In early October, Bianjing City, which has been as prosperous as it has been for decades, became even more lively. Because today is a happy day when the living God of Wealth of the Song Dynasty marries the princess and becomes his consort.
Marrying a wife is a very troublesome matter. It is not like taking a concubine and just taking her home and having a wedding. Instead, you have to go through a series of processes. This is still an ordinary official family. Now that Wang Caishen is marrying the eldest princess of the Song Dynasty, it is naturally much more complicated. The process has not been completed until today, which is the result of accelerating the progress.
The procession to welcome the bride was very spectacular. At the beginning, there was a strong man in festive clothes leading a group of bouncing boys and girls. The strong man carried a big basket full of copper coins in one hand, and from time to time he would grab a handful and scatter them on both sides of the road. Yes, money opens the way. Afterwards, there was a band that played the wind and drums to scare away bad luck and bring joy to the party. It was very lively with gongs and drums. After that, there was Wang Yan in a wedding dress, wearing a big red flower, riding a tall horse, followed by a tall sedan chair carrying sixteen people.
Behind and around the sedan, there were some dowry maids, happily watching the lively scene. In the past, high-ranking officials often sent things to the palace. As the princess's maids, they received many benefits. They also inquired about the high official's character, and they all agreed that there was a high probability that they would not be bullied.
After that, there was a motorcade that stretched to the palace, which was the eldest princess's dowry. In the dowry procession, from time to time there would also be strong men carrying baskets and scattering large amounts of money. Of course, some would also scatter some banknotes and scatter them in the wind.
Wang Yan was riding on his horse, looking at the people in front of him who were snatching money. Some of them even started doing it. Many of the banknotes were torn into pieces by the people. He just smiled and watched slowly, and even picked up a daring man. , the boy who dared to run to him and was almost trampled by a horse took the child on a horse to experience the scenery, gave the child some different ambitions, and then gave it to the child's father who was eager to catch up.
Because the palace was too close to his residence at Xihua Gate, for the sake of a better view, the entire wedding procession came out from Donghua Gate, then walked around the Imperial Street and back to Xihua Gate. The distance was not close, and the movement speed was not fast either. I kept wandering around from morning to almost noon before returning to the house in Xihuamen. When passing by Yuxiang Tower, he saw the master standing tall upstairs...
They all call him the God of Wealth, but of course it’s not in vain. And according to myths and legends, although he can't see it, he may not really be the God of Wealth after a thousand years. After all, in comparison, Guan Zhong, Fan Li, Lu Buwei, etc. are not as powerful as him. So all the way here, I was throwing money around, very ostentatious. He won people's sincere smiles and also earned the good title of a big fool.
In addition, the commercial street next door to his house is the one where Yuxiang Tower is located. All the serious restaurants on that street were booked by him, and he would set up running tables for three days. As long as there was a place, he would eat and drink for free.
The cost of marrying the Emperor of the Song Dynasty this time, including the money and gifts to the palace, would be upwards of 200,000 yuan according to the market value. But in terms of actual value, it’s not much. After all, Zhao Ji also sent a dowry in return, which was basically the same as what he had given away. The main cost was the running water mat and the money spent to open the way, which was worth a hundred thousand yuan.
This is not to mention the courtiers' courtesy. If he marries a princess, let alone a distant one, who would dare not to follow the courtesy? Not to mention others, Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, Tong Guan, Yang Jian, etc. were all generous gifts. After considering both inside and outside, he still made a profit.
And one more thing, he is not really a fool for throwing away money. After all, the economy lies in circulation. The money he threw out was free and would basically be consumed on the same day, and he had to be scolded for being such a fool while spending it. As for the merchants on this street, they have already received reservations and have spent a lot of money to prepare a large amount of ingredients and spices. Even if the money goes to the people who supply the ingredients over there, they will definitely consume it. As a result, It is a prosperity far greater than one hundred thousand guan. Although this prosperity cannot reach his head, it is still a small stimulation.
The most critical point is that Lu Zhishen's bank printed money. And under the condition that the three parties are working hard and the rear side does not delay doing business, the development is very fast. His money bank was openly opened within the sphere of influence of Liao and Jin countries, providing convenience to those merchants doing business. Up to now, banknotes have begun to circulate in Hebei, and even banks have been opened in some prefectures, including Damingfu. There are also money banks here in Bianjing now.
Although the common people haven't recognized it yet, only some businessmen who took advantage of the war in Liaodong to do business wantonly use it. But the credit of currency takes time to establish, and the currency value of banknotes is equal to the value of Song Dynasty silver coins. He worked hard here and slowly used banknotes for settlement with those upstream and downstream suppliers. The upper class used them more. , the lower class people accepted it. When Xixia, Tubo, and Dali all accept banknotes, and when all their wealth is turned into a pile of waste paper, perhaps when necessary, he will use the sword of sanctions. With one sword, they will be deprived of their livelihood and have to surrender. …
Back home, it was even more lively. Except for Sanniang, who was taking care of the baby just a few months ago, Jin Lian and the other children all came. Pan Jinlian bowed politely to Zhao Yupan, and the children came one by one to call Zhao Yupan their mother.
Zhao Yupan had been taught everything before he came here. Although he was nervous, he also completed the process. Wang Yan didn't care too much about these things. The reason for this was just because he was under the roof and his father-in-law was the emperor, so he had to give him some face.
The father-in-law’s recognition was not in vain, he was promoted again. General Yunhui, who was promoted from the fourth rank to the third rank, is of course still a military official, but it is just a long salary, which is of no great use. In addition, he was also given the prince-in-law who must be present every time he takes the princess, and he is from the fifth rank. The most important thing is that he was given a baron, titled Yanggu County Male, with 300 households in the city, and he was also from the fifth rank.
Although the prince-in-law was not very popular, it was basically only the incompetent sons of the major families who married princesses and married into the royal family. But he, a high-ranking official, was a consort, so how could he be the same as others? He was so innocent that Zhao Ji had nothing to give, so he sent a daughter to win over him. And in the future, more titles will be added to him.
Therefore, although he has no official position and is only dispatched by the commander-in-chief of the Fubei Army for training, he, the Prince Consort, General Yunhui, and Yanggu County Man Yan, are still very useful.
After completing the process, Zhao Yupan was left in the back house, and he went out to drink with the guests. He has no friends and does not have a wide circle of friends, but on such a big day as today, many people came to support him. Even Cai Jing, the old man, came to have a glass of wine and said auspicious words before leaving. Anyway, no matter whether they knew each other or not, everyone who came was a guest, drinking at table after table, doing what a landlord should do, giving each other face, saying hello to me, hello to everyone.
It was already evening after the banquet, and the enthusiastic people had been sent away. The Prince Consort, who was just a little drunk, swayed back to the room and casually picked up his several sensible sons who were looking at him and giggled. He kicked her aside and walked into the main house in the backyard with Jin Lian's complaining eyes.
How could Jin Lian be willing to have officials kick her children? However, Wang Yan, his own father, didn't care, and the kids who were kicked didn't even care. They were very thick-skinned, so they didn't notice that each one of them was baring their teeth with him.
After entering the main room, he waved to the little palace maid who bowed and saluted him to leave. As usual, he poured a glass of water at the table and smiled as he looked at the big man sitting beside the bed with his head covered and holding a brocade handkerchief in both hands. Song Diji.
Putting down the water glass, the official took a few steps to the bed and sat down. Through the gold-embroidered hijab, one could feel the nervousness of the Empress of the Song Dynasty. He simply stretched out his hand and lifted up the hijab. Unprepared, Zhao Yupan only glanced at the deep but bright eyes, and lowered his head like a frightened deer. He was not as straightforward as when they first met.
Obviously, she knew what was going to happen in a while, and maybe she wasn't ready for it. But it doesn't matter. There are always many surprises in life. They come suddenly. Senior officials are always very good at helping others.
He stretched out his hand to caress Yupan's face, lifted her chin downwards, and asked her to look at him: "How are you getting along with Jinlian?"
"It's... pretty good." Zhao Yupan's voice trembled, and he couldn't help but reach out and grasp the warm palm that had touched his neck and shoulders.
"Have you told you everything about your family?"
"……Um."
"Very good. Jin Lian is easy to get along with, and Sanniang is the same. You will know when you go back to Wangjiazhuang and see her. The family is very good, and you should get along well."
"Um……"
Zhao Yupan's face was as red as a ripe apple. She stretched out her hand to stop the hands that were already taking off her clothes, but she felt that it was inappropriate to stop her. She didn't dare to move, she was shaking a little, and she was at a loss what to do...
With the first wife, even if the first wife is the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, there is no difference, just a new woman has joined the family.
After staying in the capital for another half month after the marriage, he took his family wandering through the not-so-beautiful scenery along the way as if they were sightseeing. It took less than three days by horseback and six days by carriage, but he walked for half a month. Only then did he return to Yanggu County.
The reason for this is that Zhao Yupan, an emperor who grew up in the palace, has never seen the outside world. Now that I have been released from prison, everything I see is strange.
After returning to Wangjiazhuang, Zhao Yupan had no other worries except that it was embarrassing for the three of them to serve his beloved occasionally. He just wandered around happily every day, feeling very comfortable.
The family is harmonious, the children are growing up, and the career is growing day by day. Wang Yan feels good, and the life is so quiet...
During this period, Liangshan certainly did not stop.
It was still the same as before. After causing trouble in Bianjing on the Shangyuan Festival and giving Zhao Ji a lesson, after some court discussions, Zhao Ji agreed to the idea of using thieves to control thieves and sent people to recruit them. As expected, Zhaoan was sabotaged by Cai Jing, Gao Qiu and others, and they still wanted to kill him directly.
After all, Cai Jing's birthday was robbed, Gao Qiu's adoptive son was castrated, and Zhao Ji was quite dissatisfied with them, including the trouble in Bianjing this time. They all have grudges, and if they want to have a bunch of grass bandits and mud-legged officials in the same court, who are they to criticize?
So after the recruitment failed, Tong Guan first led his troops to fight, but there was no fight. Then Gao Qiu led Shi Jiedu to attack Liangshan. After burning and hewing the boats, Gao Qiu was captured and brought up the mountain.
Everyone in Liangshan knew that Lin Chong was killed by Gao Qiu. Lin Chong, the person involved, naturally refused to give up. He wanted Gao Qiu to be beheaded or alive to pay his wife and father-in-law. After Song Jiang stopped him, someone else stopped him. After Gao Qiu agreed to help Liang Shan negotiate for peace, Song Jiang let Lin Chong's biggest enemy go.
Seeing Gao Qiu riding away in a small boat, supported by the navy, Lin Chong was so angry that Kaka vomited blood...
Wang Yan knew all these situations, and he also felt that Lin Chong was miserable. In fact, Lin Chong was so cruel that he killed Gao Qiu. For him personally, it wasn't a big problem. After all, he had no hope of living, and he had been a coward all his life, so what would happen if he exchanged his life with Gao Qiu. But after all, he was a coward. After all, he was worried about this and that, so he didn't dare to take action, and he was still angry to death.
Besides, if you really want to take action, you may not necessarily have to change your life. Again, there are factions and small groups on Liangshan Mountain, and there are many people who want to be the king of the mountain. He killed Gao Qiu, and some of the leaders supported him.
Gao Qiu was one of the three princes of the current court. If such a high official died in Liangshan's hands, it would be impossible for him to continue to recruit him. Under this situation, the original surrender faction and other hesitant leaders had no choice but to grit their teeth and fight to the end. It doesn't make much sense to kill Lin Chong at this time. After all, Lin Chong's head is not as valuable as Gao Qiu's head. It is impossible for him to bear such a heinous crime. There is a high probability that he will still be alive.
The most likely outcome is that Song Jiangyan said he knew about his brother's suffering, but in the end ruined the future of other brothers, and used this as an excuse to kick him out and let him fend for himself. Then Song Jiang and others fought against Song to the end. In the end, except for some small soldiers who escaped, the leaders who called for the number died cleanly, and it was still in vain.
Therefore, Wang Yan believed that if Lin Chong was not so cowardly, his revenge could be avenged. But if he was not a coward, or if he had been more decisive and had left Bianjing like Wang Jin after his daughter-in-law was molested, it would have been another outcome.
Of course, this is just what he thinks, after all, he is not Lin Chong.
After a lot of trouble in Liangshan, and after a period of hard work, I was finally admitted. Song Yasi, who dared to laugh at Huang Chao's lack of husband, raised his eyebrows at the official who read out the imperial edict. Finally, this day came, and his loyalty to serve the country was finally fulfilled.
After the recruitment, 8,000 people dispersed. These were the soldiers and leaders who did not want to continue fighting and killed, but wanted to go home and settle down. When they first went to the mountain, they just couldn't stand the exploitation. But after going up the mountain, they spent the whole day robbing homes and houses. Many people died every time, and there was no end in sight. Now that he has been recruited, if he continues to follow him, he will just be a bandit with an army, fighting everywhere and working hard. After returning to his hometown, his wife and children will be comfortable on the hot bed.
So after getting the money, they were the first to leave, in groups of three or five, talking and laughing and going home happily. Based on their experience studying in Liangshan, I don’t believe there are still people who would dare to bully them back home.
The 18,000 people who left are nothing, there are still more than 100,000 people who are willing to follow them to Beijing to enjoy the blessings. After a busy meal, they packed their bags and took their belongings with them, and more than 100,000 people marched to Bianjing to receive the title. They were chatting and laughing happily along the way...
Looking at Song Jiang, who was sitting in the first place, looking a little flattering, and Wu Yong, who was holding a fan and pretending to be a scholar next to him, the official put down the tea cup in his hand: "Are you going to call Song Xianfeng now? I finally got my wish, congratulations." congratulations."
After the recruitment, Song Jiang was sealed as a vanguard and allowed to go to Hebei to fight Tian Hu, which was also a large force that gathered tens of thousands of troops. It is said that after defeating Tian Hu, he has gained merit and will be rewarded when he comes back.
Hearing the words of the senior official, Song Jiang was very happy. He narrowed his eyes with a smile, but said modestly: "General, please don't defeat Song Jiang. Just call Song Jiang Gongming. Song Jiang surrendered to the imperial court, not just for the sake of being an official." It is selfish desire, but to fulfill our loyalty and righteousness. Besides, my Liangshan brothers must have a way out and cannot always be the bandits. Now that our brothers can finally serve the country, Song Jiang will be satisfied."
Wang Yan nodded with a smile, seeming to agree with what he said, and found a topic to start the chat. The rule of the rivers and lakes is that if you have something to do, don't talk about it. First, gossip and flatter each other.
Therefore, in the following time, Wu Yong said nothing while Song Jiang tried his best to flatter the high official. After all, the senior official was a third-grade military attache and received a training commission from the Northern Army. Song Jiang's rank was too low.
Song Jiang didn't talk about business, and Wang Yan wasn't in a hurry, just chatting. From the history of his fortune, to the development history of Liangshan, from the current situation, to the difficulty of life for ordinary people. Although Song Jiang is a small official, he still has a good level of ability to reach this day. In addition, he is willing to cater to him, so he can talk casually.
And as the time that said it was useless became longer and longer, Song Jiang still failed to get into the topic. He finally understood Song Jiang's intention here.
Since Liangshan troops came to Beijing and stationed in Chenqiao, they have been tormented by high demands. A lot of the money, food and supplies that Zhao Ji rewarded were withheld by Gao Qiu, and the people responsible for distributing the supplies were also very arrogant. They spoke like thieves and bandits, and did not regard the people of Liangshan as human beings at all. Affected by this, the big and small leaders and the large number of large-scale soldiers complained, and there were already words of wanting to rebel and kill Gao Qiu and Zhao Ji, and it was difficult to lead the team.
The high officials of his king are solitary ministers and never interact with the courtiers. But among them, he was particularly at odds with Cai Jing and Gao Qiu, which everyone knew. After all, with Cai Jingquan's power in both the government and the opposition, if they don't lean toward them, that would be disharmony. Not everyone can ride on the wall. And over the years, some unpleasantness has indeed occurred. They took every opportunity to attack and smear each other, and Zhao Ji gave each other eye drops. Zhao Ji, on the other hand, carries water every day, and all of them are ministers of the humerus of the Song Dynasty.
Liangshan is going to attack Hebei Tianhu. What if Gaoqiu and others still play tricks on them? A bad person is a dead person.
In the same way, Song Jiang naturally wanted to raise a big banner, so naturally he thought of it. The longer you stay with him, the better your relationship becomes. If the news spreads, it means that you have his backing, so the problem can be solved to some extent, and you don't dare to go too far even if you do it. Moreover, Gao Qiu and others were in high positions and had Zhao Ji's favor and trust, but there were no small soldiers working below, and few of these people dared to offend him, so life became much easier at once.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look at Wu Yong, who was also smiling and waving his fan next to Song Jiang...
