One drink in every village, one bustle in every town.
Zuo Menggeng's wedding has become a good time for the people under his command to enjoy together.
What pleased the people the most was Zuo Mengeng's approachability.
In the past, it was difficult for these ordinary people to even meet a member of the public. Now that Zuo Menggeng had drunk their toast, they recognized this young leader even more.
The pier outside Dongchang Mansion was even more lively.
Only a small boat in the corner was unknown, and an old man in the cabin was holding a book and reading into the alley, as if separated from the bustle outside by a natural chasm.
A servant came in with an angry look on his face.
"Master, I still won't let you go. These Qiu Ba are too overbearing and dare to block the canal."
The old man was contented and just said: "Have you asked clearly? Why is the canal blocked?"
The servant naturally inquired clearly.
"It's said that General Zuo is getting married. If the fleet wants to pass here, no other ships will be allowed to pass."
The old man thought for a moment and thought to himself: "In Shandong, when it comes to the general's surname Zuo, I'm afraid it's the little Wei Huo later. But he is just a general, how can he be so majestic?"
The servant was still chattering.
"Sir, you haven't seen it. It's more than majestic. I heard that from here to Anshan Lake, hundreds of miles of waterways have been occupied by the soldiers of General Zuo."
The old man looked surprised, finally took off the book, opened the curtains, and looked outside.
I saw a soldier standing on the huge dock almost every five steps on both sides of the river. Not to mention being fully armed, it still stretches on without knowing the end.
The old man counted briefly and said in shock: "This...isn't there thousands of people? A mere general actually used soldiers to carry out private affairs. Isn't he afraid of being impeached?"
Just as he was puzzled, cheers like a roaring tsunami suddenly erupted on the pier.
When I looked out again, I saw a large fleet coming slowly from the south. Each boat was tied with flowers made of red silk, which was really joyful.
On the bow of the first ship stood a groom's official in a red robe, who must be Zuo Mengeng.
The moment the first boat entered the dock, firecrackers suddenly sounded.
Firecrackers about a kilometer long, like long dragons, had been set up on both sides of the Taiwan Strait a long time ago. At this time, they were lit together. The loud crackling noise was mixed with the smell of gunpowder smoke, and mixed with the heartfelt cheers of the people. It was a rare excitement nowadays.
Only the soldiers guarding both sides of the strait were very quiet. They only raised their hands in salute when the fleet came over, and looked at only one person.
Zuo Menggeng didn't hesitate, he also returned the courtesy, and actually regarded the soldiers as extremely important.
When the old man in the cabin saw this scene, he shook his head and laughed, picked up the book again, and stopped paying attention.
The servant was puzzled.
"Sir, this leftist general is so domineering, why don't you write a letter to impeach him?"
The old man laughed dumbly.
"I am sixty-eight this year, and I have known my destiny for a long time. When I come to Shandong, I don't seek merit, but I seek no faults. What does other people's scenery have to do with me?"
Really, his name is Song Xian, not Song Xiance.
It's just a leftist senator, hanging around, retiring and going home is better than anything else.
Dongchang Mansion is the second territory of the New Army. When Zuo Mengeng came here, he naturally had to express himself more.
Fortunately, the people below were very sensible. Although he had to drink wine offered by the people wherever he went, it was only one drink each time, so he didn't get drunk all the way down.
After receiving Zuo Menggeng and his party, each family in Dongchang Prefecture sent representatives to follow them to Linqing.
Zuo Mengeng comes back this time, and there will be major changes in the future. Everyone is a participant and has interests at stake.
As the first batch of beneficiaries under Zuo Mengeng's influence, Linqing families were very generous in their dealings.
The wedding banquet was held from inside the city to outside the city, stretching for more than ten miles.
Regardless of whether you are a local or not, whether you are from the south or the north, you only need to say "I wish Zuo Shenzu a happy wedding" to sit down and enjoy the meal.
On the contrary, the locals didn't care much about the feast, but ran to the pier to welcome Zuo Mengeng home.
When a bride enters the ceremony, her feet cannot touch the ground. Therefore, when he got off the boat, Zuo Mengeng carried him on his back.
She was put into the sedan chair, surrounded by people in front and behind, and escorted all the way into the city by the people, and went straight to Zuofu.
Zuo Mengeng was riding on the horse, grinning all the way, waving and greeting people, which made his arms hurt. But seeing how much the people loved him, all the fatigue was worth it.
Everyone in the New Army has a holiday today, and all the civil and military personnel who are supposed to come are here.
Liu Yiyuan personally led Zuo Mengeng's horse, and Geng Zhangguang and Zhou You escorted him on the left and right, which allowed Huang Zongxi to relax.
For today's grand occasion, every family in Linqing also used all their abilities.
Singing and juggling troupes from all over Shandong were invited and spread out along the street, allowing the whole city to watch the show for free.
Wherever Zuo Menggeng went, all the troupes played "Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix". No matter what kind of fairy they were playing, they all had to congratulate the groom.
At the door of Zuo Mansion, Zuo Yan and Zuo Kuan were waiting impatiently.
Seeing the wedding team arriving, Zuo Yan immediately raised his voice.
"Open the middle door and welcome the mistress!"
Those who didn't know what was going on were surprised, but those who understood what was going on thought it was best.
Although the Huang family is still here, it is logical that Xu Ruolin's turn will not be in charge.
But today's foundation was founded by Zuo Mengeng. As Zuo Mengeng's wife, Xu Ruolin is recognized as the mistress.
Zuo Yan was always at home and had no objection to this.
Zuo Kuan, who came back on Zuo Liangyu's order, couldn't figure it out at first.
When he saw that Hou Xun, Geng Ruqi, Wang Xiangjin, Lu Shanji, Sun Qifeng and other important figures supported this proposal, not a single servant of his dared to comment.
At the same time, I kept thinking.
The young master is so powerful, what should the master do?
It stands to reason that human ethics are the same. No matter what, I must be the best.
However, in front of Hou Xun, Wang Xiangjin and others, the master could not even raise his head. But these big shots are following the young master. Could it be possible that the young master can commit the following crimes?
Not allowing him to think too much, he and Zuo Yan hurriedly greeted the wedding team when they came back.
Today, the main gate of Zuofuzhong was opened wide, and the sedan chair was directly welcomed inside.
Zuo Mengeng stayed behind and thanked the people watching the ceremony.
"Today, I'm getting married. I'm grateful for the love from all my parents and fellow villagers. The show has started and the banquet has been set. All you gentlemen, young and old, have fun and eat. You're welcome."
The villagers responded one after another.
"Come to the bridal chamber and show your glory again!"
"Congratulations to Shenzuo for your son!"
Good guy, he is even more anxious than Zuo Mengeng.
There is something more urgent.
Mrs. Huang has been waiting in the main hall for a long time.
Watching Zuo Mengeng and Xu Ruolin come in, they first offered incense and candles to the gods and ancestral tablets.
After three bows, they finally became husband and wife, and they were so happy that they shed tears.
After raising children for many years, it is only at this moment that I have fulfilled a wish.
Since only the mistress was present in the Zuo family, Liu Zongzhou stepped forward as the elder and spoke earnestly to the newcomers.
"It's the time to start a family, and it's the time to establish a career. Although the world is big, it starts at home. I hope that you and your wife will love each other and respect each other as guests, so that the peace of the family can be taken care of, and the peace of the world can be taken care of."
It is not acceptable to say this to the outside world.
But today, the people in this inner hall are all close followers of the Zuo family. It is appropriate for Liu Zongzhou to make such a wish.
On the other hand, the two people in the corner changed their expressions one after another, feeling cold sweat and secretly regretting it.
If I had known this, I shouldn't have rushed here in the first place.
It is considered marriage only after visiting the church.
At this point, Zuo Menggeng and Xu Ruolin became a legal couple.
The bride is not lonely or bored when she is sent to the bridal chamber.
Accompanied by Xu Ruoxin, Yu Shi, Wang Siyi, etc., it was a lot of fun.
At the wedding banquet, Zuo Kuan invited two frightened people over.
"Last General Li Guoying and Xu Yong congratulate the Major General on his happy wedding."
After Zuo Kuan's introduction, Zuo Mengeng found out that these two men were generals from Zuo Liangyu's department.
Zuo Liangyu is now fighting with the peasant army in Shanxi and cannot escape. When talking about his son's marriage, he feels very regretful.
In order to flatter him, his subordinates all asked to come back to watch the ceremony on behalf of Zuo Liangyu.
In the end, Li Guoying and Xu Yong got the chance.
Hearing that he was Zuo Liangyu's general, Zuo Mengeng felt a little regretful.
He thought it was Jin Shenghuan.
Although Jin Shenghuan was not a good person, he sacrificed his life in fighting against the Qing Dynasty, which was one of the few bright spots in Zuo Liangyu's camp.
How did he know that Jin Shenghuan was still called "Yidousu" at this time and was still hanging out with the peasant army in Shanxi.
But the two people who appeared in front of them were actually not unknown people.
It turns out that these two people were among the people who pushed Zuo Menggeng to surrender to the Qing Dynasty in history.
Moreover, these two men worked very hard after surrendering to the Manchu Qing Dynasty. They pacified the Nanming Dynasty and suppressed the peasant army of the Qing Dynasty. Both of them were at the forefront.
For someone whose name is listed in "The Biography of Erchen", one can imagine how bad his actions are.