When we walked out of the side door, we could see the majestic Fengtian Gate. The Waijinshui River meanders forward, and several stone bridges are scattered across the river in an orderly manner. The bluestone ground is clean and tidy, and the guarding guards make people can only watch from a distance and dare not approach. Xiang Chong said that the place was under the responsibility of the Yiluan Division, and everyone in Jinyiwei had the opportunity to work there. Of course, life there was quite depressing and it was hard to get out easily.
We talked and walked along the Jinshui River, and gradually moved away from here. After crossing a stone bridge, we saw numerous shops on the other side, busy traffic, and people coming and going. It was very different from the tranquility here, and it was extremely lively.
Xiang Chong led me directly across the stone bridge, turning left and right, and walked for a long time in the flow of people. The roads in the capital were all horizontal and vertical, paved with bluestones, and the houses on both sides were clean and tidy. Emperor Hongzhi's ZTE rule made the capital of the empire prosperous everywhere. At a corner, we abandoned the main road and turned into a small road, but it turned out to be a green brick ground. Compared with the dirt roads in the countryside, it was still many times better. A three-story wooden building came into view. Although it was also next to the street, there were obviously fewer pedestrians and it seemed a bit remote. There was a wine flag hanging on a wooden pole at the door. As I got closer, I saw that the wooden building was getting more and more old, so much so that the gold lettering on the plaque at the door fell off, but I could still clearly see the four characters "Heike Old Store", but the signature was an imperial inscription!
Hotels and the like are mostly located in downtown areas. They are not too conspicuous and there are not many pedestrians coming and going. There is a small forest behind, which makes it seem more and more quiet. Why do you come here instead of going to so many big shops? I couldn't help but wonder, Xiang Chong seemed to read my thoughts and said: "This is the shop inscribed by Grandpa Hongwu. Back then, Grandpa Hongwu paid a private visit incognito, ate the food here, and greatly appreciated it. He wrote a plaque in his own handwriting, which caused a sensation in Nanjing. The old store was originally in Nanjing, and was moved here by Grandpa Yongle. It has been passed down for three generations, and it is a century-old store. We, Jin Yiwei, get along very well with the owner of this store. We have been friends for many years, and we shop here all the time." He blinked his eyes and whispered: "The boss is a nice person! He is very enthusiastic about people like us."
Hu Haisan once told me that Grandpa Hongwu liked to write inscriptions for people. He was probably born as a beggar and had never read a book. He was afraid of being looked down upon, so he left many handwritings in Nanjing. In fact, I don’t believe that Emperor Hongwu rose from the common people, wiped out the world, and unified the country. He must have been outstanding. As for these stories, they are more or less made up by later generations. There is a saying that the emperor’s career was in vain when bamboos, silk, and smoke were wiped out. Hekongsuozulongju. Shandong was in chaos before the pit ashes were cold, and Liu Xiang did not study. What Xiang Chong calls people like us are Jin Yiwei.
While they were talking, someone ran out of the store and bowed very politely: "Brother Xiang, you're here! Who is this guy?" This guy was about forty years old, short in stature, with a smile on his face, but only his eyes. Bright and energetic, with a sense of calmness. Xiang Chong returned the greeting: "Brother Pingliu, I'm here to bother you again today. He is Zhang Ying, the new brother! Zhang Ying, this is Brother Pingliu, the boss here."
Because his last name is very special, I thought of Uncle Ping from Suzhou, and suddenly I felt that the two of them were somewhat similar. When the words came to my lips, I didn't say them out loud. Instead, I cupped my fists and said, "Brother Ping Liu, please take good care of me in the future!"
"What are you talking about? I hope Brother Zhang Ying will give you more support in the future. The shop relies on your support. Please come inside. A batch of good tea has just arrived from Jiangnan. You can try it first!" After hearing this, I couldn't help but ask: "Pingliu Are you from the south?" After saying that, I regretted it. His family is from the south, why should I ask him this!
Unexpectedly, Brother Pingliu glanced at me and said, "My hometown is from Gusu, but I am indeed a native of Beijing!"
My heart was shocked. The uncle Ping I knew before was also from Suzhou, but I didn’t know his name. I glanced at Brother Ping Liu suspiciously, and he looked at me too. We both avoided each other’s eyes and walked straight inside. Accord sat down.
The decoration inside is very ordinary and there are not many people. It is more like an antique leisure place. The waiter had already brought tea and snacks. Xiang Chong winked at me and whispered: "The guests here are not ordinary people. Don't disturb them, let alone eavesdrop. I'll be right back!" Taking Brother Ping Liu out, he must be talking about something close to his heart. I drank tea silently and looked at the scenery outside.
It is extremely quiet here. Outside the window is a quiet grove, and you can even see the creek outside the grove. A few birds are jumping around in the courtyard, which is somewhat similar to my hometown. I can't help but think of my hometown. Hey, a few days ago, I was a young and ignorant wandering doctor, but now I am in the capital, wearing beautiful clothes and becoming a royal guard! The changes are so great, it’s like a dream!
Not long after, a young girl with a pretty face came quietly, carrying a teapot. She saw me and bowed slightly, saying, "Sir, I am Shu'er from the store. I'll give you some water." She looked natural and showed no pretense. I had very little contact with women, so I hurriedly stood up and said, "Thank you, girl, my name is Zhang Ying, and I will come here often in the future." Shuer smiled, filled the water skillfully with her movements, and said, "Sir, please use it slowly! I'll say hello if you need anything. "One sound." After saying that, he turned around and went elsewhere.
I sat down again and felt the heat on my face. A burst of noise suddenly came from far and near, which was very ear-catching. I couldn't help but hear the sound, and saw a group of colorful people walking along the path. Each of them had a light gait, high spirits, looking forward to each other, but they were even more enchanting with their heavy makeup. These people are obviously men, and needless to say, they must be the father-in-laws in the palace. It's just that the two people in Jinyiwei beside him looked particularly solemn.
They are all around thirty years old. One has pointed eyebrows, straight nose, square mouth, and a little beard. The other has a square face and beard. Judging from the clothes, he should be an adult from a hundred households in Jinyiwei.
These people came to Pingjia's old store in a noisy way. I was still watching. Xiang Chong, who came after hearing the noise, only glanced at me and quickly pulled me up and said: "Let's go quickly, don't let them see them. They are Dongchang, Qian, You two adults from hundreds of households in the valley." As he said that, he picked up the confused me.
I didn't ask any more questions. After all, I wasn't familiar with the place and I didn't care about drinking tea. I went out with him in silence. Brother Pingliu had been waiting outside for a long time. He glanced at us and motioned us to go through the side door, while he hurried out to greet those people. We just walked out of the side door and thought we could go straight away. But as soon as we opened the door, we met several people wearing pointed hats, brown robes, hurried footsteps, and white leather boots that made a sound. Behind them was a man wearing a white leather boots. Round hats, soap boots, chubby people, because we walked with our heads down, we almost bumped into each other.
"Hey, are you from Jinyiwei?" The other party looked at us up and down and asked, with a bit of dissatisfaction in his voice.
It seemed that Xiang Chong didn't know them, so he said with great respect: "Exactly, we are Xiang Chong and Zhang Ying, subordinates of Mr. Murong Zhao, Fu Si of Beizhen. We were thirsty outside and came here to have tea and rest. We will go back immediately."
The man wanted to speak, but the chubby man smiled and said, "Old Tang, forget it! Since we are subordinates of Brother Murong and we all come from the same sect, let's have a bar together!"
Xiang Chong was taken aback and raised his hands: "May I ask who you are?" "I am Ji Liaofan, the foreman of the East Factory. Just call me Lao Ji!" Ji Liaofan's smiling look made you feel like you were a part of it. intimacy.
Xiang Chong and I hurriedly saluted together and said, "How dare you, how dare you, Mr. Ji, my subordinates are ignorant, so please bear with me!"
Ji Liaofan chuckled and said, "Why are you so polite? Your Lord Murong and I are brothers, so you don't want to be outsiders." With that, he was about to take us in.
"Thank you for your kindness, sir. It's just that I have to go back to Zhenfu Division, so I won't disturb your business." Xiang Chong said hurriedly. Ji Liaofan looked at us. Although he was full of smiles, I could tell that he was secretly talking. We are observed, and others are wary of us.
Ji Liaofan said: "What are you talking about? We are here to have fun, and Brother Pingliu is not an outsider. I have been away all year round. I don't know what is going on with the Zhenfu Division. I just have an opportunity today. Let's sit down and chat. Isn't it right? Isn't that good?" He said, winking at the others, and they dispersed, probably to check the surrounding situation.
I don't know what kind of medicine Ji Liaofan sells in the gourd, but I can feel that Xiang Chong is very anxious. I see him bowing deeply and saying: "Sir, you are so shameful to kill this subordinate. I am just a school captain. I have to do this every day." Listen to some shouting, we really don’t know what big thing is going on in the Zhenfu Division. You know, with our status, we can’t even enter the small courtyard of Tingtao Pavilion.”
Ji Liaofan laughed loudly, walked over, and patted Xiang Chong's back hard. Xiang Chong's expression changed. He must have been in pain. Ji Liaofan said, "It's true. The rules of the Zhenfu Division are too strict." There are many people, and they are divided into three, six or nine grades. It is indeed difficult for ordinary captains to know. However, I heard that a group of new children have arrived. I wonder if Lao Liao will give me a few? "As he said this, he looked at me and turned to Chong. Said: "Come to Dongchang tomorrow morning, we are like a family here."
