After the curfew, every neighborhood in Andu City is a prosperous little world, especially in the Furenfang District, where people sing and dance all night, especially in Pingkangfang and Taipingfang.
Pingkangfang, next door to the East Market, is a famous gathering place for brothels and prostitutes. It is also the second home for candidates, merchants, and people from all over the world.
Taipingfang, a prestigious noble district, has the famous "Nine Restaurants on the Third Floor" in the square. The third floor is Chongyang Tower, Qingyu Tower, and Dongfeng Tower. The Nine Restaurants include the most famous tea restaurants, wine restaurants, and tile restaurants in Andu City. Theaters, gambling establishments, etc.
Hua's Eighth House is located on the north side of Taipingfang. After exiting the gate and walking south along Qiming Street, you will see the brightly lit Chongyang Tower.
Chongyang Building is the first of the "three buildings" of Taipingfang. It was built 83 years ago. It has a long history and many cultural legends. It has black columns, red walls, and hanging eaves. It has three floors, including a main hall on the first floor, private rooms on the second floor, and three floors. A terrace with views. It is said that countless masterpieces by talented poets have been left on the screen wall of the main hall. Every New Year, Chongyang Tower will compile the new year's poems into volumes and sell them at high prices. This tradition has been maintained for more than 30 years, and it can be called a scene in Andu. .
When the lanterns came on, it started snowing again.
The shopkeeper of Chongyang Tower, wearing a leather hat, stood in the snow and looked forward to it. When he saw Hua's carriage jingling and ringing, he couldn't wait to rush over to salute and bow.
The young man driving the car had a handsome face but a very mature temperament. He stopped the car, set up the bench, and raised his arms high, "Silang, Chongyang Tower is here."
The car door slowly opened, and a slender jade-like hand stretched out, holding a five-plate carved and inlaid with gold to hold a longevity stove, followed by a flawless snow-white fox fur cloak. The young man in the car poked his head out. He had handsome features, temples like crow feathers, and eyelashes as black as ink. The wind blew the corners of his clothes under his cloak, fluttering like delicate peony petals under the moon.
The shopkeeper was dumbfounded and watched as the young man slowly walked out of the car holding the boy's hand. He turned around and stretched out his hand. A girl in black got out of the car. She raised her eyebrows and glanced at the young man's hand. She seemed a little helpless and casually took it. After a while, he didn't use any strength at all. He jumped lightly and landed on the snow, as light as a feather.
The girl has long eyebrows and phoenix eyes, and her figure is like a pine and cypress, with a dark and rough horizontal knife hanging on her waist. In terms of appearance, clothing and accessories, she is far less flashy than the boy, but standing next to the boy, she has an indescribable sense of harmony.
The shopkeeper came to his senses and hurriedly clasped his fists and said, "I have seen Huajia Silang and Madam Lin. Please come in. Liu Changshi and Zheng Canjun have been waiting for you for a long time."
Lin Sui'an looked in the direction pointed by the shopkeeper. There were two people under the eaves, wearing navy blue cotton robes and turbans. They both had three strands of beard and smiles on their faces. The one in front called himself "Liu" and the one behind him Calls himself "Zheng". Hua Yitang stepped forward and saluted, and the three of them exchanged warm greetings.
Mu Xia introduced in a low voice, "The one with the shorter beard in the front is called Liu Yijia, the chief historian of Andu Prefecture, and is from the fifth rank. The one with the longer beard in the back is named Zheng Yongyan, who joined the army as a worker, and is from the sixth rank like Shiro."
These two people, one is a long history officer and the other is a soldier. They can be regarded as mid-level officials at least, but they are very thin. Liu Changshi has a big head and narrow shoulders, like a malnourished bean sprout. Zheng Canjun has a sallow complexion and thin muscles, with shaky legs. The thick cotton robe is supported by the ribs, like a hemiplegic compass.
Lin Sui'an suddenly felt a chill in his heart: It seems that the food in Andu is not good, and there is probably nothing delicious at tonight's Jie Feng Banquet. Alas, I knew I wouldn't be able to come.
Entering the main entrance of Chongyang Tower, you are faced with a huge white screen wall, which is filled with densely packed poems, words, sentences, and poems. Bright red, crimson, and dark red seals are stacked together, making it impossible to tell who is who. Who wrote it? Going around the screen wall, you can see the main hall. It is as bright as day but empty. It is obviously a private hall.
The mahogany stairs are old, tall and narrow. You can only step on two-thirds of the feet, and the heels can only be left in the air. When you step on them, the stairs creak and the handrails creak and sing. Lin Sui'an walks with fear. Hua Yitang's hands holding the railing were shaking, and he said with a smile, "Should this staircase be repaired? It won't collapse while walking, right?"
The shopkeeper smiled and said: "Hua Canjun, don't worry, this building is the work of Feng Yuanzi, the number one craftsman in Andu. It is very strong and can stand for a hundred years."
Liu Changshi: "What Hua Canjun doesn't know is that the Feng Shui of this Chongyang Tower is good. Anyone who holds a reception banquet in this building will surely have a prosperous official career and a bright future."
Zheng Canjun nodded repeatedly, "What Liu Changshi said is true, true."
Liu Changshi: "When our governor came to Andu, the reception banquet was held at Chongyang Tower. Now that I think about it, it feels like it happened yesterday. I really miss it."
Zheng Canjun: "What Liu Changshi said is true."
Lin Sui'an: "..."
Is this Zheng Canjun a yes man? Or were you in such a hurry that you only had time to memorize this line?
The group of people climbed slowly along the narrow stairs and finally climbed to the third floor. The shopkeeper and Mu Xia retreated. Liu Changshi and Zheng Canjun led Hua Yitang and Lin Sui'an into the viewing courtyard. Oh, there are no walls on all sides. , ventilation is everywhere, the cotton curtains are rolled up high, and you can see almost the entire night view of Taipingfang. The lights of thousands of houses are like a dream, and the brightest one is naturally the Eighth Residence of the Hua family.
There is a red charcoal pot on the ground, the northwest wind is blowing outside, and strings of red lanterns are hung under the eaves. Under the light of the lights, the snowflakes are as dense as stars falling from the sky, which creates a unique mood.
The moment Lin Sui'an saw Jiamu, the governor of Andu, he understood why Liu Changshi and Zheng Canjun were so thin - the food of the Andu Prefecture was eaten by Jiamu alone.
Jiamu is a fat man, about fifty years old, weighing at least three hundred pounds by visual inspection. The cotton robe on his body can be used as a quilt cover if pulled off. He is a head taller than Hua Yitang, and Hua Yitang is three widths in width and three widths in length. Hua Yitanghou was too fat and his face was too big, making his facial features very crowded. I don’t know how he managed to squeeze up the narrow stairs with such a fat figure.
"Hey, Shiro Huajia, you're finally here. We're waiting here eagerly! Come on, come on, these are your colleagues, come and get to know each other."
The governor of Jia patted Hua Yitang on the shoulder and introduced them one by one, Si Gong joined the army, Si Hu joined the army, Si Bing joined the army, Sicang joined the army, Si Tian joined the army, plus Liu Changshi and Zheng Canjun who took over (it turned out to be Si Shi joining the army). There were nine people in total. Lin Sui'an basically didn't remember their names. He only focused on studying the three-layered chin of the Jia Governor - when he spoke, it trembled like a fat pig's skin - Lin Sui'an felt itchy and wanted to go up and pat it. Two times.
For Hua Yitang, this was just a small battle. Governor Jia only spoke once, and Hua Yitang was able to accurately identify each person's name and official position, greeted them in a circle, and already called them brothers.
Xia Changshi was very eye-catching. Seeing that Jia Jishi had no time to do anything, he hurriedly led Lin Sui'an to his seat. The seat was actually on the left side. It was a single person, a single seat, and a single case. Unfortunately, Hua's new high-leg tables and chairs were still there. The market has not yet opened in Andu, so we are still sitting on couches and sitting on our knees. Drinks and dishes are already prepared on the table, and there is a charcoal basin next to each seat, which will make your face hot.
Jiashi was very satisfied with Hua Yitang's performance. He pulled Hua Yitang to sit on the right side and looked him up and down. "The Hua Family Silang is well-deserved. He is indeed a man of orchid and jade trees, just like me when I was young." , a handsome young man, unparalleled in his white clothes, has attracted countless little girls to go crazy for him!"
Hua Yitang quickly glanced at Lin Sui'an and said, "Prefect Jia has given me the award. Hua thinks he is mediocre in appearance, far inferior to the appearance of Prefect Jia. Hahaha..."
Liu Changshi: "Silang is too humble. His reputation as the number one talented man in Yangdu is well-known in Andu. Everyone says that Silang of the Hua family in Yangdu is both talented and beautiful. He has confidantes all over the world, no matter how cold and arrogant he is. The oiran lady, as long as Hanashiro looks at her, her soul and heart will be taken away——"
"This is absolutely not the case!" Hua Yitang shouted, "Hua's family is extremely strict. If Hua dares to linger in Hua|Jie|Liu|Alley, my brother will be the first to break my legs!"
Hua Yitang's reaction was so great that it confused everyone. A closer look showed that Hua Yitang's eyes were almost fixed on the little lady in black, her expression was nervous, her face was dark and red, and her forehead was sweating. The young lady raised her eyebrows and looked at Hua Yitang, her expression half-smiling but not smiling, and her whole body was filled with an indescribable aura.
Everyone understood and quickly changed the subject in embarrassment.
"Yes, yes, it's all rumors and can't be accurate."
"Come, come, drink, drink!"
Governor Jia laughed loudly, "This must be Mrs. Lin who is famous in several major capitals." He looked at Lin Sui'an for the first time, "Everyone in the world said that the Lord of Qianjing has a heroic appearance and a beautiful woman. A hero..."
Jiashi suddenly stopped laughing and his pupils shrank violently, as if he saw something horrifying on Lin Sui'an's face.
Lin Sui'an felt the killing intent in Governor Jia's eyes - no, maybe it was hatred, or maybe... it was some kind of strange emotion mixed with hatred and fear.
"I'm Lin Sui'an. I've met the governor of Jia." Lin Sui'an clasped his fists.
Governor Jia's three chins trembled at the same time, his uncontrollable expression instantly stopped, and he smiled, "Seeing Mrs. Lin reminded me of an old friend, so I'm a little rude, I hope you can forgive me."
Lin Sui'an: "I look very similar to that old friend?"
Governor Jia: "They look completely different, but they are very similar."
"..."
Governor Jia obviously didn't want to talk about this topic in depth, so he skipped it in the name of haha. Liu Changshi understood it and hurriedly winked at several soldiers who joined the army. Everyone talked about Andu's customs, food culture, and the smell of wine steaming in the light of the fire. Snowflakes danced in the lights, and the atmosphere quickly became lively again.
After three rounds of drinking, everyone was a little tipsy. The governor of Jia became more and more interested, his cheeks were flushed with wine, and his tongue curled up, "Silang, you don't know how much Jia envies you, Yang Duhua clan , five surnames and seven sects, a century-old family, they have been higher than ordinary people since they were born, their lives are smooth, and they are the envy of others..."
"Jia is a rough man who only knows how to wield a knife and a gun. It took him thirty years of hard work to get to this position. But for a big family like you, this kind of position can be obtained with just a few clicks. It's really destiny." Okay...that's really good..."
Lin Sui'an raised his eyebrows: On the surface, the Jia governor praised Hua Yitang for his prominent family background, but in fact, he was mocking Hua Yitang for relying on nepotism to get to the top. He had no real talent and learning at all. It was the same before, when he talked about being a confidante, but actually he was referring to Sang and scolding Huai. It is said that Hua Yitang is a dandy who only knows how to hang out in Wenrou Township.
It's a pity that even she is tired of hearing this level of yin and yang, and it has no lethality, let alone Hua Yitang.
Hua Yitang wore a standard business smile and said, "Chief Governor Jiali's words are serious. Silang knows that he has limited talents and knowledge, so he still has to humbly ask for advice from the Governor and his colleagues!"
"...You don't understand...you don't understand..." Governor Jiashi shook his head in confusion with drunken eyes, "People like us...the things we dream of, the things we try our best to get, in the eyes of you aristocratic families, It’s just a stone on the roadside, easily obtained and thrown away... I’m really envious... I’m envious...”
Hua Yitang smiled, "Could it be that Governor Jia drank too much?"
"...Not much, not much. Jia and Shiro fell in love with each other as soon as they met. It was a revelation!" Governor Jia stood up unsteadily, took a sip of wine, swayed to the center of the courtyard, and danced around the brazier. Even though he was so fat and drunk, he was actually quite agile in his steps. He sang and danced with a loud and confident voice. He had a built-in echo. He sang in an unknown dialect and couldn't quite understand it. Lin Sui'an could only identify a few. Syllables, similar to "pickles dipped in flatbread", "fool eat some ice", "bones without meat" and so on.
Liu Changshi invited several soldiers who joined the army to gather around Governor Jia, high-fiving and stamping their feet, dancing and singing, and the rhythm was in perfect harmony. It seemed that they had practiced a lot on weekdays.
Lin Sui'an secretly asked Hua Yitang, "What kind of song is this?"
Hua Yitang frowned, "It sounds so unpleasant."
Jiashi, the governor, was not satisfied with dancing. He raised the wine jar and toasted one by one. No one dared to refuse. After being fed several bowls, his steps were a little staggering. When he turned around, he saw Hua Yitang sitting neatly and neatly. Then, a swarm of swarms rushed over and shouted, "If you don't drink from this jar, you won't give us some face!" Hua Yitang didn't hesitate. He picked up a jar of wine and poured it into his stomach. After drinking a jar of wine, His face was not red, his feet were not shaking, and his pupils were clear. He had a terrible drinking capacity that he had honed over many years as a playboy.
Several soldiers who joined the army were restrained and did not dare to advance. They retreated one after another. Governor Jia laughed and patted Hua Yitang on the shoulder. He turned his head and wandered towards Lin Sui'an, "Ms. Lin, come on. Come, let’s have a drink too!”
Hua Yitang's complexion changed slightly, and he stepped in front of Lin Sui'an and said, "Jia Jishi, it's inappropriate."
The governor frowned, "Hanashiro, you are just a sixth-grade soldier who joined the army. I am the governor and your superior. Do you want to go against me? Don't you want to do it?"
As he spoke, his belly bulged out, and his fat body actually knocked Hua Yitang's small body out. As soon as he said it, Lin Sui'an suddenly stood up and threw Qian Jing out, and wrapped his sword scabbard around Hua Yitang's waist. Gently moving forward, Hua Yitang stood back firmly.
"Drink, okay." Lin Sui'an flicked his wrist, and Qian Jing unsheathed his sword. The dark green sword light illuminated the entire viewing terrace, and the strong pressure of the sword forced the flames of the charcoal pot to go out.
There was dead silence.
Liu Changshi and several soldiers were so frightened that they took a few steps back. Zheng Canjun sat down on the ground. The three-tiered chin of the Jiashi Governor couldn't help but tremble. Cold sweat and drunkenness flowed down the pores all over his head and face, making them wet. Got a cotton robe.
Lin Sui'an smiled slightly, picked up a jar of wine, and slowly poured it on Qianjing. The blade of the blade burst into dark green ripples of light, shaking the entire Chongyang Tower. The floor slabs, roof tiles, and walls could not withstand such intense intensity. And the pure intention of the sword made a cry for mercy.
Hua Yitang sighed, "It seems that Qian Jing is not satisfied with today's wine."
Governor Jia: "Wha, what?"
"Chief Governor Jia doesn't know. This sword is a picky drunkard who only likes to drink Manbi for ten years." Hua Yitang shook his head and said, "If you feed it bad wine, this sword -" jerked forward Taking a step forward, his big dark eyes looked sinister, "I'm going to go crazy!"
Jiashi was startled, staggered back three steps, his big belly swayed a few times, and made strange gurgling noises. His face, which was red with the smell of alcohol, suddenly turned pale, and he shouted, "Liu Changshi!"
Liu Changshi hurriedly ran over to support Governor Jia, "What are your orders, Governor?"
"Quick, quick, help me go to the toilet!"
Several soldiers came to their senses immediately and rushed forward. Those who supported their arms, supported their waists, held hands, protected their hips, and opened the way. They shouted and supported Governor Jia and sent them out. The last one was Zheng Canjun. Shivering, he climbed up, bent his back, and stumbled after him.
The entire viewing courtyard fell silent, the bamboo lanterns swayed under the eaves, snowflakes fell, and a faint firelight popped out of the charcoal pot with a click.
Lin Sui'an and Hua Yitang looked at each other and couldn't help laughing. They sat down leisurely. Hua Yitang grabbed two big steamed cakes and stuffed them into his mouth, "I'm starving to death!"
Lin Sui'an picked up a bowl of mutton soup and sipped it, "I won't come to this bullshit banquet from now on. I'll drink a lot of northwest wind and won't be able to eat anything."
"Do you have the heart to let Hua go out and suffer? We are partners!"
"As the old saying goes, a dead Taoist friend will never die a poor Taoist."
The two of them chatted and ate, their appetites worked up. Hua Yitang stuffed ten steamed cakes, and Lin Suian Fufu ate half of them. Suddenly, the whole Chongyang Tower shook with a loud noise.
Hua Yitang and Lin Sui'an were stunned: Was there an earthquake?
Footsteps were approaching rapidly, and Zheng Shenjun rushed in, his face pale and his voice hoarse, "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, it's not good, the toilet collapsed, Governor Jia, he, he, they - fell in!"
"Pfft--" Hua Yitang and Lin Sui'an sprayed their rice at the same time. :,,
