Time flies, it is already the twelfth lunar month, and the spring exam is about to begin. Since Lu Zuo decided to go to the Spring Festival, he often took his younger brother to visit the township officials and gentry. Everyone saw that their brothers talked well and behaved handsomely, so they all gave them some silver coins in twos and threes.
After the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, the two brothers set off for the capital to take the exam the next day. When the Lu brothers passed by the foot of Fengji Mountain, Lu Xiuyuan and Qin Fu personally went down the mountain to say goodbye. They gave two BMWs and some silver coins as a farewell, and then they parted ways and continued on their way.
The weather was cold in spring, and the further north the two of them went, the colder the weather became, and the wind invaded the skin, breaking the glue and falling off the fingers. Lu Renxiang's hands and feet were so cold that the pain was unbearable, so he bought two pieces of mink fur. I didn't dare to go too fast along the way. Fortunately, the two horses had good foot power, and it took only a month to reach the capital of Han Dynasty.
When the Lu brothers arrived in the capital, it was almost dusk. The sun shone on the stone pavement of the bustling market, on the small bridges with willows and on the rows of rooftops. The market was full of beautiful buildings and wine flags were fluttering. It was really a feast for the eyes and revelry. The two searched for a long time before settling on an inn. When they looked up, they saw the four characters "Gaosheng Inn" gilded on the plaque. The name of this inn was interesting, as it suited his career in the imperial examination. Lu Renxiang suggested that his brother stay here and pushed Lu Zuo to go inside the inn. A boy saw them from a distance and came up to greet them. He took their horses to the manger, and another waiter stepped forward to guide them.
After the two of them were settled, Lu Renxiang asked the waiter: "Where is the busiest place in the capital at night? Do we two brothers want to see it?"
"The night markets this evening belong to Xining Street and Ma Shi Street. However, there will be a curfew after the second watch on Ma Shi Street. Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival. I advise the officials to go shopping tomorrow!" The young man spoke eloquently and looked attentive. Smiling, "Tomorrow, we will finish shopping at Ma Shi Street and then go to Xining Street. This Xining Street can be said to be the busiest in the capital!"
Lu Zuo and Lu Renxiang were very surprised. Lu Zuo asked in confusion: "Why is there a curfew on Ma Shi Street? Is Xining Street more lively?"
The clerk chuckled and said: "Although this Ma Market Street is lively, the officers and soldiers are very strict about checking it, just because the current Crown Prince lives there. Although the noise of the street market cannot be heard in the Shenzhen Courtyard, the officials and other people think there are too many people. I was confused, so I banned Ma Shi Street from being open late during the festival. Xining Street is always lively, so it’s nothing!”
The waiter scratched his head again, seeming to remember something, "Oh! But behind this Xining Street is the residence of the current second prince, Prince Ning. It is possible that the people coming in and out of Xining Street are the royal family and nobles, so Xining The street is also called Fugui Street."
Lu Renxiang found it very interesting, "Little brother, tell me what kind of people Prince Ning and His Highness the Crown Prince are like? Is there any interesting news?"
"How could ordinary people like us know about this deep-walled compound?" The man pretended to be embarrassed and laughed.
Lu Zuo gave Lu Renxiang a wink, and Lu Renxiang took out some loose money from his sleeves and gave it to the clerk. The clerk nodded and bowed his head in thanks.
The clerk carefully kicked the copper coins into his arms and said in a low voice: "Although the people coming and going in our shop are not high-ranking officials, there are some who are related to each other. We can often hear people talking here. I had long heard that Prince Ning was a powerful character. After the death of the former Crown Prince, the Emperor passed the crown prince's position to the son of the late Crown Prince, who is the eldest grandson of the current Emperor. I heard that the Emperor's second son, Prince Ning, was deeply moved by this. He is very angry with the current emperor. However, the emperor is also very kind to his second son, Prince Ning. Now this prince is used to being domineering, but he is always careful with Prince Ning, and secretly opposes Prince Ning every day. "
Although Lu Zuo has lived in Jianghu for a long time, he still knows everything about the court affairs. He also learned from Lu Xiuyuan before that the emperor's eldest son Liu Yi died young and Liu Yi only left behind the orphan Liu Yan. , so the emperor loved this eldest grandson very much, so he still passed the title of prince to his eldest grandson. Prince Ning probably already held a grudge against his father for passing the crown prince position to his nephew.
Lu Zuo and Lu Renxiang looked at each other and smiled, Lu Zuo said: "It seems it's time for us to show off our skills!"
"What did you two gentlemen say?" the waiter asked in confusion.
"Haha! Little buddy, just go about your business!" Lu Renxiang laughed.
The guy was confused and smiled. Suddenly he heard the noise of people outside the house, which sounded like footsteps running downstairs. Then he heard the sound of gongs coming from the street under the window from far to near. Lu Renxiang hurriedly opened the window and looked outside, laughing. He said: "This battle looks like which general has won a battle and returned home victorious?"
"Young ones, come and have a look too!" The store clerk also leaned to the window to watch, and said in a long voice, "This kind of excitement is a common thing at the feet of our emperor!"
"Whose formation is this?" Lu Zuo was puzzled when he saw the majestic figure riding a horse at the end of the street.
"This is Xun Mou, the son of Xun Yu, the current Duke of Wei!" The waiter was very excited after seeing it, his admiration was beyond words, and then he said in a serious manner, "Although he is only twenty-one years old, he can already know how to do it at a young age. Go into battle and lead the troops to fight."
The two Lu brothers looked at each other. Lu Zuo's eyes were cold, but Lu Renxiang couldn't help but frown.
The waiter smiled proudly, "You've heard of it, but you've never seen it! This Xun Mou is a close disciple of the old Marshal Zhou Zhongwang!" The waiter was full of envy when he mentioned Zhou Zhongwang's name!
Lu Renxiang also wanted to play tricks on him, "Who is Zhou Zhongwang this time?"
"Thankfully you are still a scholar. You don't even know the name of the old Marshal Zhou Zhongwang. Who is he, a minister of our Han Dynasty?"
"Your Majesty!" Lu Zuo laughed.
"That's right - a minister of Guzhi! Zhou Zhongwang is a veteran minister of the three founding dynasties of our country. He is both wise and courageous. Everyone says that he and Zen Master Guzhi are both 'unparalleled scholars in the country', and they don't know who is the truly powerful one."
Seeing the carriages and horses in front of him slowly walking away, and the crowds on the street gradually dispersing, Lu Renxiang joked, "Hey! It seems you know a lot, little fella!"
"That's not the case! Our small shop is filled with well-informed politicians and traders. Although this old Zen master has become a monk, he is also well-known. But this man is also strange. He has won the world with Taizu and has endless enjoyment. He was rich and glorious, but he was willing to let it go. At the time when it was prosperous, he became a monk in Kuji Temple. He must also be an accomplished monk and have a relationship with Buddha. But in comparison, even though old Marshal Zhongwang this week is also full of white hair , but it is still unambiguous to go into battle to kill the enemy. There is also this young general Xun Mou, who followed him in front of his tent when he was eleven years old, and went into battle to lead the troops when he was twelve years old."
When the waiter was about to continue speaking, he was interrupted by Lu Renxiang, "You, the waiter, talk a lot! Are you afraid that we don't know or something? Are the customers in the lobby not going to greet you? Be careful of the counter asking for trouble!" After that! He looked at each other and smiled at Lu Zuo.
"I think the two husbands are extraordinary. They came to Beijing to take the exam this time and thought they would definitely pass the high school. That's why I told you so much!" The clerk said with a smile, "If the two husbands will pass the high school this time, don't forget the little ones." I’ve served you two!”
Lu Zuo thought what the young man said was interesting, "You have a very sweet mouth! Just keep talking."
"Thank you, gentlemen, for looking after me!" The waiter scratched his head, "Where did you say just now?"
"Xunmou led troops to fight at the age of twelve," Lu Renxiang reminded him with a smile.
"Yes, yes! This Xunmou went into battle to lead troops at the age of twelve, and he was undefeated just like his husband, Marshal Zhou. When he was eighteen years old, the Holy Father called him 'unparalleled in the world'. This young general Xunmou will definitely become a leader in the future." He is the second 'Marshal Zhou' of our dynasty!" The clerk said Bi Yangtian sighed with emotion, "It would be great if I could be like him!"
Lu Zuo smiled slightly, "Little guy, I believe you can do it!"
Lu Renxiang laughed loudly after hearing this. Just when he was about to tease the waiter, someone outside the house called to the waiter, "Li Erdan, are you gossiping with others again! Come downstairs and pour tea for the guest!"
The young man looked at the Lu brothers awkwardly, smiled, and went out in a dignified manner.
