The clerk invited the four people to sit down respectively. Tongpao Chen was not yet firmly seated and was still brushing the chair with his sleeves when he heard the clerk shouting: "Master Magistrate, we don't want to talk anymore. Let's finish the things in front of us first." It is important to communicate these long-winded matters to the superiors. If the two evil gentry in Qufu do not cooperate, they can only follow the instructions of Prime Minister Yan and do a last resort. How about, how many troops are you planning to send in your Yamen? We will do this I don’t understand, it’s up to you.”
Although the prefect listened with a deliberation attitude, in essence it was almost a coercion. Fortunately, he was always calm and ignored the intimidation. He replied: "This matter is indeed an important matter, so we can't be negligent. It's right." Because of this, it is even more necessary to be cautious. It is not difficult to deal with the two squires, and they can be captured without even sending out a single soldier. However, if you are too reckless, you will easily alarm the villagers and cause unprovoked trouble, which will affect the New Deal itself. It’s a disadvantage.”
"We don't care about your people," the secretary smiled softly, "Just carry out Prime Minister Yan's order. If you want to complain, just hand over the memorial yourself."
"I'm not complaining," the prefect said with a firm look, "but I'm trying to think of a way for you. If the people change, yes, it will be my responsibility alone; but if the New Deal is stalled because of this, it's not as good as your theory Those who are in power will have to suffer along with it. Now we are both losing and prospering, so you can figure it out."
"That's right..." Chen Tongpao suddenly looked embarrassed and added, "If you don't tell me, I have forgotten that before leaving, Prime Minister Yan sent a personal official to tell me that I must do it within half a year. There must be no delay in implementing the new policy, otherwise the three of us will be imprisoned or even beheaded. Thinking about it today is really frightening."
The two clerks had never heard what Yan Wen had told them. They were quite suspicious at first, but after thinking about it for a moment, they knew that Yan Wen was competing with Niu Yuan. At this time, they were very anxious and pressed for time. Not surprising at all.
Similarly, they did not believe that Chen Tongpao would deceive them, so they believed in his words and said one after another: "The magistrate is worthy of being in the position of pastor and guardian. He has seen the current situation very clearly, which has opened the door for us. Today we just think that Put unity first and seek common ground while shelving differences!”
"Yes, this is the attitude to solve the problem," the magistrate was overjoyed, "In that case, I propose that we put aside the issue of sending troops first. Do you three agree?"
Chen Tongpao quickly looked at the two clerks, and when he saw the two men nodding reluctantly, he stood up and bowed: "Since sending troops will disturb the people, this is fine. But we can't just sit back and watch the evil gentry run rampant."
The prefect replied: "Of course. I don't think there is a need to go there in person. I just need to send someone to take Prime Minister Yan's document and hand it over to Hu and Yan. They have no knowledge of it, and they saw the word 'cut' on the letter." , must be frightened and terrified, and dare not resist. In fear, they will hand over their land rights, and then they will be responsible for the county to deal with it. They can get the plan without bloodshed, or even without me waiting to take action. "
Chen Tongpao stroked his beard and nodded: "Letting them take the initiative to hand over the land is a good way to avoid chaos. However, these so-called rural sages have always been deeply entrenched and it is difficult to shake. It is better to adopt a soft and hard approach and first invite them to negotiate with the county government. He entertained them with good food and drinks for a few days, and used heavy profits to induce them to accept some concessions, making them lower their expectations step by step, and finally put forward harsh conditions. After receiving so many benefits, and knowing the strict orders of Prime Minister Yan, how could he If you dare to go further, you will definitely obey orders honestly and hand over the land, and you may still be grateful to us in your heart."
As soon as he finished speaking, the prefect said "yes" to the case, which made the two clerks think it was good at first, and they said one after another: "This is indeed a good plan. Supervisor Chen is indeed brave!"
In such a warm atmosphere, the meeting at the government office finally came to a successful conclusion. All the conflicts and suspicions seemed to be resolved at this moment. Although the two book offices did not achieve their original expectations, at least they eliminated the unnecessary fight. The New Deal is also proceeding in an orderly manner - but they never dreamed that this was just a scam carefully designed by Chen Tongpao.
After the two left, Chen Tongpao stayed in the second hall with the prefect in the name of sorting out documents. After this discussion, the prefect did have a lot of questions to ask him, but due to time constraints, he hurriedly asked the question he was most worried about: "Are the things Mr. Chen said about Mr. Yan's instructions all false?"
Tongpao Chen glanced at him: "It's indeed fake."
"Then why didn't you tell your subordinates during the secret conversation this morning?" The magistrate frowned impatiently, "Are you really afraid that they will return to the capital and mention this to Yan Wen? If you fabricate rumors about the deputy prime minister, you will I am also a ghost under the sword!"
Tongpao Chen said expressionlessly: "I guarantee they won't tell."
"Why?" The prefect's eyes hesitated.
"Prime Minister Yan implemented the New Deal precisely to confront Niu Yuan. Driven by this kind of utilitarianism, it is normal to pursue quick results. The reason why this statement will not be doubted is because of this If they didn't believe it, no one would dare to ask. On the surface, this is demanding speed, but in fact it is for party struggle. To point this matter out publicly is tantamount to exposing Prime Minister Yan's utilitarian intentions. Is it true? Aren't you ashamed of his old man's face? Their status is low, but they are not fools. They would not dare to do this. Besides, I heard from a close official that even if they want to harm me, how can I find it? Even if they wake up in the future, I'm afraid it will be difficult Compare with me!"
"Shilang Chen guesses people's hearts and hits the mark on everything. He really knows things like a god! With you as a god and Buddha here, I can save this black gauze hat!" After hearing this, the prefect was greatly impressed and put his official hat on He took it off, held it in his hand, and bowed deeply to him.
The next day, the officers sent by the magistrate arrived in Qufu and reported their intentions to the magistrate of the county. The county magistrate has been hesitating recently. Hearing that the magistrate has made a plan, he is very happy. He will report the news to the two squires and invite them to the county for negotiations.
As soon as Yan Laifu got the letter, he drove straight to Hu Zhizhang's house in a sedan chair without saying a word. He walked into the inner courtyard and without saying a word, he first placed the county master's documents on the square table in the hall of his house.
I saw Hu Zhizhang being supported by two maids, holding a pear wood crutch, and slowly walked to Yan Laifu.
Yan Laifu raised his head and glanced at him helplessly: "Just keep watching."
"I don't need to look, I just received it." Hu Zhizhang sneered a few times and spit out a mouthful of phlegm.
"What?" Yan Laifu's eyes were full of anger, "They dare to bully even you! You can't go to the Hongmen Banquet!"
