After changing clothes and washing up, Su Xian walked out of the cabin and came to the bow.
Holding on to the railing on the side of the boat, you can look out into the distance and have a panoramic view of the coastal scenery.
Only then did Su Xian understand that Yang Zhilan's extremely concise word "Xinxiang" in the cabin just now did not mean that they had arrived in Xinxiang.
It means "the next stop is Xinxiang" or "about to arrive in Xinxiang"...
After breakfast, Su Xian had nothing to do and walked to the bow of the boat to enjoy the scenery along the coast. Unknowingly, half an hour passed. Suddenly, someone came and asked:
"Lieutenant Qi, there is the Grand Canal pier in front of us. Ships traveling from south to north will dock there for a while. We..."
"Let's dock for a while." Su Xian turned around and looked at Yang Zhilan: "Let's go ashore and rest for a while, and then go straight to Youzhou. We will eat, sleep and rest on the boat."
Yang Zhilan was silent, not understanding why Su Xian looked at her and said this.
Su Xian stared at her for a while, then suddenly asked with a smile: "Zhi Lan, what do you think?"
Yang Zhilan's face was expressionless, her eyes slightly innocent... How did she know? Can't Su Xian just make the decision on this matter?
"Let's make arrangements."
Su Xian waved to the man.
He didn't force Yang Zhilan to tell him why. He held on to the railing of the ship's side and looked at the scenery on the river bank, his thoughts wandering to nowhere.
At this time, Lin Chuan had also gotten up, walked to Su Xian, and started chatting happily.
But what he said was all romantic, and Su Xian just smiled and listened...
Finally, not long after, the Grand Canal Pier in Xinxiang arrived.
The big ships docked one by one.
The dock was full of people waiting to greet him, including officials in charge of the dock and the magistrate of Xinxiang County who came after hearing the news and led everyone in the Yamen to wait here.
"Xiaoguan Luofu, the magistrate of Xinxiang County, pays homage to the Taiwei!"
"Meet the Lieutenant!" The other officials also bowed with great respect.
"No need to be polite, get up." Su Xian and his party had already disembarked and stepped onto the ground of the dock. A gentle breeze blew from the river, bringing a cool chill.
"Thank you, Lieutenant..."
Luofu, the magistrate of Xinxiang County, wanted to invite Su Xian to sit in the county government office after respectful greetings for a while, but his brows gradually furrowed and his face became unnatural.
Su Xian noticed something strange about him and asked curiously, "Does Magistrate Luo have something to tell me?"
"Taiwei Rongzhen, the county government office is not far from the pier. I originally wanted to invite the Taiwei to come to the yamen and show my loyalty to the landlord, but..."
"But what?" Su Xian was slightly impatient.
Luofu quickly confessed, not daring to play riddles anymore, and said bluntly:
"The people near Xinxiang County learned that the Taiwei was passing by today, so they gathered outside the dock..."
Su Xian raised his eyebrows, remembering what Eunuch Liu came to him and said to him yesterday before leaving at the Hou Mansion -
The news that the Yellow River may overflow in July and August this year has been spread wantonly by remnants of the previous dynasty. People in the states and counties along the Yellow River are already aware of it. In panic, public sentiment is boiling.
Xinxiang County is also a prefecture and county along the Yellow River. If the Yellow River floods, the local people will definitely be affected!
Right now, many people are gathering outside the pier. Could it be that... they came specifically to besiege Su Xian?
This is a big problem.
Su Xian's face darkened unconsciously.
Yang Zhilan and the accompanying soldiers of the Hou Mansion, internal guard killers, Butterfly Valley masters, etc. immediately became alert after hearing this, and planned to advise Su Xian to get on the ship and go north to Youzhou. They could not stay here for a long time.
However, before they could speak, the Xinxiang County Magistrate Luofu said again:
"The people were very excited. They ate pots of pulp, helped the old and the young, and said they wanted to see the Taiwei. They gathered outside the dock for a long time and refused to disperse. The road was blocked."
Su Xian was startled for a moment, and then raised his eyebrows: "You just said... that the common people eat pots of pulp?"
Luofu said:
"Yes, the captain doesn't know something. I heard the day before yesterday that the Yellow River will overflow in July or August this year. The people in Xinxiang County are in fear all day long, and even almost caused a tragedy."
"Fortunately, yesterday, His Majesty sent someone to deliver a message, saying that the Taiwei was about to set off north to Youzhou to negotiate trade with the Liao Kingdom. If the negotiation was successful, he would receive a huge sum of two million taels for dredging the river and strengthening the dams. "
"The common people became quiet on the spot, and no one was afraid or making noise anymore, because they firmly believed that as long as the Taiwei took action, the negotiations would be successful."
"In this way, dredging the river will be possible, and the people will be saved."
"Early this morning, I heard that the Taiwei's ship was about to pass by here, so the people spontaneously gathered together, bringing food to offer to the Taiwei."
"..."
Su Xian's face relaxed and he waved his hand: "Bring me to see you quickly."
Luofu hurriedly tried to dissuade him: "Not so, Taiwei."
"Huh?" Su Xian wondered.
"The Taiwei does not know that the news that the Yellow River is about to overflow was spread by thieves hiding in the dark the day before yesterday. It may be dangerous for the Taiwei to go here!"
"It doesn't matter, what danger could there be? Even if there is danger, I won't be afraid. If something goes wrong, you won't be blamed. Just lead the way."
"Then this... I will obey your orders."
Luofu turned around and led the way towards the outside of the dock.
Su Xian strode behind.
Yang Zhilan and the guards were all very alert. Luo Fu's worries were actually justified. They must ensure Su Xian's safety.
After a while he walked out of the dock.
Su Xian looked around and saw that there were indeed many people gathered outside. They were dressed in shabby clothes, supporting the elderly and the young, and some were even using crutches. It was impossible to see where they were.
They all had their hands free, either taking steamed cakes or serving rice porridge, and some of them, who were very poor, held a coarse porcelain bowl of water.
Su Xian appeared, and after being introduced by Luofu, the people suddenly became excited.
They all shouted "Meet the Lieutenant", "Meet the Marquis" and other words, thanking Su Xian for his efforts. If Su Xian had not gone to Youzhou, they might not have survived this year...
The scene was a bit chaotic.
Yang Zhilan, the accompanying guards, and Xinxiang County Magistrate Luo Fu were all worried secretly, for fear of an accident.
Su Xian looked at these ordinary people with a complicated mood.
If the Yellow River really floods, these people may not be able to survive, and their families will be destroyed... This is countless human lives. The lives of ordinary people cannot protect themselves in the face of a catastrophic disaster.
Even if the imperial court organizes relocation, the process will definitely not be pleasant. Not only will people waste money and leave their hometown, but whether they can fill their stomachs is always a problem.
"Everyone, don't worry!"
Su Xian raised his voice and shouted:
"This year, the Yellow River will not flood. You can trust me on this!"
Su Xian is not a person who has nothing to do with his life. He has his own bottom line and is not afraid of taking responsibility. Now that he is in a high position in the imperial court, it is natural for him to seek benefits for the majority of people.
Of course, all this is based on the premise that he can protect himself. If he cannot protect himself, he will definitely run faster than a rabbit...
Now that he has the trust of the Queen, the love of the people, and the protection of experts like Yang Zhilan, it can be said that he has no worries at all.
In this case, he is willing to do something practical for those poor, hungry, and poorly clothed ordinary people... because before this, he was also an ordinary person.
"We all believe what the Marquis says!" the people shouted:
"Your Majesty, thank you for your hard work on your trip to Youzhou. These are our little thoughts. Please accept them, Your Majesty!"
"..."
After appeasing the people, Su Xian turned back to the ship, ordered to set sail, and set off immediately.
He accepted the food from the people one by one, but immediately gave it to them again. The only thing he accepted was a small dragonfly carefully made by a little girl out of weeds.
He remembered the little girl's fear, expectation, joy, and innocent innocence with big eyes.
In the gently swaying cabin, Su Xian sat leaning against the window. He held the little dragonfly in his hand and looked at it over and over for a long time, frowning and lost in thought.
Today is a nice day. The sun has dispersed the morning fog and filtered in through the window, illuminating the little dragonfly with its shining brilliance.
After a long time, Su Xian looked away from the little dragonfly, handed it to Yang Zhilan, and ordered: "Put it away carefully."
After Yang Zhilan took the order and left, Su Xian stepped out of the cabin and walked towards the bow. His steps were much calmer and his eyebrows were a little more mature.
…
The fleet continued northward along the Grand Canal.
Day and night, Su Xian and his party had food and accommodation on the boat.
After several days of hard work, the destination of this trip - Youzhou City, is finally in sight!
When the fleet docked at Youzhou Pier, it was getting late, and the lights illuminated the dock like daylight.
Su Xian and his party were warmly welcomed by the governor of Youzhou. After entering the city, they came to the post house. He planned to repair for a night and then go to Ping'an City to meet Nalan Festival tomorrow.
"Brother Su, I won't stay with you in the inn. I heard that the foreign women from Pinyu Pavilion will perform on stage tonight. I have to go and support them."
As soon as he settled in the post house, Lin Chuan found Su Xian.
Su Xian nodded and warned: "Pay attention to safety. If anything happens, send someone to me."
"Thank you, Brother Su."
Lin Chuan turned around and trotted away. The other person was thinner and his trotting posture was weird. Su Xian watched with amusement from behind, and finally shook his head with a smile.
"Brother Su!"
After a while, Lin Chuan left and returned.
He took Su Xian's hand and said, "It's hard to come to Youzhou, and it's an oiran from a foreign race. Brother Su, why don't you come with me and have a look?"
Su Xian was stunned for a moment, then subconsciously declined: "You can go by yourself. It's not convenient for me to go to that kind of occasion now. Besides, I still have business to do tomorrow, so I have to recharge my batteries."
Lin Chuan had a look of regret on his face, but he also knew that Su Xian's current identity and the responsibilities he shouldered, he ended up alone.
In fact, the main reason why Su Xian did not go to brothels, especially Pinyu Pavilion, was that Princess Lanling thought he was a "eunuch".
If he selects a girl in Pinyu Pavilion, the news will definitely reach the ears of Princess Lanling. Wouldn't the secret be revealed?
It is not appropriate to reveal the identity of the "eunuch" yet.
Su Xian composed himself, put all these trivial matters behind him, turned around and told the people around him: "Send someone to invite Qian Zhongshu and the two deputy envoys, and tell them that I will host a banquet for them."
"yes!"
Su Xian hosted a banquet with Qian Zhongshu and the two deputy envoys for a very clear purpose, which was to understand Nalan Festival's attitude and fundamental needs from their mouths.
After a while, the banquet was prepared in the flower hall of the post house.
However, Qian Zhongshu did not come due to illness, but the two deputy envoys had already arrived. In addition, Youzhou governor and Youzhou guard Luo Gan were also invited.
The current governor of Youzhou was originally Chang Shi under Tang Ju. Because Tang Ju was promoted to the capital of God, the position of Youzhou governor was vacant, and Chang Shi filled the vacancy due to his merits.
Needless to say, Youzhou guard Luo Gan was a soldier of Yan Dashan earlier. He had a violent personality but was very capable. Su Xian had many interactions with this person in Youzhou before.
"Meet the Lieutenant!"
Youzhou Governor, Luo Gan, and two deputy envoys saw Su Xian entering the flower hall, and they all stood up and saluted.
"Excuse me, everyone." Su Xian walked to the main seat of the dining table and sat down. He waved to everyone and said, "You can also sit down."
"Thank you, Lieutenant."
After everyone took their seats, Su Xian looked around, raised his eyebrows, and asked, "Qian Zhongshu didn't come?"
A deputy envoy replied: "Replying to the Taiwei, Qian Zhongshu said that he was ill at home and could not come here. If the Taiwei wants to know anything, he can ask the two officials in the same way."
Luo Gan had a bad temper. He immediately slammed the table and stood up and said, "What kind of official is he? How dare he not come when the Taiwei summons him? Please sit down for a while, and the general will go and fetch this man in person."
"That's it!"
Su Xian waved his hand to stop the irritable Luo Gan, and then said:
"Qian Zhongshu's negotiation failed. I guess he has no face to see me. It doesn't matter. The two deputy envoys are here. Why don't General Luo sit down quickly?"
"Your order."
Although Luo Gan had sat down, his face was still ugly and he was angry.
Su Xian raised his glass and said with a smile:
"It has been several months since I last said goodbye to Youzhou. Youzhou is getting better and better under your governance. I am very pleased. When I return to the court, I will definitely ask Your Majesty to take credit for you!"
"That's a good feeling, thank you very much, Lieutenant." The governor of Youzhou was overjoyed, and everyone raised their glasses, touched it lightly and drank it all in one gulp.
"..."
After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Su Xian's face straightened, he turned to look at the two deputy envoys and asked them about the negotiation process with Nalanjie.
The two deputy envoys naturally did not dare to hide anything, and explained it in detail from beginning to end...
at the same time.
North of Youzhou City.
Ping An City.
In a luxurious restaurant, Nalan Jie, an envoy of the Liao Kingdom, stayed here.
Tianzihao guest room.
Nalanjie, dressed as a scholar from the Central Plains, holds a book in his hand, sits upright on a chair, and is reading seriously by the light of the candle on the candlestick.
It was quiet at night.
Suddenly, there were footsteps outside the house.
The sound was so loud that Nalanjie was suddenly pulled out of the world of books.
He put down the book, rubbed his temples, and a wry smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. Besides his sister Nalan Yan, who else could dare to take such a big step outside his room?
Sure enough, after a few breaths, the door was pushed open and a girl came in.
She is of medium height, with slender and powerful limbs like a female leopard. She wears an animal skin skirt, her hair is combed into small strands of dreadlocks, and she has a savage aura.
This woman's facial features are quite heroic. Although her skin is not as fair as that of a woman from the Central Plains, it still has a healthy luster and a rough beauty all over her body.
This girl is the original Princess Ruyi and the current Princess Ruyi of Liao Kingdom——
Nalan Yan!
"Yan'er, how many times have I told you that you need to knock on the door before entering someone else's room." Nalan Jie looked like he had a headache.
"Brother, Daliang has appointed a new envoy and has arrived in Youzhou!" Nalanyan ignored Nalanjie's preaching. She looked anxious, thinking that the matter of the new envoy was of great importance.
"I know, this time it's Brother Su." Nalan Node nodded, still sitting there, and even picked up the book calmly and continued reading.
"Can you still read the book?"
Nalan Yan was very speechless, as if she had been given a gunshot. She snatched Nalan Jie's book away, stared and said loudly: "The new envoy is Su Xian, that Su Xian!"
"Why are you so excited?" Nalanjie looked puzzled and stared at his sister for a long time, then said "oh" and said with a smile:
"Could it be that a few months ago, when Brother Su was in our Daliaoya City, do you still remember what my father said? But that's right, Brother Su is talented in literature and young and promising..."
"ah!"
Nalan Yan shouted, very angry, she picked up the book in her hand, used it as a weapon, and greeted Nalan Jie directly:
"That was a momentary lapse in my father's words. How could I fall in love with him?"
"What I'm worried about is you. You have been calling Su Xian a brother and sister all day long. It's as good as nothing. This time he came to Youzhou as an envoy. I'm worried that you will forget Daliao and why we came here because of him. mission!"
