up the marriage, Jia's mother would understand that the Lin family had no intention of it, but she didn't expect that she would take the initiative to mention it to Lin Hai today. As for character, I definitely don't like the third girl of Jia's family. Besides, how could a girl's family take the initiative to propose this marriage? Wouldn't my father accept it for me?"

Hearing what he said, Lin Hai also heaved a sigh of relief: "How can you accept such a marriage as a father. It's just that today your grandmother grew up with each other, and I thought... that's all, you go back and rest. When I give you the crowning ceremony on the fifteenth day of next month, this marriage will be revealed in the open." After saying this, he ended up talking to himself.

Lin Chen was already a little tipsy after drinking a few more glasses of wine today, and after dealing with Lin Hai, he really wanted to go back early so he could have a rest.He quickly bowed to Lin Hai, then retreated, and walked to his own yard.

But I didn't want to just go back to Mingyuan Pavilion, Lan Xun came in with a smile and said: "The waiter on the second door asked someone to say that the second housekeeper has been waiting for the old man to reply, and now the old man is back, this man, see you Still missing?"

Lin Chen had no choice but to wash and wash again, and went to his own study outside the second door.When he arrived, Xie Qing had already waited for a while, and when he saw him coming in, he hurriedly greeted him, and then said: "Ai Qingyuan, who my uncle asked me to watch a few days ago, now has a clue. The guy at Qiqiaozhai said, I saw him and Qin Zhong admiring antiques together."

Qiqiaozhai is an antique shop that has just become popular in the capital, and the master behind this scene is naturally our Mr. Lin Chenlin.So not long ago, Ai Qingyuan used Qiqiaozhai to fool people, and he couldn't hide it from Lin Chen at the first time. It was because of this that Lin Chen became suspicious and ordered Xie Qing to send someone to watch Ai Qingyuan.

It's just that it's a surprise to learn that Ai Qingyuan is involved with the Lianjun Prince's Mansion...

Lin Chen was thinking about this matter, but he didn't ask any more. Instead, he changed the subject and said with a smile, "I heard you talking about Qin Zhong. How is he doing these days? Could it be that he's still shopping in brothels?"

Perhaps it was as if he had been suffocated in the suburbs of Beijing for the past few years, and now he wanted to make up for it in one breath. Not long after Qin Zhong returned to the capital, he had already patronized more than half of the Qinlou Chu Pavilion in the capital.Even the people who were sent by Lin Chen to follow him did not know how much advantage they got.

In fact, there must be a lot of beauties in Lianjun Prince's Mansion, and Ji Qing is not even reluctant to give up a few women, but Qin Zhong still looks like a pervert and runs to places like Bada Hutong every day. If there is no trick, who will believe it.

But when Lin Chen mentioned it at this time, Xie Qing was still a little embarrassed: "Perhaps it is the Prince Lian who is in charge, but he has settled down a lot these days. Recently, he goes to antique shops the most. Qing, cough, It’s gone less.”

Lin Chen saw his embarrassment in his eyes. Although he was amused in his heart, he said with a serious face: "You continue to send people to watch Qin Zhong, and Ai Qingyuan doesn't have to follow. I have my own concerns."

Xie Qing hurriedly bowed to answer, Lin Chen said again: "I remember that you grew up in Ping'an Prefecture, and you are familiar with the customs and customs there?"

Xie Qing hurriedly replied: "Don't talk about Ping'an Prefecture, but other counties in the northwest, and even the desert where the barbarians live. The slaves dare not say they are familiar with it, and there are probably some who recognize it."

Hearing his words, Lin Chen put his palms together and said joyfully, "Didn't I mention the Northwest business to you a few days ago? Today I have settled with the Second Master Lian of Rongguo Mansion, and you will hand over the matter in hand to Shi Yan." Let's go to Ping'an Prefecture to help cousin Lian with Chang Shun and the others."

Xie Qing has handled Lin Chen's shady affairs these years, and Xie Qing is worthy of his trust and has done everything beautifully.But what Lin Chen said now meant he was going to be sent out?Although Xie Qing was surprised, he just saluted respectfully and didn't ask him why.

Lin Chen was naturally satisfied that he was so obedient, and at this moment he opened his mouth to explain to him in a good mood: "After you pass, the business matters are secondary, and I will be taken care of by a few gentlemen recommended by the King of Dunjun. Just one thing, it is said that all the good horses in the desert are the ones that cannot be bred in the terroir of the Central Plains, the county king and I are very interested, please help me pay attention."

After all, looking at Xie Qing with a surprised face, Lin Chen walked over and patted him on the shoulder, and said sincerely: "I don't worry about such a confidential matter. It's really reassuring."

Xie Qing blushed with excitement, and replied loudly: "Don't worry, sir, I, Xie Qing, will risk my life even if I can be valued so much by master!"

Lin Chen naturally looked very relieved again, and said a few words of encouragement, and then sent Xie Qing out who was full of emotion and gratitude.

————————————JJ is the dividing line of Zha Shou————————————

In fact, these years, because of the restoration of the crown prince, the princes have really calmed down for a while after losing their goals.It's just that no matter how calm the court is, the undercurrent beneath it is still turbulent.There were no troublesome sons to teach him a lesson, so he moved his hand to deal with his two brothers who had been restless.

As early as two years ago, Prince Zhongqin was censored because of his disrespectful behavior at the ceremony of Empress Zhaojingwen. Today, he was demoted to the county king for this reason, and his original hereditary fief was deprived. Since then, there has been no Prince Zhongqin in the world, only His Royal Highness Prince Qinjun whose title cannot be hereditary.

It's just that it's not so easy for Prince Zhongshun. It was mentioned earlier that this prince is very capable, with great military exploits, and won the hearts of the people.

If Jinshang just finds a reason to knock him down like Prince Zhengqin, let alone whether he can catch Prince Zhongshun or not, even if he is caught, Jinshang will not be reprimanded as narrow-minded and intolerable.Naturally, today's smart people will not do such a loss-making business.

But this does not mean that Jinshang really has nothing to do with Prince Zhongshun—since the vassal king came to Beijing to report on his duties five years ago, Jinshang has forcibly detained Prince Zhongshun under the pretext of "compassing the old prince and allowing him to stay in Beijing to recuperate". In the capital, even the prince's son had to stay to "do his filial piety".

The threat of the vassal kings who cannot return to their fiefdoms has naturally been greatly reduced, and they can also get their titles today, which is a good plan.

It's just that there is one thing missing today. Prince Zhongshun's fief is not only Yanmen Pass, but also two extremely important states and counties, Ping'an Prefecture and Yong'an Prefecture.

Because in line with the principle of being more at ease with his own family, Emperor Zhaoqing entrusted the other princes to the pass of Dayong. (Note [-]) and two border towns bordering Beidi were confiscated to him. These two border towns are naturally the two prefectures of Ping'an and Yong'an today.

Needless to say, Ping'an Prefecture is the gateway to trade with the northern barbarians (Note [-]) opened by the imperial court.

And Yong'an Prefecture, the northernmost county in Dayong, has poor soil, sparsely populated, and most of the land is covered by grasslands. It is not suitable for Dayong's farming civilization of "working at sunrise and resting at sunset".But such a climate is very suitable for raising horses.

As we all know, the climate in the Central Plains is not suitable for raising horses. No matter how excellent the bloodlines of famous horses are, as long as they are domesticated in the Central Plains, they will lose the heroic demeanor of their ancestors after a few generations of domestication. This is still a famous purebred horse. Not to mention those ordinary horses.

Furthermore, the landform of the Central Plains is not suitable for large-scale breeding of horses. There is no boundless pasture for horses to gallop, which will greatly reduce the quality of horses.

Most likely, God is fair after all. The Central Plains has a pleasant climate, fertile water and soil, and a large population, but its combat power is greatly restricted by the lack of war horses, which are extremely important in the cold weapon era.Because of this, Dayong's border towns were often burned, killed and looted by northern nomads, and the border issue became a serious concern for the rulers.

It wasn't until Prince Zhongshun took over that the situation was greatly improved.This brave prince drove the northern barbarians out of the north of Holland Mountain, and doubled the size of the original Yong'an Prefecture.

Since then, Yong'an Prefecture, which was originally a tasteless place in the eyes of the imperial court, has become Dayong's most important racecourse in recent years.Today, one-third of the horses in Dayong's northern army come from the horse farms in Yong'an Prefecture.

It is precisely because of this racecourse that Jinshang dared to disregard the rupture of the tea-horse trade (Note [-]) and sent troops to the southwest to completely eradicate the old tribe of King Miao who had been hiding in Sichuan.

But now, Prince Zhongshun is playing, and there is a plague on the horse farm in Yong'an Prefecture, and the horses are too dead and injured, so maybe they can't send horses to the imperial court.As for when the "plague" will get better, everyone knows that the "sickness" of Prince Zhongshun will be cured, and the "plague" at Yong'an Racecourse will naturally be cured...

Even though the border has been considered calm in the past few years, the combat power of Dayong's army, which has lost a stable supply of war horses, is also declining. After all, the tea-horse exchange market cannot guarantee the cavalry team that Dayong has built.

From today's point of view, if the issue of the supply of war horses is not resolved, the day when the war at the border will rise again will be the time when Prince Zhongshun will leave Beijing.

But whoever solves the problem of war horses now solves the two major problems of the border and Prince Zhongshun in one fell swoop, and it is a great contribution.How could Ji Wen and Lin Chen miss such a good opportunity.

Lin Chen deliberately wanted to do business with Jia Lian who had been in Ping'an Prefecture for a long time, because he felt that borrowing Jia Lian's name would not easily arouse suspicion.He nominally wanted to resell medicinal materials and skins, but secretly sent Xie Qing, who was familiar with the grassland customs, to find out the market.

After all, the only two bordering tribes (Note [-]), Luqiner and Tukecha (Note [-]), who are at odds with Dayong in the Northwest today, and those tribes in the hinterland of the desert are relatively neutral because they have no stake.As long as he can get in touch with him, Dayong can exchange food and cloth for war horses, and even if those tribes become stronger because of this