"The emperor ordered the general Xia Jingyao to conquer the north. He fought for eight years and made great achievements. In the battle of Hukou Pass, he defeated the enemy commander and killed tens of thousands of enemies. He made an immortal contribution to the peace of the border. He was granted the title of Marquis of Yong'an and was granted the title of Marquis of Yong'an. In order to show his merits, he was also given 10,000 taels of gold, 10,000 bolts of cloth, and a mansion. Because of your deep kindness, Nian'er was seriously injured many times, so he ordered you to go to Fuchang County to recuperate. The handover was completed within three days, and he left the military camp. I admire this. "
Fuchang County is a large county after the Imperial Capital, but its prosperity is not inferior to the Imperial Capital at all. The streets in the city extend in all directions, and the streets are lined with various shops with a dazzling array of items. Since receiving the imperial edict, County Governor Xiao Cheng sent people to purchase the largest mansion in the city as the residence of Marquis Yong'an. While sending people to clean up the mansion, they also ordered people to prepare for the welcome ceremony.
In the early morning, Xiao Cheng took the civil and military officials from Fuchang County and waited at the city gate. Since I only knew the date of Yong'an Hou's arrival, but not the specific time, I could only wait early in the morning. After waiting for about half an hour, a group of carriages slowly came. There were soldiers accompanying the carriage. The accompanying soldiers acted in a unified manner, and they looked like an elite division at first glance. About ten paces from the official the carriage stopped. A handsome man with starry eyebrows and sharp eyes came out of the carriage. Seeing the man coming out, the civil and military officials headed by Xiao Cheng immediately bowed and saluted.
"Xiao Cheng, the governor of Fuchang County, along with the civil and military officials of Fuchang County, greet the Marquis." While saluting, Xiao Cheng said respectfully.
"Master Xiao is exempt from courtesy, and all of you are exempt from courtesy. I am very frightened to welcome you all here. When I am settled in properly, I will hold a banquet for you all to express my gratitude." Xia Jingyao, the Marquis of Yong'an, has just arrived and has a humble attitude.
"The Marquis is serious. He has fought for the country for many years and has made great achievements. He is a role model for us. It is an honor for us to be able to welcome the Marquis here. The Marquis's Mansion is ready. Please go back to the house to rest first. At noon, the lower official will host a banquet in the mansion to welcome the Marquis and invite him to come." Xiao Cheng stood up straight and spoke respectfully.
"I'm sorry, Master Xiao. Please send someone to lead the way. I'll wait until I return home to take a bath and change my clothes before disturbing Master Xiao." Xia Jingyao didn't have any objections to Xiao Cheng's arrangement. When you first arrive in Fuchang County, you can save a lot of trouble by getting along well with local officials.
"Yes, Lord Marquis. I am in the palace, waiting for Lord Marquis to arrive." Xiao Cheng saluted Xia Jingyao again, waved back, and the officials behind him stepped aside to get out of the way. Behind the officials, a low-level official bowed to Xia Jingyao. Then he mounted his horse and was ready to go. Xia Jingyao returned to the carriage and the convoy set off again. The motorcade entered the city and immediately attracted the attention of countless people. Looking at the mighty soldiers, the people were all guessing about the identity of the owner in the carriage.
On the second floor of a teahouse, two women sat by the window, watching the motorcade passing slowly below. "Miss, look, it's such a big pomp, even bigger than the county governor's pomp." The woman dressed as a maid, eyes full of yearning.
"Miss, I don't know, but the one below is much more powerful than the county guard. This is the Yong'an Marquis who has just been enthroned by the Lord. It is said that this Yong'an Marquis went to the battlefield at the age of ten and fought on the border for eight years. From a small soldier , relying on his military exploits step by step, he won the title of Marquis of Yong'an. Wherever Yong'an Marquis went, the enemies were frightened, and he was called Jade-faced Yama by the enemies. Countless enemies died at his hands. "A man behind the maid, He opened his mouth to explain.
"It's so powerful. Why is it the Jade Faced Yama? Isn't the King of Yama all fierce and evil?" The little maid was shocked and very puzzled at the same time.
"It is said that the Marquis of Yong'an is handsome and prettier than many young ladies." The man explained again.
"A gentleman is unparalleled in the world, and a stranger is like jade." The young lady sitting opposite the maid murmured to herself as she looked at the fleet of cars going away.
When they arrived at the Hou Mansion, the officials who led the way immediately ordered people to prepare a bath. After Xia Jingyao took a bath, changed clothes, and rested for a while, the officials who led the way took Xia Jingyao to the county governor's mansion. This time Xia Jingyao did not make any fanfare and only brought a personal entourage. When Xia Jingyao arrived at the gate of the county governor's mansion, Xiao Cheng was already waiting in front of the gate with civil and military officials.
"Meet the Marquis." Seeing Xia Jingyao's arrival, all the officials immediately bowed and saluted.
"Excuse me, my lords." Xia Jingyao stepped forward and helped Xiao Cheng up.
"The banquet has been prepared. Please invite the Marquis into the house." Xiao Cheng made an invitation gesture and invited Xia Jingyao into the house. Arriving at the banquet hall, Xia Jingyao was invited to the main seat, and Xia Jingyao naturally did not shirk. After everyone was seated, delicious dishes were served one after another, and the servants poured wine for everyone.
"It is an honor for Fuchang County that the Marquis can come to Fuchang County. I would like to express a toast to the Marquis on behalf of the people of Fuchang County." Xiao Cheng raised his wine glass and looked at Xia Jingyao. Other officials also raised their wine glasses.
"The people of Fuchang County live and work in peace and contentment. Master Xiao and all of you have worked hard and achieved great results. I have just arrived, so I have to rely on Master Xiao and all of you. This first glass of wine should be given to you by me." Xia Jingyao raised his glass and raised his hand. Drink it all in one gulp. Seeing Xia Jingyao drinking wine, Xiao Cheng and other officials also drank.
"Master Hou, these are local dishes in Fuchang County. Try it, Master Marquis. Do they match the taste?" Putting down the wine glass, Xiao Cheng invited Xia Jingyao to taste the dishes.
"Very good. I have been on the border for many years, and these dishes are what I have always dreamed of." Xia Jingyao tasted several dishes in a row and was full of praise.
"It's fine if the Marquis likes it. I also prepared a song and dance performance for the Marquis. I hope the Marquis likes it." After Xiao Cheng finished speaking, he clapped his hands. The musicians and dancers came in from the outside, saluted Xia Jingyao in the main seat, and then began the performance.
Listening to the sweet music and watching the beautiful dance, Xia Jingyao was smiling all over his face. In so many years in the military camp, this was the first time Xia Jingyao watched such a beautiful dance. Seeing the smile on Xia Jingyao's face, Xiao Cheng's face also blossomed with joy.
"Thank you, Mr. Xiao. I like it very much. I would like to give you a drink, Mr. Xiao." After the song ended, Xia Jingyao raised his glass and expressed his gratitude to Xiao Cheng.
"It is my honor to be favored by the Marquis. If the Marquis does not dislike them, I will give them to him." After drinking, Xiao Cheng suggested.
"A gentleman does not take away people's favors. You cannot take away Master Xiao's people just because I like it." Xia Jingyao declined quickly, but kept looking at the dancing girl.
"As long as the Marquis likes them, I will order them to be sent to my house tomorrow when I get official." Xiao Cheng saw Xia Jingyao's every move.
"Then I will be disrespectful. Thank you, Mr. Xiao." This time Xia Jingyao did not shirk anymore and accepted it happily.
Upon hearing Xia Jingyao's acceptance, the corners of Xiao Cheng's mouth raised slightly, and he looked at Xia Jingyao with a bit more contempt. Xia Jingyao was completely unaware of the contempt in Xiao Cheng's eyes and was still watching the dancer's performance happily.
The banquet didn't end until dark, and it could be said that the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves. Xia Jingyao, who was originally drunk and hazy, immediately became clear as soon as he returned to the room in the Hou Mansion, and he didn't look drunk at all.
