"What?"
The subordinate was shocked at first, then became furious and grabbed the servant's collar, "Isn't your master infected? Why do you still have the time to go to the temple to offer sacrifices? Please tell me clearly!"
The servant panicked and replied: "Sir, please don't be violent, listen to me slowly. Mr. Hu had promised the villagers before that he would choose a day to worship Saint Confucius. Although he was not feeling well, he did not want to regret the promise, so he beat him violently. Cheer up. If you don't believe it, just go to the temple and have a look."
"Listen carefully," the subordinate pointed the riding crop at his nose, "If everything you say is a lie, the county master will be the first to chop your head off!" After saying this, he waved his sleeves and left. , leaving the servant standing there, trembling.
At this time, the Confucius Temple was already full of people, and countless villagers surrounded the temple inside and outside. Only because Squire Hu had given an order, a wide path in front of the main hall was left open for the public to perform sacrifices. .
Naturally, those who offered sacrifices were all local gentry with crowns. Because Hu Zhizhang was physically inconvenient, he asked Yan Laifu to preside over it and offer praises. However, his mind was not on this at all, so there was nothing solemn to say. He often did things perfunctorily and did not care.
But fortunately, the door was locked tightly, and the sound from outside could hardly penetrate, allowing the ceremony to proceed in an orderly manner. Outside this heavy door, some wealthy landowners and officials were able to bypass the side door and watch the ceremony from a distance; again, common people such as farmers could not catch a glimpse of the noble faces of the two gentry Hu Yan. , can only be arranged in the outer courtyard. Just like this, they were separated one by one according to the order of superiority and inferiority.
The subordinate finally arrived outside the temple gate. He got off his horse and looked forward. He saw that there was a crowd of people there, but they were all a group of ragged, black and thin people. They were all laborers and homeless people. They were blocked by a wall in front of them. A ten-foot-high earthen wall blocked the door, and no one was allowed to enter.
He slowly entered the crowd, and immediately he heard the sounds of shouting and yelling, and a sour smell came into the air. He had no choice but to frown, cover his nose, and slowly push them away, shoulder to shoulder, Go forward.
The common people had nothing to do, so they stood on tiptoe and peered into the Confucius Temple. Some people with quick hands and feet climbed up the wall to have a look; some people stood on other people's backs to see, but no matter what, they did not dare to take a step beyond.
The people who climbed up the wall were very excited when they saw a big stone archway not far away. They jumped down and made gestures with everyone and said, "Did you know? There is also a tower built on Master Confucius's mansion! Get some paste It’s whitewashed and printed with big gold letters, it’s really amazing!”
After hearing this, everyone couldn't help but praise: "Master Kong is indeed the greatest squire in ancient and modern times, and his mansion is more beautiful than Master Hu!" The uproar was uncontrollable.
Seeing that there were so many of them, the subordinate officials did not dare to be too presumptuous, so they asked softly: "Dear elders, may I ask where Mr. Hu is now?"
Seeing that he was dressed in official uniform, everyone was so timid that they did not dare to answer. Only an old man came out and reported: "Sir, Mr. Hu is worshiping a saint inside. If you want to go in, you can tell the servants at the door. .”
"Why don't you go in?"
"When Mr. Hu first came here, he said that the Confucius Temple is the residence of a saint and cannot be defiled by untouchables, so he asked us to wait here to build up his prestige." When the old man said this, he actually showed a little bit of shame on his face.
"I have called so many people here. I wonder what Hu Zhizhang is up to..." The assistant thought for a moment and then replied: "Thank you, old man, for being willing to show me the way." After bowing, he led the horse towards the temple gate. .
"Final presentation is complete!"
After Yan Laifu shouted this, the drumming in the hall stopped instantly, and the people next to him raised their hammers and prepared to ring the bells to conclude the sacrifice.
"Master Hu, the county master specially sent a clerk to come here to treat the disease!"
Hu Zhizhang was kneeling on the futon. Hearing this voice, he suddenly turned around and saw that two servants had arrived with their subordinates.
"Oh, Mr. Hu and Mr. Yan, are you two okay?" The junior official came up and saluted with a sneer.
Hu Zhizhang didn't say anything. He winked and asked Yan Laifu and others to help him up. The latter understood what he meant, held his hand, and let him stand up slowly.
"I'm sorry," Hu Zhizhang lowered his eyebrows, took a deep breath, and then bowed down, "I have been exposed to the cold occasionally and am weak. Please forgive me."
"Are you sick?" the subordinate asked again.
Hu Zhizhang gave a bitter smile: "You are too old to be sick, you should be able to tell at a glance."
"I can see it," the subordinate smiled and slowly raised his eyes, "but I really don't know how serious the illness is. If you want me to see it, I think you can perform sacrifices. The recovery should be about there."
"You can get to the point," Yan Laifu said with a cold look, "If the county magistrate has an order, we will listen to it without any complaints."
"The county magistrate has nothing else to do. I just ask you to go to the Yamen meeting. As long as the matter of expanding the county school is settled, there will be no need for any further trouble." The subordinate official raised his head and said in a very firm tone, leaving no room for negotiation. .
"I always only recognize official documents and don't ask about people's closeness." Hu Zhizhang did not show weakness. "I would only be willing to accept the order if there are official documents to carry."
"Of course we have this." The subordinate said, "Do you need me to take it out?"
Yan Laifu said: "If Mr. Hu wants to see it, then you can take it out. However, this is the main hall where the saints live. It is a quiet place. You must not pollute the ears of the sages. Please go out of the temple to discuss official matters."
"What do you want to do?" The subordinate officer looked at the two of them warily.
"Humph, at most I am just a common man under supervision. What can I do to your government?" Hu Zhizhang said angrily, "But can you even ignore the saints? You can see clearly, there is a portrait of a saint hanging behind me. If you let Saint Kong see you doing this, wouldn't you feel ashamed?"
The subordinate couldn't argue, so he waved his sleeves and said: "How come there are so many reasons! If you plan to go out, just go out and make a deal!"
Hu Zhizhang and Yan Laifu looked at each other and said, "Everyone, let's get up."
Hu Zhizhang was carefully supported and walked at the front to lead the way. The subordinate official followed closely behind him and forgot about Yan Laifu. Yan Laifu took this opportunity and ordered several servants: "Go to each courtyard and room to inform the people. Don't leave anyone behind. Let them all gather at the door to listen to the clerk reading the county magistrate's proclamation!"
The servants received the order and quickly carried it out. They beat gongs and drums along the way and called out every common person who entered the courtyard. In an instant, the common people had gathered several levels at the door.
