Since there is a banquet, there must be rules.
Everyone attending the banquet must give gifts, and seats will be assigned according to the gifts. The more you give, the better you will be at the top. At the same time, someone has to write down the gift money, and after collecting it, someone has to sing a ritual.
Cao Xiu left this matter to Han Xin.
Many of the people who came to the banquet were from poor households in Luzuo and did not have much money themselves. In addition, the current conditions are difficult, so I can only do my best to send some things. Such as eggs and duck eggs that the family is reluctant to eat, or fish, shrimps and turtles just caught from the river, and some game meat caught by hunters.
Of course, there are also rich people like Liu Taigong, who pay 500 yuan as a gift. The gift given is equivalent to Xiao He and Cao Shen, so he can naturally sit in the front.
With such a feast, Liu Ji naturally followed.
He's not just doing it for a living. Now that Cao Xiu has become a local official, the position of the pavilion chief of Surabaya is now vacant. He has been eyeing this position for a long time, and if he can be recommended by Cao Xiu, he might be able to get it.
When passing Han Xin, the two looked at each other.
Then there was a cold snort from everyone who was in perfect agreement.
Crotch husband!
Scoundrel!
It was obvious that the two men despised each other.
…
Since it's a banquet, we can't use a big round table, it can't be laughed at. Xiao He personally directed the arrangements, and the food tables were placed left and right. Qin Guozun is on the right, and the first seat on the right is naturally reserved for Hu Wancang.
"Haha, congratulations to Xiu'er."
"Before he even reaches the crown, he has already been promoted to the rank of seventh-level official."
Wang Ling walked in with a smile.
After seeing Cao Xiu, I was filled with emotion.
The man on his right is slightly thinner and has a handsome face, but his eyes are a bit sinister. This man is Yong Chi, who is also from a wealthy family in Peixian County and has a very good relationship with Wang Ling. But he despised Liu Ji and humiliated him many times. If it weren't for Wang Ling's sake, he would have been dealt with long ago.
"Sworn brother, Mr. Yong."
"The pavilion chief... no, he should be a local miser." Yong Chi said with a smile, "The king and I usually treat each other as brothers. If Xiu'er doesn't dislike it, you can also call me brother."
"Sworn brother!"
Cao Xiu also raised his hand unceremoniously.
That's the benefit of being famous.
Naturally, someone will come to his door and make friends with him.
Yong Chi mainly ran a grain store in Peixian County and had not had much dealings with Cao Xiu before. However, this man was somewhat capricious, and the concubines in his house suffered a lot. Therefore, Yong Chi's reputation in Peixian County is not very good.
Of course, none of this matters.
…
Hu Wancang stroked his beard and looked around. All the prominent people in Pei County were here today. In addition to Xiao He and Cao Shen, there are also local tycoons such as Wang Ling, Yong Chi, Liu Taigong. For example, Xia Houying and Ren Ao were on the top of the table because they were on good terms with Cao Xiu. For example, Fan Kuai and Lu Wan are located at the back, which is not too bad.
This is even more lively than when he came to Pei County to take office!
Hu Wancang sighed and understood.
He admired Cao Xiu's connections. There is only one person like him who is well-rounded, handsome and has high emotional intelligence in the entire Peixian County.
"Xiu'er."
"What are your orders from the county prince?"
Hu Wancang waved his sleeves and hands, and said calmly: "Originally, the county governor also wanted to come to the banquet today. However, he is busy with official duties these days, so he entrusted me to come here."
"That's great..."
"Um?"
"Ahem, cough, cough, what a pity!"
Qin Shi Huang stomped his feet in anger.
This Ye Zhuang is as stupid as a pig!
What are you busy with every day?
"You have been promoted to a seventh-level official before you even get the title. This time, you are also appreciated by the county governor. In less than three years, you may be dispatched to another county as a county magistrate."
"They are all well-taught by the county master."
Cao Xiu raised his hand to compliment.
Officials at the level of county magistrate often need to take office in another place. This is the so-called avoidance of native place. For example, if Cao Xiu was from Pei County, he would have to serve as magistrate in another county, or even across counties.
The smile on Hu Wancang's face gradually faded, and he continued: "Now that you are a countryman, you need to be more cautious in doing things in the future, especially during these days. I heard that this time your remonstrance was even discussed by Prime Minister Zuo. Li Sidu was full of praise. Including your reward, he personally determined it."
"hiss……"
Cao Xiu suddenly took a breath. He suddenly remembered that Li Si was still in Langya County and was catching assassins. If his guess is correct, this guy will probably come to Surabaya in a few days.
That being said, you really need to keep a low profile.
A Legalist master like Li Si would never allow his little cleverness. As long as he knows what he has done, all three tribes will be in trouble!
Hu Wancang also pointed it out.
Cao Xiu is a smart man, so there is no need to speak too thoroughly.
During this time, the wind is tight, so it’s better to keep a low profile.
"Xiu'er, everyone is here."
Xiao He took advantage of the situation and sat opposite Hu Wujing.
"Understood."
"Cao'er, tell the chefs to serve the food."
"only!"
Cao'er immediately left to make arrangements.
The servants and concubines in the mansion were very busy today. They brought out jugs of fine millet wine and filled them up for the guests. At the same time, the cooked dishes were also brought out. They were all carefully prepared delicacies, with all the colors, flavors and aromas.
Not only does it taste good, the presentation is also extremely artistic.
Not to mention ordinary Guizhou people, even rich and powerful people like Liu Taigong have never seen it before. The moment the dishes were served, they were all cooked like crazy. The scene is quite spectacular, and some even want to bite off the plate. Even the fresh fruits used for decoration were not wasted at all.
Hu Wujing ate the fish balls happily.
"There are so many delicacies in Xiu'er's house."
"Hahaha, these fish balls are tender, crispy, chewy and chewy. They are really delicious."
"Indeed, it's only slightly worse than fish belly."
Hu Wujing wiped his mouth.
He prefers to eat fish and meat, and he will eat it every now and then. As the saying goes, you can't get enough of fine fish and never get tired of fine meat. The fresh and tender fish meat paired with the special mustard sauce is simply a must-have!
"It's better for the county gentleman to eat less fish and meat."
Cao Xiu reminded him in a low voice. He remembered that in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, there was a man who liked to eat fish and meat, but he ended up vomiting three liters of worms and died. Cao Shen originally liked this, but gave up after all his persuasion.
Many people in Peixian County like to eat fish and clams. Just pair it with yellow mustard sauce and it will be a delicacy. In fact, if it is a sea fish, it may be okay, but if it is a river fish, it is better to take it easy.
"Oh? Why?"
"Um...it's easy to get sick if you eat raw food."
Cao Shen also laughed at the side, "It's better for the county king to listen to Xiu'er. I used to eat fish and meat very well, but I often had stomach upset. After I stopped eating, I rarely got sick."
"Yeah?"
Hu Wancang nodded thoughtfully.
"This glass of wine is for the local stingy man."
Liu Ji stood up at this time.
He held up the wine bottle with great respect.
"You're welcome."
Cao Xiu smiled and raised his hand in response.
Looking at Liu Ji's hesitant expression, it became clear.
Obviously, this old gangster is eyeing the vacant position of Surabaya Pavilion Chief!
[Silently asking for a recommendation vote~]
