The sun sets in the west.
Xiaochong learned yesterday that Han Zhen was going to entertain the three wealthy gentry owners in the city tonight, so he hung a sign on the door saying no guests were allowed.
An ox cart drove slowly, its wheels running over the golden afterglow on the bluestone slab, making a crisp sound.
In fact, compared to horse-drawn carriages, ox-carts are more stable and comfortable.
Therefore, most people will choose ox-carts instead of horse-drawn carriages when traveling.
The oxcart stopped steadily in front of Zhuolou's gate, the blue linen curtain was opened, and an old Confucian stepped out of the car.
This person is none other than the head of the Wang family, Wang Zhongkai.
The ancestor of the Wang family is one of the famous Seven Sects and Five Surnames, the Taiyuan Wang family.
In the troubled times of the late Tang Dynasty, Huang Chao wielded a butcher's knife against the noble families. One branch of the Wang family in Taiyuan took refuge in Yidu, Qingzhou, and settled here.
The heritage of a thousand-year-old family is profound after all. After a short period of dormancy, Wang Zeng was quickly cultivated.
Wang Zeng was a miserable boy. His parents died when he was young and he was adopted by his uncle.
His uncle saw that he was talented and intelligent, so he carefully cultivated him. In the fifth year of Xianping Dynasty, Wang Zeng won three yuan in a row. As the number one scholar, he served as the general judge of Jeju. Later, he served as the governor of political affairs. He used his strategy and wisdom to win over the powerful minister Ding Wei. He became the prime minister twice. After his death, he was given the posthumous title Wenzheng.
In the eighth year of Jiayou's reign, Wang Zeng ranked first, and he, Lu Yijian and Cao Wei were able to enjoy the temple of Renzong of Song Dynasty.
Even Linji Township under the jurisdiction of Yidu County was changed to Jingxian Township because of Wang Zeng's personal decree by Song Renzong.
Therefore, although no one from the Wang family has served as an official in the court these years, they still have unparalleled influence in Qingzhou.
As soon as Wang Zhongkai stood still, Xiaochong came up to him and said with a smile on his face: "Executive member Wang, please come in quickly!"
"Is the county magistrate here?"
Wang Zhongkai asked.
Xiaochong replied: "The county magistrate has not yet come."
Hearing this, Wang Zhongkai raised his feet slightly, stepped back onto the ground, and chuckled: "In that case, I'll just wait a moment."
At this moment, there was a sound of wheels coming from behind.
Turning around, I saw two bullock carts approaching hand in hand.
When the bullock cart stopped, Mayanmin and Su Wenhuai stepped out of the cart one after another.
Su Wenhuai's ancestor was a branch of Su Weiwei, a famous prime minister in the Tang Dynasty. If we really talk about it, he was related to San Su.
However, after so many years since the Tang Dynasty, five servers have been released.
And compared with Sansu, Su Wenhuai's ancestors were better mixed. Su Yugui served as prime minister of the Later Han Dynasty, and his son Su Dexiang also won the top prize in high school in the fourth year of Jianlong, Taizu of the Northern Song Dynasty.
It can be seen from the small Yidu County that aristocratic families are still aristocratic families. Even after the turmoil of war, once the world is stable and the dynasty is established, these aristocratic families will return to the center of the power stage.
Despite the fact that the Wang family and the Su family have not been famous in recent years, they seem to be in decline. But if the Jin people did not go south, in a few decades, there would definitely be leaders like Wang Zeng and Su Dexiang, who would lead the family to continue its glory.
A flowing dynasty, an iron-clad family.
Huang Chao had already killed them ruthlessly, but unfortunately he only cut off all the branches and leaves, but did not damage the roots buried deep in the ground.
Su Wenhuai smiled and greeted, "Haha, Brother Fuyang."
"Brother Shucun, brother Demeng."
Wang Zhongkai raised his hands in greeting.
"Brother Fuyang, why don't you go in?" Mayanmin asked.
Wang Zhongkai said with a half-smile, "Meng Lang can't do that."
Hearing this, Su Wenhuai and Mayanmin immediately understood that the rightful owner had not arrived yet.
Da da da!
The crisp sound of horse hooves came from afar, and the three of them felt a chill in their hearts.
At the end of the street, I saw a tall figure mounting a horse, followed by two more riders on the left and right.
Seeing that Han Zhen was still wearing heavy armor at this moment, Wang Zhongkai and the three of them looked at each other and saw solemnity in each other's eyes.
It really is a Hongmen Banquet!
I'm afraid it's impossible to muddle through tonight.
Arriving in front of the restaurant, Han Zhen turned over and dismounted. His armor was shaking, making a sound of scraping armor leaves.
"County magistrate, Zhao Zhizhou."
The three people bowed and greeted each other, while looking at Han Zhen with vague eyes.
The ancients believed in facial features and emphasized that facial features come from the heart.
This is not nonsense, but there is a certain basis. A person will change with his circumstances, experiences, and mood, which will be reflected in his appearance and temperament.
Seeing Han Zhen's handsome face, his heroic and domineering appearance, and although he was smiling, he exuded a breathtaking aura, and the three of them couldn't help but feel their hearts tremble.
Han Zhen cupped his hands and said, "I'm busy with official duties today. I saw the sun setting in the west, so I rushed here in a hurry. I didn't have time to take off my armor and change my clothes. Please forgive me."
"It's out of the way."
"Official duties are important, and the county magistrate does not need to blame himself."
Mayanmin and the other three waved their hands.
They are all human beings, how could they not know Han Zhen's intention of bringing Jia to the banquet.
Busy with work?
How long does it take to remove your nails?
Han Zhen smiled and said, "Three of us are invited."
"The county magistrate please go first!"
Hearing this, Han Zhen did not refuse and walked into the restaurant first.
As soon as he entered the door, Xiao Chong immediately greeted him. The two just looked at each other and did not reminisce about the past on the spot.
This was his first time in his own restaurant. He looked around at the decorations in the hall and couldn't help but nod secretly.
The decoration is very simple, but it has a fresh and elegant atmosphere everywhere.
This was the style in the Song Dynasty. If the decoration was magnificent, guests would find it tacky.
Under the leadership of Xiaochong, the group went straight to the third floor and entered a private room.
Han Zhen sat on the main seat with a golden sword, and others also took their seats.
Soon, plates of delicious food and wine that had been prepared were served to the table.
After setting out the food and drinks and pouring a glass of wine for everyone, Xiaochong led Dr. Jiu out of the private room and closed the door at the same time.
Holding up the wine glass, Han Zhen said loudly: "The three members are all highly respected sages in Yidu County. Han Zhen would like to toast you all."
Wang Zhongkai and the others did not dare to praise him, so they hurriedly raised their wine glasses and said modestly: "The county magistrate has promoted me. I have wasted decades of my life and cannot be called a great sage."
"Drink together!"
After a glass of wine, the atmosphere became slightly better.
Han Zhen winked, and Zhao Ting immediately understood. He picked up the wine glass and started chatting with Wang Zhongkai.
This was the reason why he brought Zhao Ting to the banquet, to liven up the atmosphere and bring the relationship closer, so as not to make the banquet too cold.
Everyone exchanged cups and cups, chatting happily.
Liu Qi kept Han Zhen's words in mind. From the moment he walked in until now, he didn't say a word and just immersed himself in drinking and eating.
After drinking for three rounds, Mayan Min glanced at Liu Qi and asked aloud: "This young man is so handsome, could he be the county magistrate's brother?"
Han Zhen introduced with a smile: "His name is Liu Qi, and he is the commander of our Qingzhou Army Cavalry Battalion. His uncle must be known to the other three members."
"oh?"
Su Wenhuai became interested and asked curiously: "But I don't know who the uncle of this young man is?"
Han Zhen said calmly: "Magistrate of Qiancheng County, Xie Ding!"
Thanks Ding!
Su Wenhuai's hand holding the chopsticks shook.
Although Mayanmin and Wang Zhongkai's expressions remained unchanged, there was a storm in their hearts.
The Xie family in Fuyang also surrendered to the thieves?
If you really want to talk about it, the reputation of the three families is limited to Qingzhou, but the Fuyang Xie family has real disciples all over the world, and everyone in the scholarly community of the Song Dynasty knows about it.
After coming back to his senses, Su Wenhuai stroked his beard and said, "Your uncle and I have been friends for many years. Last year, when your uncle came to the county to pay his respects to his duties at the end of the year, we had a good time over wine."
Upon hearing this, Liu Qi immediately put down his chopsticks, cupped his hands and said, "I've met Yuan Su."
He could ignore these three people before, but now when he talks about his elders and is close to his elders, he must greet them. This is etiquette.
Su Wenhuai asked again: "How is your father's health?"
When talking about his father Liu Zhongwu, Liu Qi's expression dimmed and he shook his head and said: "It's not good. I'm old, I have old injuries, and I got a serious illness last year."
Due to long-term fighting in the battlefield, the warriors were already sick in their old age. In addition, Tong Guan had been suppressed at all times during these years, which caused Liu Zhongwu to be depressed. He suffered a serious illness last year. Although his life was saved, his body and bones were getting worse day by day. Difference.
Su Wenhuai said: "The northwest is a land of bitter cold. It is not easy for my father to guard the border all year round. I have a century-old Ganoderma lucidum at home. I will give it to your father to replenish his health."
Liu Qi declined politely: "There is no shortage of medicinal stones at home, and I appreciate Yuan Su's kindness."
Hearing this, Su Wenhuai nodded.
Halfway through the banquet, Han Zhen put down his chopsticks and suppressed his smile.
Seeing this scene, Wang Zhongkai and the others knew that the important point was coming, and they all looked at Han Zhen.
Han Zhen said seriously: "I am holding a banquet this time and inviting three people to come here because I want to ask you for a favor. Now that I have just taken charge of Yidu, the hearts of the people in the county are floating. The three people are highly respected outside the county and they can do it." Can you please help me calm people’s hearts?”
There was silence in the private room.
The so-called comforting people is just a cliché.
The meaning behind it is to completely surrender to Han Zhen and use the reputation of the three families in Shilin to help him recruit talents and provide all available resources.
All three of them are old foxes, so they naturally understand.
After a moment, Wang Zhongkai smiled and said, "With Zhao Zhizhou here, why are we needed?"
"Wang Yuanwai!"
Han Zhen stood up slowly and said condescendingly: "I am not Zhao Ji, and I am not discussing with you!"
Wang Zhongkai's expression suddenly changed.
It's not because Han Zhen directly called Song Huizong by his first name, and then the meaning expressed in his words.
If Zhao Song did not kill the scholar-bureaucrats, I, Han Zhen, would!
However, Wang Chong also relied on something in his heart. The tens of thousands of scholars in Qingzhou were his source of confidence.
Moreover, in his opinion, if Han Zhen wanted to govern Yidu County, he could not do without the support of the three families.
Seeing that the three of them were silent, Han Zhen sneered in his heart and shouted: "Liu Qi!"
"The general is here!"
Liu Qi immediately stood up and responded.
Han Zhen ordered: "The remaining rebels who dare to rebel are hiding in these three families. I order you to mobilize three hundred troops to go and suppress the rebellion. If there is any obstruction, they will be killed without mercy!"
Senhan's tone made the temperature in the private room seem to drop a bit.
"I will obey your orders!"
Liu Qi didn't give the three of them any time to react and strode out of the room.
Wang Zhongkai was filled with fear and said angrily: "Han Zhen, my son, it is easy to kill three of my families. How are you going to block the mouths of the 300,000 people in the county?"
Han Zhen sneered: "Old man, you are so shameless. Are you waiting here because you want to kill less people, but do you really think of yourself as a green onion? Since you are bent on seeking death, then I will help you!"
He was invited to drink, and nice words were said, but if he still doesn't know how to show appreciation, then don't blame him.
As for the blame, just put it all on Gan Chijun.
Speaking of which, Gan Chijun is really a good material to take the blame.
"you……"
Wang Zhongkai's chest was rising and falling, and he felt a surge of energy and blood, making him dizzy and shaky.
Seeing this, Su Wenhuai on the side quickly supported him and said anxiously: "County Magistrate, if you have something to say, why bother to use a knife or a gun? Please call back the young man of the Liu family as soon as possible."
Han Zhen glanced at him sideways: "The military order is like a mountain, do you think it's a joke?"
"This...why is it like this? Why is it like this!"
Su Wenhuai was shocked and murmured to himself.
Zhao Ting, who was sitting aside, was completely frightened. One moment he was fine, but the next moment he was about to kill everyone.
Han Zhen picked up the flask and poured himself a glass of wine. He said in a calm tone: "It takes almost a quarter of an hour to mobilize troops from Zhuo Tower to the city gate and then to the three of you."
As soon as he finished speaking, Mayanmin stood up and said, "I would like to lend a helping hand to the county magistrate."
He was already resentful towards Zhao Song, and wanted to wait and see more and sit on the sidelines.
Seeing that the situation is not good at this moment, there is no way to care about this. The most important thing is to save the lives of the whole family first.
"It's still a general knowledge of Ma Yuan."
Han Zhen smiled slightly and raised his glass from afar.
Seeing this, Mayanmin forced a smile on his face, picked up the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp.
After sitting down again, Han Zhen took a chopstick and stuffed the roasted mutton into his mouth without paying any attention to Wang and Su.
Su Wenhuai struggled, and finally gritted his teeth and said: "I...I am also willing to help the county magistrate and appease people's hearts."
After saying this, he felt as if all his strength had been taken away from him, and he slumped down on the chair.
For a moment, there was silence in the private room.
Han Zhen drank by himself, taking a bite of the food from time to time, which was very satisfying.
Not to mention, the chef hired by Xiao Chong was really good at his craftsmanship, especially the roasted mutton, which was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fat but not greasy. He, who doesn't like barbecue, ate a lot of it.
Time passed little by little, and Wang Zhongkai still did not express his position.
Su Wenhuai couldn't help but advise: "Brother Fuyang, you should not only think about yourself, but also think about your family members. At present, there are internal and external troubles, and the official family is not like a human king, favoring treacherous sycophants..."
"shut up!"
Wang Zhongkai suddenly shouted loudly.
"You're a rebel, you have all the skills, but you don't want to serve the country."
Wang Zhongkai's eyes were red and he pointed at Han Zhen and cursed.
Then, he pointed at Zhao Ting: "Zhao Ting, as an official of the imperial court, you are depriving yourself of the emperor's salary, but you have no moral integrity, openly surrendered to the thieves, and colluded with the rebels."
Su Wenhuai and Mayanmin were immediately horrified and were about to stop him when they saw Wang Zhongkai pointing the finger at them again and angrily said: "There are two of you who are greedy for life and afraid of death, and help the tyrants to do evil. You have read so many years of sage books in vain, I I'm ashamed to be with you!"
"My Wang family is deeply favored by the Emperor, how could we succumb to thieves..."
Poof!
Under the candlelight, a cold light flashed.
A human head soared into the sky, and then landed heavily on the wine table.
The next moment, a stream of blood spurted out from the neck of the headless corpse and splashed on everyone.
"Noisy!"
Han Zhen whispered two words, lifted up Zhao Ting's wide sleeves, wiped the blood on the knife, and then inserted it back into his waist.
It wasn't until this moment that Su Wenhuai and Mayanmin came back to their senses.
Looking at Wang Zhongkai's dead head on the wine table, the two of them felt their hands and feet were cold, and their scalps were numb!
"Little bug!"
Han Zhen called out.
The door was pushed open immediately, and Xiaochong asked, "What are your orders, Second Brother Han?"
Han Zhen ordered: "Inform Liu Qi that no one from the Wang family will be left alive!"
"..."
Su Wenhuai was about to speak when he saw Han Zhen glance at him coldly.
The killing intent surging in his eyes made Su Wenhuai swallow all the words that came to his mouth.
"Got the order!"
Xiaochong clasped his fists in response and left quickly.
The strong smell of blood filled the private room. Mayanmin and Su Wenhuai were sitting on pins and needles, and their days were like years.
Han Zhen's sword cut all their little thoughts to pieces.
The rebels are so ruthless when they kill people!
I don’t know how long it took, but there was a sound of heavy footsteps.
Mayanmin and Su Wenhuai both turned their heads and looked out the door.
I saw Liu Qi, dressed in human armor, striding into the private room, his body filled with a bloody aura.
"Report to the county magistrate, more than 130 members of the Wang family will be executed!"
The Wang family... was destroyed?
Although they had just learned the ending, Mayan Min and Mayan Min could not help but feel shaken when they heard Liu Qi say it himself.
Han Zhen asked: "Have you caught the traitor who dared to attack?"
"No!"
Liu Qi understood and shook his head: "Let them run away. If you don't do your job well in the end, please ask the county magistrate to punish them!"
Han Zhen waved his hand: "That's all, some remnants can't make any waves, let's talk about it later!"
hiss!
The two of them sang together, but they scared Mayanmin and Su Wenhuai to death.
This is clearly a warning to them not to be cautious.
Otherwise, the rebels who dare to rebel may one day hide in their homes.
"Zhao Ting!"
"Xia...Xiaguan is here!"
Zhao Ting jumped up from his chair with a roar.
Han Zhen patted him on the shoulder and ordered: "I will leave the aftermath of the Wang family to you."
Zhao Ting hurriedly bowed and responded: "Don't worry, county magistrate, I will live up to my command and will never let rumors spread in the city."
After explaining, Han Zhen turned to look at Mayanmin and the two, and said slightly apologetically: "I'm sorry for frightening the two of you!"
"hehe."
A smile appeared on Su Wenhuai's lips.
Han Zhen said: "It's getting late. The two of us should go back and have a rest early."
"Then let's take our leave first!"
The two of them felt as if they had been granted amnesty. They didn't dare to stay any longer and hurriedly left the private room.
After leaving Zhuolou, a gust of evening wind blew in my face.
Only then did Mayanmin realize that his whole body was already soaked in cold sweat. At this moment, he was agitated by the night breeze and couldn't help but shiver.
The same is true for Su Wenhuai.
The two looked at each other and smiled bitterly.
After bowing their hands and saying goodbye to each other, they climbed onto the bullock cart with the help of the driver.
Sorry, I only came back from the hospital at seven o'clock. Today the old man was finally transferred from the intensive care unit to the orthopedic ward. There were many fractures all over his body, and two of them were completely broken, requiring surgery.
This is all the case, and today he asked me to help take care of the vegetable garden...I was so angry that when I came back, I chopped down all the vegetables in the vegetable garden.
(End of chapter)
