Han family achievements

Chapter 425: Talking nonsense

Wang Chengguan is not a big man, but he has many things to worry about.

His boss gave him a very contradictory feeling. He seemed to be a gentle and humble young man, but he behaved as if he didn't take anyone seriously and showed no courtesy at all. He greeted everyone with a smile without any trace of etiquette. shelf.

He is extremely picky about food, clothing, housing and transportation, but he is also very accepting of it. He is not completely unable to accept bad tea and bad food.

He came and went at will, treating the government office as nothing, but he was very able to sit still. In the duty room, he could sit quietly for a whole day, even if no water came in, he was unusually able to hold on.

He cares about many inconspicuous things, such as the salary of the officials in the government office, living expenses, weddings and funerals, and even toilets and toilets. He inquires about them clearly and without any hesitation.

At the same time, he often talks empty words and big words, and also likes to comment on current events. For example, he likes to talk to low-level officials about the "Political Outline for the Five Years of Jian'an", eloquent and eloquent. Even if the other party doesn't understand or is impatient, he can keep talking and enjoy it.

He also believed that the "separation of military and political affairs" in Bingzhou was not handled properly, that Cao Cao, the right Sima, was too impatient and rough, and that Wu Jing, the governor of Bingzhou, was perfunctory. He believed that the court, especially the Secretariat, had a superficial understanding of the "New Deal" and was timid and cautious. He commented that the officials of the Secretariat, including the prime minister, had unclear self-positioning, did not understand the powers and responsibilities of the prime minister and the Secretariat, did not know how to fully use their power, etc., and casually pointed out that they were a "young team".

In the front, the clerks watched it for fun, but in the back, even Wang Cheng couldn't understand it, and in the back, Wang Cheng and others didn't dare to listen to his 'nonsense'.

Wang Cheng was sitting not far from Liu Bian's duty room, and he looked up from time to time. This was a noble young man from Luoyang who was relatively worry-free for the time being.

In his gaze, only Chen Yong, the head of the Li House, was increasingly enthusiastic about 'Liu Bo' and used various means to please him. He surrounded 'Liu Bo' all day long, asking for help.

But when Chen Yong wanted to take "Liu Bo" to experience the customs and customs of Pingyuan County, he was hit hard by "Liu Bo" saying: "It's worse than Luoyang" and he never mentioned it again.

At noon on Liu Bian's seventh day in office, he discovered something very important.

"The King's Directory,"

Liu Bian looked at Wang Cheng, who was standing not far from the table, respectfully, and said with confusion: "I have been in office for so long, but I seem to have done nothing."

He is the head of the household and should be responsible for the fields, taxes, household registration, etc. in Pingyuan County. It can be said that he has a heavy responsibility.

But it has been seven days since he took office, and nothing serious has happened.

Wang Cheng lowered his eyebrows and said, "It's like this, Mr. Liu, because it's spring plowing and the Lord of the Palace is personally in charge of the affairs. Therefore, there is nothing to do without Mr. Liu."

"I remember, you said something happened before?" Liu Bian didn't want to pay attention to trivial matters, but he wanted to take a look at today's matter in person.

Wang Cheng raised his head and said: "Mr. Liu, this matter has been done by the prince. We should not interfere."

"Remove the word "不"." Liu Bian stood up, moved his shoulders, and pretended to go out.

Wang Cheng was stunned for a moment before he came to his senses, and said quickly: "Mr. Liu, everything is ready for the Lord. You better not go. Just wait for the Lord to raise the money. Why bother to look at people's faces."

Liu Bian smiled and said, "I haven't seen other people's faces for many years. Let's go and see them today."

After saying that, Liu Bian walked around the table and said to Tao Ergeng who was not far away: "Prepare the car and go to Chen's pastry first."

The flavor of Chen's cakes is completely different from that of Luoyang. Liu Bian discovered it two days ago and likes it.

Tao Er did not dare to agree to Liu Bian, but looked at Wang Cheng.

Wang Cheng looked hesitant, but still said: "Mr. Liu, I'm afraid something is wrong. How about I ask the Lord for instructions?"

Liu Bian had already stepped out of the check-in door and said, "I am your superior officer. If you continue to be verbose, I will confine you until I leave."

Wang Cheng had nothing to do with Liu Bian and did not dare to agree. As Liu Bian went out, he quietly turned to Cui Jun's room.

When Cui Jun heard Wang Cheng finish, he also frowned and said, "He is going too? Is there any purpose?"

Although Liu Bian behaved very calmly and did not do anything out of the ordinary during this period, judging from Liu Bian's conversation that day and his behavior of studying the households and land in Pingyuan County while on duty, it was definitely not without purpose. With a clear purpose!
Cui Jun has always been very wary of such a noble prince who doesn't know his roots or what he wants.

Wang Cheng shook his head and said: "The official can't tell. He is not close to Chen Yong. He is even a little disliked. He has no other relationship with the Chen family."

Cui Jun looked slightly condensed, thinking about whether to take Liu Bian with him.

Taking him there is an unpredictable and uncontrollable variable. If you don't take him with you, he is adamant and may go there on his own, which will make things more complicated.

Seeing Cui Jun's hesitation, Wang Cheng took a step forward and whispered: "Master Fu, since you can't stop him, take him there and let Chen Yong keep an eye on him. Arrange him at an outside table to prevent him from having too much contact with outsiders."

Cui Jun was still worried and said, "You go with him and keep an eye on him. Don't let him do anything out of line!"

Wang Cheng responded, and then said worriedly: "Master Fu, has the Chen family agreed to borrow money?"

Cui Jun looked silent for a while and then said: "We don't have much to give. The Chen family's appetite is a bit big. It depends on whether Chen Zheng will relent tonight."

Wang Cheng also sighed in his heart and nodded silently. It was said to be 'borrowed', but Pingyuan County had long been too poor to take the blame. It had borrowed money and was unable to repay it, so it had to 'compensate' in other ways.

But even so, over the years, there are not many 'things' that Pingyuan County can trade with.

Cui Jun and Wang Cheng discussed for a long time, and when it was getting dark, they got up and set off for Chen's house.

At the same time, Liu Bian had a half-full meal at Chen's pastry shop. He was holding a box in his hand and chatting with Tao Ergen while walking towards Chen's house.

Liu Bian walked slowly, digesting the food, and said, "This Chen family is the largest family in the county?"

Tao Ergen followed Liu Bian, and a voice came from behind, saying: "Yes. The ancestors of the Chen family were granted the title of marquis. A few decades ago, there was a minister, who was quite prominent in the county."

Liu Bian hesitated and said, "It's a bit surprising. Is anyone from the Chen family serving as an official now?"

"Sir," Liu Bian added.

Tao Ergeng said quickly: "Yes, I heard that someone from the second room of the Chen family is an official in Luoyang. He is the doctor of an official. Many people from the Chen family have become officials in recent years. It is said that he is related to that person."

"That person? Don't you have a specific name?" Liu Bian walked in front and asked curiously without looking back.

"I'm not sure. I just know that there is such a person. Who is he and what is his name? The Chen family deliberately kept it a secret." Tao Ergeng said.

Liu Bian nodded slightly and said, "It's a smart move. Let's go and see what kind of banquet the Chen family is throwing."

Before he finished speaking, Huangfu Jianchang quietly came over, handed over a document, and said in a low voice: "Sir, it was sent by Old Chen."

Cheng Yu.

Liu Bian reached out to take it and suddenly said: "By the way, where is Old Chen? Is he related to the Chen family here?"

"People from Dongjun,"

Huangfu Jianchang blurted out, then hesitated and said: "I don't know if it is related to the Chen family here."

Liu Bian hummed and said, "Over there in Dongjun, keep an eye on me."

"Yes." Huangfu Jian responded, stopped and watched Liu Bian walking away.

Tao Ergeng followed Liu Bian and listened to all the conversations between him and Huangfu Jianchang. He kept muttering in his heart and felt more and more that this noble young master from Luoyang City was not simple.

Liu Bian paid no attention to him and opened Cheng Yu's memorial.

After scanning a few lines in a hurry, Liu Bian kept frowning.

In his memorial, Cheng Yu focused on the "salt policy" situation in Jizhou, saying that it was "peaceful on the surface but chaotic on the inside." The salt fields were almost completely divided, and "the entry and exit were left to others and had nothing to do with the imperial court." .

To put it simply, the salt fields in Jizhou had quietly escaped from the control of the imperial court and fell into the hands of some local people.

Liu Bian's face was expressionless, and his steps slowed down unconsciously.

Cheng Yu discussed the matter without blaming anyone or even hinting at it. But the more this happened, the more suspicious Liu Bian became.

There must be some officials of all sizes in Jizhou who were involved. How many were involved and how deep was their involvement?

What about Ying Shao? As a shepherd in Jizhou, does Ying Shao know about this, or is he involved?

Salt tax is currently the most important source of tax for the imperial court, even more than land tax. If there is a big fight against the salt policy, the imperial court may lose its income.

"Master Liu, we're here."

I don't know how long it took, but Tao Ergeng's words pulled Liu Bian out of his thoughts.

Liu Bian took a deep breath, put Cheng Yu's memorial into his arms, and looked up at Chen's house not far away.

A wealthy family!

This was Liu Bian's first impression. The entrance of Chen's residence was tall, and the matching courtyard walls were also higher than half of the surrounding courtyards.

Liu Bian walked a few steps and came closer. The word "Chen Zhai" on the plaque looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn't remember it for a while.

"Wait a minute, do you have an invitation?" When Liu Bian was about to step in, the servants on the side rushed out and blocked Liu Bian's way.

(End of this chapter)