Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 764 Jiang Nanchun's Banquet
Jiangnan Jinling City,
Jiangnanchun Restaurant,
Tonight was just like last night, and Shen Wanhe booked the entire night. Eunuch Yang had been resting here since yesterday.

I rested for another day today and felt energetic in the afternoon. As soon as I got up, the butler informed Lord Shen.

Shen Wanhe hurriedly brought people to greet Eunuch Yang.

"Your humble servant Shen Wanhe pays respects to Eunuch Yang,"

inside the house,

Eunuch Yang, who had just finished washing up, stood up and sat beside the table with the help of his godson Xiao Guizi. A eunuch opened the door outside.

"Well, what do you mean by greeting? Lord Shen, you are too polite. Have you arranged everything outside?"

With the sound of the door opening, Shen Wanhe bowed and walked in, then bowed deeply.

"Greetings to the eunuch. I don't care about others. The eunuch has done me a favor, so I have to be polite no matter what."

"Okay, I know what's going on. Get up and sit down. Let's talk about what's going on outside."

The so-called outside affairs refer to the banquet for officials. He originally wanted to gather most of the officials in Jinling, but because of some accidents last night, the two sides did not meet, which missed a day. Therefore, Yang Chi scheduled the meeting with Lord Jing tonight.

Shen Wanhe was in charge of the overall arrangements. He had already sent visiting cards to various government offices to inform them of this minor matter.

"Replying to the eunuch, the banquet has been arranged and all the gentlemen have been notified early. However, according to the eunuch's wishes, we will find another restaurant to entertain the gentlemen. Here, we only invite Lord Jing, the three gentlemen from the Jinling prefectural government, and Lord Ning from the Imperial City Department of Refurbishment."

Yang Chi paused slightly and thought quickly in his mind. He had carefully considered the list of guests for the banquet. There were many people and some things could not be discussed. But the work had to be done. To turn fields into mulberry trees, there must be a plan before the end of this year's special examination. Therefore, except for the old governor Yu, there was no need to say too much about the others.

"Well, it's a good job. All we do is to help the emperor and serve the court. It's not that I don't want to see them, but I don't want to involve them. By the way, what do you think of the Zhen family?"

Eunuch Yang sighed and suddenly changed his tone, asking about the Zhen family. In Jiangnan, there are many things that cannot be avoided by them.

Shen Wanhe bent over, sitting on the other side of the table next to Eunuch Yang, and smiled;

"Eunuch Yang, Jiangnan is not what it used to be. The Zhen family is a giant, but Jiangnan is a small place, and their words don't count. Not to mention the governor, even the old officials of the East Palace have different thoughts now. For some reason, the Zhen family doesn't know why some words are not effective."

This is also what Shen Wanhe noticed. Perhaps something happened inside. Only Eunuch Yang's eyes flashed. The words of the Zhen family were not as useful as before. That meant one thing: the Zhen family and the East Palace were not on the same boat. So, whose boat were they on?

"Ahaha, this is really interesting. I seem to be in the capital. Maybe I have been here for too long, so I may not know some things. In that case, I also heard that the salt merchant in Jinling, Fatty Su, has given away all his wealth. What is he going to do?"

Yang Chi narrowed his eyes and thought for a while. Since it wasn't the East Prince's Mansion that was close to them, then it must be the other three families. In the future, he should pay attention to who the Zhen family was close to. He thought of the salt merchant Su Jinkai again. The Marquis took him in, and his personality changed. He was a money-grubber, but he became a money-spending boy.

Shen Wanhe nodded slightly and said softly;

"What you asked is known to everyone in Jiangnan. Ever since Su Jinkai defected to Marquis Luo Yun, I don't know if it was for real or just a show. He has used all his savings to buy a lot of properties and bulk goods from Jiangnan. Not to mention food and cloth, even agricultural products such as oxen are shipped north in boats. It is said that Marquis Luo Yun is suffering from the cold outside the Great Wall and is extremely short of money, food and military pay, so everyone acquiesces in his behavior."

Shen Wanhe couldn't help feeling a little regretful in his heart. As the richest man in Jiangnan, he didn't even get to meet the Marquis. Instead, Su Jinkai, who was not well-known, got the upper hand and had good luck. Fortunately, he met Eunuch Yang, so he didn't suffer any loss.

Eunuch Yang seemed to be thinking about something. The Marquis's style was not like that of a person who was short of money and food. Even though it was bitterly cold outside the Great Wall, there were still noble families and nobles inside the Great Wall. The silver and materials exchanged by the caravans were transported to the Great Wall in caravans. They could be seen everywhere on the official roads in the north. It was difficult for the Marquis. I thought it was impossible to fake it. I really didn't pay attention to these things in the past, but I remembered them today.

"This is indeed the negligence of the Za family. In the future, when Su Jinkai purchases bulk goods, let him buy more at a lower price. As for the Zhen family, I think they know something. Whether they understand the rules or not cannot be told by words."

Eunuch Yang made up his mind that this time, the noble families and the nobles should not get involved. If they really dared to obstruct the court's plan, then they should not blame the miscellaneous families for being ruthless.

"Your Excellency is right. I think so too. Therefore, if no one from aristocratic families is invited, even if it is a banquet in a restaurant outside, only officials from Jinling and Jiangnan can attend. The rest are not qualified."

Shen Wanhe always did things in a flawless manner and arranged everything properly, which made Eunuch Yang look at him differently.

joking,
Below the restaurant,

There was a noise,

I saw Lord Jing in a green Confucian robe, a square hat and a Confucian scarf, holding a folding fan, talking politely to Jia Yucun and others. Accompanied by the sound of the piano and the sound of running water on the first floor, he went up the steps,
The steward had already been at the door to invite everyone to go up to the second floor. As soon as they walked in, Jing Cunliang sighed,

"They say that the paradise on earth is in Jinghu Lake, but I think that the paradise on earth is in Jinling. A restaurant has such artistic conception, and the literary style of Jiangnan is unmatched in the world."

It was unknown whether Lord Jing was really speaking from his heart or just exaggerating. These words were quite meaningful. Jia Yucun, the prefect of Jinling, Ma Guangcheng, the judge, and Hu Wenxuan, the co-magistrate, looked at each other carefully. It seemed that Lord Jing had something on his mind. Jia Yucun smiled awkwardly.

"Master Zhongcheng has a clear understanding. As the saying goes, if Jiangnan is stable, the rest of the country will be at peace. Jiangnan is related to the stability of the rest of the country, so we can't rush into anything."

Jing Cunliang was walking in front, and when he heard this, he paused and suddenly burst into laughter;
"Ahahaha, Magistrate Jia is right. If Jiangnan is stable, the whole country will be at peace. But right now Jiangnan is too stable, and the imperial court's decrees can't be implemented."

Then he took a step and went up to the second floor attic. It was still arranged the same as yesterday, but this time, Eunuch Yang sat down first and waited there. He looked at the visitor with a smile on his face. His red python robe flashed with his shadow, and the majesty of the eunuch in charge of the imperial seal of the imperial court was overwhelming.

Jing Cunliang put away the smile on his face, clasped his fists, and bowed;
"Hello, Grand Eunuch. I was confused yesterday and missed the time. Please forgive me, Grand Eunuch."

Yang Chi sat in the main seat. When he heard the sound coming from downstairs, he sat there and listened attentively. Shen Wanhe stood beside him, not daring to sit down, waiting at any time.

Just from the conversation between Magistrate Jia and Lord Jing, it seems Lord Jing is also anxious. This is easy to deal with. Jiangnan is too stable, so stable that it is like an iron plate.
"Okay, okay, it's good that Master Jing is here. Come on, take a seat."

"Thank you, eunuch."

After another bow, he sat down peacefully. The rest of the people also sat down at the signal of Eunuch Yang.

The maids around began to serve tea, cakes and fruits. Of course, there was no shortage of them. After the tea was poured, Eunuch Yang looked at Lord Jing's attire with a smile on his face and asked with a smile:
"Lord Jing is really so carefree that he actually wears this kind of clothes. Could it be that he wants to take part in the provincial examination?"

"Don't joke, eunuch. I am just reminiscing. When I was taking the imperial examination, everyone suffered and endured hardships. Now that I am in a high position, I can't help but feel cautious." Lord Jing still spoke in the same tone, and it was unknown what he meant. Eunuch Yang narrowed his eyes and looked at Lord Jing. He looked much more haggard. It seemed that the matter of converting fields into mulberry trees was really tricky.

"Lord Jing, no matter how hard or tired you are, you are doing things for the court and for the people of the world. Just have a clear conscience. Lord Jing, are you having any difficulties now?"

This statement contains a warning. No matter how difficult it is, it is the imperial court's order. You have been in Jiangnan for so long, but you have done nothing. The imperial court has tolerated you again and again, but it can't stand it anymore, so it sent Mijia to Jiangnan.
Jing Cunliang put the folding fan in his hand on the table. He also heard what Eunuch Yang said and laughed at himself.
"Grand Eunuch, I always keep the court in mind, but officials in Jiangnan may not have the court in mind. Regarding the matter of converting farmland into mulberry trees, I have only roughly calculated the number of acres of land. The rest of the time, I have been arguing with Lord Zhuang about officialdom. Even with the imperial court's will, only half of the officials agree now. As for the implementation of the number of acres of land, it is a long way off."

Jing Cunliang did not lie. He was controlled by others everywhere when he came to Jiangnan. It was unknown what medicine had happened to the old fox, Lord Zhuang, who opposed him everywhere. The county magistrates in some places were also short of officials. How could anyone execute the orders?
"Sir Jing, no matter how long it takes for others to get their exams done, we who come from the capital do have a deadline. There are only a few days left before the provincial exam results are announced. The court is still waiting for the news. The looms at the Suzhou Weaving Bureau have been installed and are just waiting for the rice to be cooked. If there is no deadline, Sir Jing knows the consequences, even if I don't tell you."

Eunuch Yang did not give Jing Cunliang any time to imagine. He threatened directly that he had to do it whether he wanted to or not.
Lord Jing smiled bitterly, picked up the tea bowl in front of him, and took a gulp.
"Don't worry, Grand Eunuch. I know the importance of this. As long as you agree, I can do it."

“Oh, Master Jing, please tell me for now.”

Eunuch Yang became interested and continued to ask, but he heard footsteps coming from the stairs. Everyone looked up and saw Ning Kai, the Imperial City Secretary, in armor, hurriedly coming up with his men.
As soon as he saw Eunuch Yang sitting there, he immediately knelt on one knee.
"I am Ning Kai, the thrifty official of the Jiangnan Imperial City. I am honored to meet the eunuch."

"Well, it's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early. Sit down and listen to what Master Jing has to say."

"Thank you, Eunuch Yang."

Ning Kai glanced at Lord Jing suspiciously, stood up and sat down, feeling a little disdainful. What could he do? If he had a way, why would he find himself in such an embarrassing situation?

"Replying to Eunuch Yang, I have already formulated a plan. Jinling City will be used as a pilot to start the work of converting farmland into mulberry trees. Jinling has four counties, Anning County, Shangyu County, Chunyang County and Yongning County. They are all good and large counties close to the canal, and they are also the most stubborn. The people are unwilling to convert farmland into mulberry trees, so I want to start from the local areas. I think Anning County and Shangyu County can both start."

A hint of ruthlessness flashed across Jing Cunliang's face, and he was planning to use force. The rest of the people, especially Jia Yucun, looked thoughtful, while Ma Guangcheng was a little disdainful. Using the same old method would cause civil unrest, so what?
Jia Yucun hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth.

"Eunuch Yang, Lord Jing, Anning County Magistrate Tang Qingwen and Shangyu County Magistrate Li Zhengchuan are disciples of Lord Zhuang. If they start making trouble, it will be no small matter."

As the saying goes, the officialdom is like a battlefield. Knowing yourself and your enemy will ensure victory in every battle. Many county magistrates in Jiangnan are old friends and students of Mr. Zhuang, and they are involved in many things.
After these words came out, Jing Cunliang's face turned ugly and he said angrily;

"It is because of this that these two dare to openly oppose the imperial court's policies. If everyone does this, will the imperial court still have credibility?"

"this."

That's true. Jia Yucun had no choice but to agree in his heart. However, if he wanted the county magistrate to do the job, how should he go about it? If he really had to send the government troops, General Leng would probably not agree.

Eunuch Yang seemed to have thought of this as well, and frowned.
"If we want to forcibly change the land area, we need to mobilize soldiers. Lord Ning, who is the commander of the Jinling Prefecture Army?"

"Replying to Eunuch Yang, the commander of the prefectural army is Leng Dandong, a man who is not easily persuaded. It is unlikely that he will take action."

Ning Kai shook his head. General Leng was close to the Zhen family and had nothing to fear. It was said that he also had contact with the capital, but he didn't know which official it was. When Marquis Luo Yun came, this person had already received the news and hid in Jiangbei.

"Haha, interesting. When it comes to the critical moment, the key people all have clues, but I don't understand. Whose dog can compare to the one raised by the heavens? My lords, what else can you do?"

Eunuch Yang weighed the pros and cons in his mind and felt that it was indeed a difficult situation. The palace troops could not move, and the imperial guards could not move. He could only rely on the yamen runners and the people from the Imperial City Bureau. No, the people from the Imperial City Bureau could not move either.

Jia Yucun immediately shut up, but he could do nothing at this moment. Jing Cunliang sneered.
"Eunuch Yang, soft tactics won't work, we have to use force. Those lowly people, what do they know? As long as the law is issued, if they dare not obey, they will be arrested immediately."

Ning Kai, the Imperial City official beside him, moved his mouth but said nothing. As it involved the imperial court's major plans, no matter what he said, it would be wrong. Just as everyone at the table was thinking about it,
A restaurant outside,
Officials from Jiangnan had already gathered and sat down. Without waiting for anyone to arrive, fine wine and delicious food were served. Xu Delin, the Jiangnan Transport Commissioner, looked at the table full of food and suddenly felt amused.
After two days of welcoming and eating two meals, I didn't see the shadow of Eunuch Yang. It was really a joke. Looking at the table full of familiar faces, I was the first to raise my glass.

"Everyone, today is another meal. Eat and drink well. I won't say much. Let's go."

Without waiting for others to think, he drank the cup of wine first.

in addition,

Tian Juzheng, the chief of Jiangnan, and Jiang Xiyu, the governor of Jiangnan, who were sitting with him, nodded silently and drank their wine. Many Bodhisattvas from Jiangnan had come, and there would be more chaotic times.

"Everyone, since you are here, eat and drink well. As for the rest, don't think about it. Come on, Master Xu, Master Tian, ​​we haven't had a drink together for a long time. Come on, let's have another drink."

The speaker was Lan Jili, the Imperial Censor of Jiangnan, who seemed to be giving instructions while holding a wine cup. The other officials were grateful for the advice given by the two adults, and they raised their glasses together and drank the wine.

Only Wang Mengshan, the Imperial Salt Inspector, looked at everyone thoughtfully. He was indeed an old fox. He knew that Eunuch Yang would not come before the banquet even started.

I thought Shen Wanhe had prepared a banquet and would meet Eunuch Yang here, but as soon as the people arrived, they started serving wine and food. He didn't understand what was going on, and when the food was served, these old guys actually started eating and drinking by themselves, not caring that Lord Jing and Eunuch Yang had arrived. Now it seems that they may not come tonight again. I don't know what Lord Jing is up to.

"Brother Tian, ​​are you feeling better?"

Lan Jili took a bite of the dish and put it into his mouth, then asked with concern, "In the past, Lord Tian had been ill at home for some time, but since Lord Xu married off his daughter, the illness seemed to have improved a lot."

"Haha, thank you Lord Lan for your concern. I am feeling much better now. Lord Lan should take more care of yourself. There are more winds and rains in the south of the Yangtze River, especially since summer has begun."

Tian Juzheng smiled slightly. The post of Chief of Jiangnan was just an idle post. He had many excuses to slack off. But Lord Lan was different. He couldn't avoid him even if he wanted to. Lord Xu, the Transport Commissioner, should have thought of a way out. He married his legitimate daughter to the family of the Prime Minister of the capital. This was considered to be a safe and worry-free life.

As soon as this word comes out,
All the officials at the table were stunned, and they were so slow to pick up dishes with their hands. Jiang Xiyu, the governor of Jiangnan, was deeply touched. He was the only one who was alone. Last time, even the deputy general of Marquis Luo Yun couldn't stop them, let alone the current situation. Just let them do whatever they want.

Lan Jili's face looked a little grim. When something happened in Jiangnan, he was the first one to submit a memorial to the cabinet. He was the one who offended people.

"Haha, the rain is not small, but no matter how heavy the rain is, it will always clear up. We are all serving the court, so there is no need to talk about whether the rain is heavy or light. Lord Tian, ​​no matter who is missing in the Jiangnan officialdom, Lord Tian's contribution is indispensable. Lord Xu, what do you say, yes or no?"

Lan Jili laughed and grabbed Lord Xu's sleeve, not caring whether other people were there or not, as if he was joking. Xu Delin smiled and shook his head.

"Master Lan is drunk. No matter how hard the rain falls, we need something to keep out the wind and rain. With these, no matter how strong the wind and rain are, we won't get wet. Maybe it would be better to have a house. If everyone is in the house, no one will get wet."

Xu Delin patted Lord Lan's hand and pointed in the direction of the capital. At this moment, all the officials present were thoughtful.
(End of this chapter)