At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 140 Anfeng Pure Land, Entering the Palace to Face the Saint
In the fifth year of Zhongping, Lujiang County, Anfeng County, Zhoufu.

Zhou Qi has grown a beard on the corners of his mouth, and he looks much calmer.

He was sitting on a wicker chair, holding the baby who was just one month old in his arms, as if he was holding the most precious treasure in the world.

The little guy looked at this strange world with his big curious eyes, maybe he was a little hungry, so he swayed back and forth in Zhou Qi's arms.

"Lang Jun, leave the child to the wet nurse, it's time to breastfeed."

Seeing the child's appearance, Shi Shi immediately said softly to Zhou Qi.

Zhou Qi nodded repeatedly and shouted: "Zhou Gu, go and invite the wet nurse!"

"Good host!"

Zhou Gu, the steward of the mansion, heard Zhou Qi's voice, and trotted to find the wet nurse.

Since Zhou Qi settled down in Anfeng County, Zhou Qi thought of Zhou Gu who was still managing the mansion in his hometown, so he wrote to call him.

Zhou Gu lived up to expectations and kept the Zhou Mansion in good order.

Seeing Zhou Gu's leaving figure, Shi Shi suddenly said: "Zhou Gu is not young, it's time to marry him."

Zhou Qi pondered for a while, then smiled and said: "Zhou Gu grew up with me since childhood, and since the death of my eldest father, he and I have depended on each other for life. They are called master and servant, but they are actually brothers."

"The so-called elder sister-in-law is like a mother, Zhou Gu's marriage is fully entrusted to you."

"Our Zhou family is also quite famous in Anfeng County. Don't treat Zhou Gu badly. We must find a good girl for him."

Shi said with a smile: "Now in Anfeng County, there are countless women who have broken their heads and want to enter Zhou's house. I will definitely find a good girl for Zhou Gu."

While the two were talking, the wet nurse had been invited in by Zhou Gu. After bowing to Zhou Qi and the other two, she took the child into the house to nurse.

"Lang Jun, what do you think our child's name is?"

Zhou Qi smiled and said, "Before you gave birth, I had already thought about it. This son will be called Zhou Tong."

"Zhou Tong, what's the meaning?"

Shi raised his head, his face was full of curiosity.

Zhou Qi didn't answer, but said mischievously, "Guess."

Seeing her husband who was suddenly a little mischievous, Shi Shi felt sweet in his heart, and immediately pretended to be thinking, then shook his head and said, "I don't know about myself."

Zhou Qi touched Shi's head, but didn't say anything more.

At this time, more than a year has passed since Zhou Qi resigned and returned to Anfeng County.

This child is his second son.

The eldest son is more than three years old now, named Zhou Ji, and now he is studying with Xi Zhicai. Although he is less than four years old, he is also very intelligent and deeply loved by Xi Zhicai.

Zhou Qi has high hopes for his eldest son, hoping that he can inherit his unfinished business.

No matter how bad it is, he must inherit Zhou Qi's foundation and keep it well.

As for the name of the younger son Zhou Tong, it also entrusts Zhou Qi's beautiful wishes, hoping that in his lifetime, he can see the world unified and the people all live and work in peace and contentment.

After resigning and living in Anfeng County for more than a year, Zhou Qi did not get involved in political affairs except for making friends with aristocratic families and celebrities in Lujiang County.

During this period, the governor of Lujiang wanted to recruit Zhou Qi as the county magistrate, but he was declined.

What a joke.

Zhou Qi even resigned as the captain of the county with a rank of more than two thousand shi, so how could he lower his value to become the Lujiang county magistrate and continue to live under the fence?
Although he is a white man, he has become famous after all, and he has successively served as the false right middle man and the captain of Hanyang County.

The former has fake characters, so I won't mention it for now.

The latter was a real military attache with two thousand stones, so even if Zhou Qi resigned and returned to his hometown in white, he could still make friends with aristocratic families and celebrities in the county. Many small families even took the initiative to befriend Zhou Qi.

Today, Zhou Zhan and Zhou Ziqing serve as the magistrate of Anfeng County.

Although based on the actual household registration in Anfeng County, if Zhou Zhan reported it truthfully, he would have been promoted to Anfeng County Magistrate long ago.

However, in order to reduce taxes for the people under his jurisdiction, Zhou Zhan inherited Zhou Qi's policy and secretly concealed the household registrations of many poor families.

In this way, these people would not have to pay taxes to the court.

Although Zhou Qi is no longer the county magistrate of Anfeng, Zhou Qi's reputation is still unmatched in the entire Anfeng territory.

The common people in Anfeng only know the name of Zhou Qi but not the name of the Son of Heaven.

As for Xi Zhicai, it has now been reunited, and has given birth to a son, and the family life is happy.

Xu Chu, Dian Wei, Xiang Hong, Zhou Cheng, Zhou Zhan, Chen Wen, Zhou Jin and others also got married and started businesses.

Although they did not receive any rewards from the court, Zhou Qi bought a lot of properties for them, which was enough for them to become a new powerful family in Anfeng County.

Except for the failure to obtain official positions, everyone's life is very happy.

But Gai Xun received the imperial edict and knew that the conditions of the Son of Heaven were too harsh, so he decided to go to Anfeng County in person and tell Zhou Qi about the matter face to face.

From Luoyang to Anfeng County, where Gai Xun passed, the remnants of the Yellow Turbans and bandits were rampant, and the government continued to suppress them, and the people lived in dire straits.

Despite this, there are still corrupt officials running rampant in all directions, forcing people to live in ruins.

"Hey!"

Gai Xun couldn't help but sigh deeply as he looked at the devastated Han Dynasty.

"The Central Plains is like this, let alone Liangzhou, which is occupied by thieves. Who can restore the Han Dynasty and restore peace to the people?"

Gai Xun thought to himself and burst into tears.

"Captain Lieutenant, after passing this river, Anfeng County is ahead!"

When Gai Xun was crying about the fate of the big man, he heard the voices of the soldiers accompanying him. He quietly wiped away his tears and looked at the mighty Jueshui, feeling a little lost for a moment.

He couldn't help feeling suspicious when he looked at the boats that kept coming and going on the water, as well as the bustling crowds and caravans on the official road.

He found a businessman and asked: "I see that bandits are rampant in Yingchuan and Runan, and people's livelihood is in decline. Although the situation in Lujiang County is much better, there are not so many business travelers in other places."

When the merchant saw Gai Xun, he knew that Gai Xun was an official of the imperial court, so he didn't dare to neglect him immediately, and began to tell the whole story.

"My lord doesn't know that Yingchuan and Runan are in chaos because of the Yellow Turban bandits who once ravaged the two places. Even though they were defeated by officers and soldiers, many people still gathered in the mountains and forests to make a living by looting houses."

"Lujiang County has not been ravaged by the Yellow Turbans, so it is much better."

"As for why the caravans here keep coming and going, it's thanks to Zhou Lang, the former mayor of Anfeng County."

"Zhou Lang is not only brave and good at fighting, he has made many military exploits, but he is also quite capable in governing the local area. In just a few years in power, Anfeng County has changed from the poorest and most troubled county in Lujiang County to the most prosperous and prosperous place."

"Although he has already resigned, he still lives in Anfeng County. It can be said that he does not pick up lost items on the road and does not close his house at night."

"The most important thing is that Anfeng County does not discriminate against merchants, nor does it impose excessive taxes, and often there are many novel gadgets. These things are all things that noble people like very much."

"As long as we come here to buy goods, resell them and sell them elsewhere, we can often make a lot of money."

Hearing this, Gai Xun's heart moved slightly, and he said, "Although Anfeng County is politically clear, but you merchants who come from other places to do business, aren't you afraid of encountering robbers?"

Hearing this, the merchant smiled and said: "Your honor does not know, as long as we come to Anfeng County to do business, even bandits will not dare to plunder the goods, we only need to pay a small toll."

Gai Xun asked suspiciously, "Why?"

The merchants said to each other: "Although Zhou Lang has resigned from office, his subordinates are all masters of a hundred battles, and they are extremely brave."

"In Lujiang County, whenever there are bandits who dare to plunder and kill merchants who come to Anfeng County, Zhou Lang will take his trilogy to exterminate the bandits."

"After several waves of thieves were eliminated, naturally no one dared to rob the caravan again."

"Even if some bandits really can't survive, they can still come to Anfeng County to settle down. As long as they haven't committed any major crimes, the Anfeng county magistrate will settle them down and give them some livelihood."

When Gai Xun heard this, he couldn't help but sigh: "With a white body and a mere subordinate under his command, he can frighten the bandits in the whole county. If the great Han Dynasty had more talents like Ziyi, wouldn't the country be at peace and the people be safe?"

After chatting with merchants for a long time, Gai Xun took a boat across the river and entered Anfeng County.

As soon as he entered the city, Gai Xun was shocked by the prosperity of Anfeng County.

This place is very different from the counties and counties he saw along the way where people's lives were dying, but it reveals a prosperity that is very different from the world.

The common people are no longer sallow, skinny, and ragged, but have ruddy complexions, thick clothes, and bright eyes.

From them, Gai Xun could see the long-lost vigor and vitality, as well as happy smiles.

Standing on the street, Gai Xun sighed deeply: "What an Anfeng County, what a piece of pure land on earth. If I only live here, I might think that this is the age of great men."

Gai Xun didn't rush to look for Zhou Qi, but wandered around the streets and alleys instead.

He was surprised to find that there were no beggars or refugees in the entire Anfeng County, which was unbelievable.

On the commercial street, there are a wide variety of goods, and merchants from all over Lujiang County are bargaining here.

On the street, there are guards with swords from time to time, saying hello to familiar merchants, but no one asks for money from the merchants.

On the nearby food street, Gai Xun also feasted on all kinds of unheard-of delicacies.

After experiencing the prosperity of Anfeng County, Gai Xun also made special inquiries about various government offices, and then went to investigate in person, only to find that the officials here were extremely efficient and fair in their work, and never accepted bribes.

"The government is clear and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Even in the most prosperous period of the imperial court, it is probably far behind."

Thinking of this, Gai Xun couldn't help but marvel at Zhou Qi's ability to govern.

"Such a person can't be ranked among the three princes and become a capable minister who governs the world. Instead, he lives in a remote county and becomes a white body."

"This is my fault."

"This is the court's fault."

He has already heard that the changes in Anfeng County began when Zhou Qi came here to take up his post.

Even though Zhou Qi was later promoted to captain of Hanyang County, and his clan brother Zhou Zhan took over as the head of Anfeng County, Zhou Qi's policies continued in power.

He turned to the soldiers accompanying him and asked: "After seeing the prosperity of Anfeng County, what do you think?"

The soldiers looked at each other, and after a long time they said: "If you can settle here, you will have no regrets in this life."

How can such a great talent live here?
Gai Xun looked at Anfeng County, which was incompatible with this troubled world, and finally walked towards the direction of Zhou Mansion.

He secretly made up his mind to push Zhou Qi to a high position no matter what.

He believes that the one who can change the world must be Zhou Qi!

Gai Xun inquired about the location of Zhou's mansion, looked at the mansion which was not luxurious, and was about to ask someone to hand in the greeting card, but saw Zhou Gu walking out.

Zhou Gu, as the manager of the Zhou Mansion, has seen many celebrities and high-ranking officials over the years. The first time he saw Gai Xun, he knew that this person was extraordinary.

He hastily stepped forward and said politely, "May I ask you, sir, why did you come to the Zhou Mansion?"

Gai Xun looked at the respectful Zhou Gu and said with a smile: "I'm here to find Ziyi."

Zhou Gu was shocked when he heard this.

With Zhou Qi's current fame and status, not many people in Lujiang County dare to call him by his nickname, and most of the people call him "Zhou Lang" to show respect.

People who can directly call Zhou Qi by his name are definitely celebrities in the world and dignitaries in the imperial court.

Zhou Gu became more respectful, and said, "Dare to ask the master's name?"

Gai Xun said: "My name is Gai Xun."

Gai Xun's voice was very soft, but to Zhou Gu's ears, it sounded like a thunderclap, making Zhou Gu dizzy.

He hastily bowed to the ground and said: "When the master was in the mansion, he often mentioned the name of the gentleman, and lamented that there are very few people in the court who are as loyal and patriotic as the gentleman."

Gai Xun did not look down on Zhou Gu, this servant, he stepped forward to help him up, and said: "I am on official business, please take me to see your master."

Zhou Gu didn't dare to be negligent, he didn't go to report at all, and directly led Gai Xun to meet Zhou Qi.

"Master, Mr. Guy is visiting."

Zhou Qi, who was chatting with Shi Shi in the main courtyard, suddenly heard Zhou Gu's voice, and was stunned on the spot at first, then Jier's face showed ecstasy.

Shi saw her husband's expression and knew that an important guest was coming, so she immediately returned to the house.

Zhou Qi got up and ran to the gate of the courtyard. When he saw Gai Xun who had been away for more than a year, he was immediately engulfed in joy.

He tidied up his clothes, and then bowed deeply to Gai Xun: "Qi pays homage to Mr. Qi!"

Gai Xun hurried forward, grabbed Zhou Qi's arms, and said: "You and I are old friends and confidants, why do you do such a big gift?"

Zhou Qi said seriously: "Without Sir's appreciation, how would Zhou Qi be today?"

The two greeted each other slightly, and Zhou Qi immediately told Zhou Gu: "Let's prepare wine and food, I want to entertain you sir."

But Gai Xun hastily stopped him: "After I entered Anfeng County, I went to that food street, and now my belly is still swollen, where can I still eat?"

Zhou Qi laughed and said, "Since that's the case, sir, let's try the unique fried tea in Anfeng County."

Although tea drinking began during the Qin and Han Dynasties, it was not very popular because the tea making process was a bit rough and the tea tasted bitter, which many people did not like.

The technique of frying tea did not become popular until the Ming Dynasty, and it continued to later generations.

The two sat facing each other, soaked the hot tea, Gai Xun took a sip, his eyes lit up immediately, and said: "It is bitter first, then sweet, and the mellow fragrance remains between the teeth. This tea is really good."

Zhou Qi smiled and said, "If sir likes it, I'll have someone wrap some for you."

Gai Xun didn't delay, he said, "If that's the case, then I'll be disrespectful."

The two drank tea for a while, and Zhou Qi asked: "Mr. has lived in Luoyang since he resigned from office. This time, he came all the way to the remote Anfeng County. What's the matter?"

Gai Xun put down the teacup in his hand and said solemnly: "Han Sui killed Bianzhang and Beigong Boyu, and gathered tens of thousands of people. Geng Bi, the governor of Liangzhou, was killed by the rebel army, and his army was involved in the Ma Teng rebellion. , together with Han Sui, took the kingdom as the leader, invaded and plundered the land of Sanfu, and besieged Chencang."

"The third assistant is in a hurry, and His Majesty wants to send good generals to ask for it. I recommend Ziyi as the counter-insurgency commander, and I am here to issue your majesty's edict."

When Zhou Qi heard the words, his expression moved slightly.

Logically speaking, the imperial court should re-enable Huangfu Song at this time.

Unexpectedly, because of Gai Xun's intervention, the emperor actually planned to appoint Zhou Qi as the counterinsurgency coach.

Zhou Qi shook his head and said, "I'm still young, if I'm the counter-insurgency commander, I'm afraid the generals won't accept it."

But Gai Xun shook his head and said, "Ziyi, why should you underestimate yourself? No one of the generals knows the achievements you have made in these years?"

"Besides, the emperor ordered the son to hold different festivals. Generals under two thousand shi and county officials have the right to kill first and then play."

"What's so difficult about using Ziyi's methods to overwhelm his soldiers?"

Zhou Qi was silent for a long time, and then sighed: "It is okay for me to lead the army to fight against the thieves, but as a general, the most important thing is to be restricted by others. If I cannot gain enough trust from Your Majesty, even if I lead the army to fight against the thieves, I may not be able to achieve success. "

Gai Xun said with a smile: "You can rest assured about this matter. There have been four governors of Liangzhou who have hindered you. I know that Ziyi is in trouble."

"This time, His Majesty has promised that within half a year, he will never interfere in any military affairs. As long as he can successfully hunt down the thief, Ziyi will do it arbitrarily."

"Not only that, His Majesty has already promised that if the rebellion can be put down, he will definitely be named a Marquis for Ziyi."

It is the dream of many people to be named Marquis and Admiral General.

When Zhou Qi heard this, he was shocked but also quite confused.

He didn't expect that the emperor would have such courage. He gave himself such great power in order to suppress the rebellion, and even planned to make himself a marquis.

But soon, he was a little relieved.

Up to now, the situation in the imperial court has been corrupted, and the world is full of rebellions. The emperor has gradually become sober and began to reuse truly capable people.

Previously, the emperor favored the eunuchs but was stingy with rewards for meritorious soldiers.

But now, if the Son of Heaven continues to behave like this, no one will be willing to contribute to the country anymore. Zhou Qi, Dian Wei, and Xu Chu are examples.

Previously, Sun Jian did not receive any rewards for his crusade against the Yellow Turban.

Now he only put down the Xing rebellion in Changsha District and was named Marquis of Wucheng. Although he was highly praised by the ministers of the court, we can also see the change in the emperor's attitude towards meritorious ministers.

He also knew that if he continued as before, these ministers who had truly made great contributions might eventually turn against him.

In fact, it's not just Sun Jian.

After that, Gongsun Zan put down Zhang Chun's rebellion and was granted the title of Marquis by the imperial court.

However, their titles were relatively high and they did not have food and property like Huangfu Song.

Although Zhou Qi was very moved, he also heard the most important message, which was to put down the rebellion within half a year.

He thought for a while, then shook his head and said, "Put down the Liangzhou rebellion within half a year, forgive me for not being able to do it."

An anxious look appeared on Gai Xun's face and he said: "It's not that your Majesty is deliberately making things difficult, it's just that the national treasury is empty and can only support half a year of fighting at most."

Zhou Qi looked at Gai Xun calmly, and said: "Mr. is also a person who knows about military affairs. If you have [-] soldiers to quell the rebellion, go from Chang'an to Chencang, defeat the rebels, and recover Liangzhou counties one by one."

"No matter how long it takes to defeat the thieves, it may not take half a year for an army of [-] to recover the counties of Liangzhou."

"If Your Majesty insists on setting the deadline for the second half year, let alone me, even if Taiwei Duan is resurrected, he will not be able to do it!"

Gai Xun was speechless when he heard the words, and then his face was full of depression.

Looking at Gai Xun's appearance, Zhou Qi couldn't bear it, and said: "I want to enter the palace to face the saint, if Your Majesty can agree to my three conditions, I may be able to accept this matter."

Hearing this, Gai Xun's face suddenly revealed a look of surprise, "Half a year, is it okay?"

Zhou Qi said: "I can only guarantee that the rebels will be defeated and driven out of Sili within half a year, but I can't recapture Liangzhou."

"Given the current chaotic situation in Liangzhou, unless the whole country is exhausted, and there is no time limit, it may be possible to completely put down the Liangzhou rebellion."

Although Gai Xun was a little disappointed when he heard the words, he didn't push too much.

As long as the rebel army can be defeated and the crisis of Sansuke can be resolved, Liangzhou can leave it alone and recover slowly when there is a chance in the future.

that's it.

Zhou Qi took Xi Zhicai, Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Xiang Hong, Huang Shao, and [-] elite trilogy, bid farewell to his family, and followed Gai Xun to Luoyang.

Obviously, Zhou Qi attached great importance to this battle and brought almost all his wealth with him.

Even Xi Zhicai and Xiang Hong, who had been guarding Anfeng County all this time, went out with the army this time.

Before leaving, Gai Xun presented the jade pendant to Zhou Qi's eldest son, Zhou Ji, and the sachet he carried with him to Zhou Qi's youngest son, Zhou Tong.

Zhou Qi stayed outside Luoyang City with the trilogy, and when Gai Xun met the emperor, he stated Zhou Qi's request.

Zhou Qi waited until the emperor's edict, then left Dian Wei and others outside the city, and went to the palace alone to face the saint.

"Grassman, pay homage to Your Majesty!"

Inside the palace.

Zhou Qi bowed to the ground and was very respectful.

Gai Xun and Jian Shuo stood on both sides of the emperor, with different thoughts.

"Be flat."

Zhou Qi stood up and quietly looked at the emperor, only to find that his eyes were dark and sunken, his face was pale, his eyes were bloodshot, and his face showed a look of exhaustion.

Obviously, the emperor seems to have indulged too much, or he may have been thinking too much and is not in good health.

"Gai Qing has already told me all of your concerns. It is indeed impossible to completely put down the Liangzhou rebellion in half a year."

"You said you could defeat the rebels within half a year and drive them out of Sansuke."

"I want to know how far your so-called defeat can go. Will the rebels come back after the officers and soldiers retreat and continue to plunder Sansuke's land?"

Zhou Qi said: "If Your Majesty can agree to the three conditions of the minister, the minister can guarantee that at least within half a year, the bandit chieftain can be killed, the strength of the rebel army will be greatly damaged, tens of thousands of rebel troops will fall apart, and it will be difficult to gather a large army in a short time Looting Sansuke."

When the Son of Heaven heard that Zhou Qi could kill the bandit chieftain, he immediately lifted his spirits and said, "Is this true?"

Zhou Qi said loudly: "I would like to issue a military order!"

The emperor was overjoyed when he heard the words, and said: "Tell me, what are the three conditions, as long as they are not too much, I will allow them all!"

(End of this chapter)