Tang Dynasty: The seventh rank of official residence, and you will be given the Ten Thousand People

Chapter 219 Weird Lanzhou City!

Lanzhou Governor's Mansion.

"President Ge, there is news from the court!"

Zhang Changshi walked into the study and put the essays sent by the court on the table.

"Have you received my commendation?" Ge Hong asked after rinsing his mouth.

"Yes, the text says that you will be granted the rank of fourth-grade official, and you will also be rewarded with some silver!"

Ge Hong laughed loudly.

"Although I haven't been granted a real vacancy, I have been promoted two levels in a row to the fourth grade. I am satisfied."

Hearing this, Zhang Changshi cupped his hands and said with a smile.

"Fu Zun was promoted from the fifth rank to the fourth rank in less than two years."

"Even in the official circles of the Great Zhou Dynasty, few people can match this speed. It will be just around the corner to enter the court in the future."

"Hahaha, let me borrow your good words."

Ge Hong waved his hands with a red face, even feeling proud in his heart.

Suddenly, Zhang Changshi seemed to remember something.

"By the way, Mr. Fu, in order to show that the imperial court attaches great importance to you, it has specially appointed Deputy Prime Minister Fan Xin as the envoy of Gannan Province."

"I will come to Lanzhou in person to read out the imperial edict and commend you."

Pfft!

A mouthful of tea sprayed on the ground, and Ge Hong looked at his subordinates in shock.

"Who do you think is coming to Lanzhou to announce the decree?"

"Deputy Prime Minister Fan Xin."

"Ah! What's wrong with you, Governor Ge? Come here quickly, the Lord of the Palace is dying!"

After a lot of tossing, Ge Hong lay on the bed with a white handkerchief covering his forehead.

"It's over. Once Fan Beheads comes to Lanzhou, our affairs will definitely be exposed."

"How good is that."

Seeing Ge Hong's worried look, Zhang Changshi's eyes flashed with an imperceptible sarcasm.

He said with a smile on his face.

"Ge Jishi, you are the highest official in Lanzhou, and you have His Royal Highness Prince Liang as your backer. Are you still afraid that Fan Xin will not succeed?"

It's okay not to mention it. When the word "Fan Xin" was mentioned, Ge Hong's face turned pale and he waved his hands quickly.

"You have never seen that guy. If his temper gets angry, His Highness Prince Liang, he would even dare to kill the King of Heaven."

"Not to mention this little governor like me."

Speaking of this, Ge Hong held Zhang Changshi's hand.

"Zhang Yu, I don't want to die yet, please think of a way out quickly."

Zhang Changshi touched his chin and thought for a while, then suddenly clapped his hands and whispered something into his ear.

Ge Hong was overjoyed.

"As expected of my Zhixing, this is a good idea. You should bring someone to do it right away."

"The subordinate takes orders."

After Zhang Changshi left the governor's office, he immediately issued a notice in the name of the government, requiring Lanzhou City to implement martial law and no one was allowed to step out of the gate.

At the same time, a group of capable officials were sent to pretend to be traders to continue opening stores.

After more than 20 days of preparation, Ge Hong, wearing dark crimson official uniforms, led local officials to the south gate of Lanzhou to prepare for the coming imperial guards.

...

On the Gannan Ancient Road, a group of Qianniu Guards riding tall horses slowly headed towards Lanzhou City.

"Xiang Fan, Lanzhou is just ahead. We can spend the night in the city tonight."

Zhang Huan dusted off the dust on his body and said that he was still in the dust.

"The land in Lanzhou is barren and dusty. Tell the brothers that when they arrive in Lanzhou, I will take them to eat local delicacies."

Fan Xin said with a smile.

After hearing this, the surrounding guards curled their lips, and no one cheered.

They knew Fan Xin's character too well. He was just like Lanzhou Ramen at best. It was just a dream to expect to eat something good.

Seeing everyone looking listless, Fan Xin blushed and said angrily.

"Hmph, I brought a total of twenty copper coins with me when I came out this time. What do you want to eat that you can't afford?"

The black wind horse snorted, seeming to sneer at Fan Xin's words.

Everyone laughed and came outside Liangzhou City.

A fat man wearing a red official uniform came up quickly.

"I am under the command of Ge Hong, the governor of Lanzhou, and I would like to express my sincere greetings to you!"

"Saint Gong's peace, may Ge, the governor, be in peace."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Straightening up, Ge Hong bent over and said with a smile.

"Your Majesty has met Prime Minister Fan. He knows that you are tired from traveling and has specially prepared a sedan chair. Please sit in it."

After glancing at the big sedan chair, Fan Xin nodded and sat in.

In order to rely on Fan Xin, the giant tree in the sky, Ge Hong put in a lot of effort in this welcome ceremony.

The number of escorts alone was hundreds of people. Along the way, gongs were sounded to clear the way and official flags were fluttering. The scene was extremely spectacular.

More than that, in order to show the welcome of Lanzhou people to Fan Xin.

Thousands of people disguised as officials and servants spontaneously walked to the streets and kowtowed to Fan Xin.

Zhang Huan nodded.

"I didn't expect your reputation to be known even to remote places like Lanzhou."

"The people really love you."

Hearing this, Fan Xin sighed with relief.

"When I was the magistrate of Wushui County, Mr. Wu once said this."

"Only when an official takes the people seriously will the people take him to heart."

"That's why there was such a scene of greeting people on the streets today."

"Ge Hong is interested."

After the government guards moved into the camp, Fan Xin did not attend the reception banquet held by the Lanzhou government.

Instead, they took Zhang Huan and Zhou Tong to go shopping on the streets, intending to buy some local specialties to take back to Princess Taiping.

Unlike Luoyang, Lanzhou is located in a desolate area, with very few pedestrians on the streets and a depressing scene.

"Xiang Fan, there is a noodle stall in front of you, let's go try it?"

"That's fine, I happen to be hungry."

Seeing a noodle cooking place in front of him, Fan Xin walked over quickly with a few people.

"This little brother will give us three bowls of haggis noodles. Add more spicy food."

"Ah, this..."

The waiter looked embarrassed, as if he didn't expect a customer to come.

"What's wrong? It's just dark now. It shouldn't be time to close the stall, right?"

Fan Xin asked strangely.

Seeing the suspicion on the other side, the man quickly smiled and said.

"There's still a while before the stall is closed. Please wait a moment. I'm going to make haggis noodles for you."

Three steaming bowls of haggis noodles were served to the table.

Fan Xin's index finger suddenly moved and he was about to pick up a piece of haggis with his chopsticks and taste it.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Tong squirted out.

"Little brother, your haggis noodles are full of coarse salt particles. Can you eat it if it's so salty?"

Zhang Huan on the side also spat out the pig skin in his mouth and said dissatisfiedly.

"Yeah, why is there pig skin in the haggis noodles?"

The store clerk wiped the sweat on his forehead and apologized.

"Guests, please calm down. I have a bad memory. How about I make you some new bowls?"

"Forget it, let's go somewhere else."

Putting the copper plate on the table, Fan Xin stood up and walked forward.

Looking at their backs, the store clerk's eyes flashed, then he turned around and ran towards the Governor's Mansion.All the way to the lobby, the store clerk told Fan Xin about shopping.

"What did you say! Fan Xin went to eat haggis noodles on the street?"

Ge Hong looked at his subordinates with a gloomy look, feeling panic rising in his heart for no reason.

He never expected that the dignified Duke of Yan would eat haggis noodles on the street instead of eating delicacies from the mountains and seas.

This is incredible.

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely true. I added too much salt and pork rinds because I didn't know how to mix ingredients."

The store clerk scratched his head and said sheepishly.

"Trash! What's the point of raising you!"

After glaring at his subordinate, Ge Hong flicked his sleeves and ran towards Lanzhou Street.

Fan Xin and His Highness Prince Liang are mortal enemies. There is a high chance that something will happen when he comes to Lanzhou this time. He must keep an eye on it personally to feel at ease.

"Hey, Governor Ge, why are you here?"

Fan Xin was surprised to see Ge Hong coming in a hurry wearing casual clothes.

We were just having a meal on the street, and it wasn't an unannounced visit. Why did you see Ge Hong looking so flustered?

"Prime Minister Fan is here to inspect Lanzhou on behalf of the imperial court. How dare you sit alone in the yamen and rest alone? I'd rather go shopping with you."

"By the way, I would like to introduce you to the customs and customs of Lanzhou."

Seeing that Fan Xin was just strolling around, Ge Hong breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile.

"In that case, Governor Lao Ge is accompanying us."

Fan Xin smiled and continued walking forward with his hands behind his back. Before promulgating the imperial decree, he had to visit the local people.

When a group of people arrived at the restaurant, the shopkeeper greeted them with a smile.

"Guests, what would you like to eat? We have all kinds of specialties here."

"First let us four have a plate of braised sheep's trotters, and then give us two jars of free drinks."

Fan Xin chose a seat by the window and looked around.

"Free drinks?"

The shopkeeper was startled and subconsciously glanced at Ge Hong, who nodded casually.

"Ah, gentlemen, please wait a moment. I will help you with this."

After the shopkeeper left, Ge Hong stroked his beard and smiled.

"I'm sorry, Prime Minister Fan. The local conditions are poor compared to Luoyang, the capital of the gods. I can only make some rough food."

"It's okay. I come from a farmer's family and usually only eat porridge and pickles. It's good to be able to eat sheep's hooves."

While talking, the shopkeeper brought up a large plate of stuffed sheep's trotters and said respectfully.

"Guests, seeing how kind you are, we specially made two more portions, please try them." After saying that, he was about to leave.

"Shopkeeper, please stay. I have something I want to ask you."

Fan Xinxin moved and spoke.

"Master, if you have anything to ask, I will definitely know everything."

Fan Xin glanced at Ge Hong, smiled and waved to the shopkeeper.

"Don't be nervous. I'm just a scholar. I was passing by and heard that Governor Ge eliminated the bandits that had been entrenched for many years. Is this possible?"

Ge Hong's heart froze. He secretly came here to find out. Fortunately, he was prepared in advance.

After the initial nervousness, he gradually calmed down.

The shopkeeper replied with a look of reverence.

"To be honest, sir, this is indeed the case. Although our Governor Ge is a cook, his courage is not weaker than anyone else."

"After learning that bandits were harming the villagers, he led the Lanzhou garrison and went straight in regardless of his own danger."

"That night, the fighting shook the sky, and there were screams. It was only at dawn that all the gangsters in Black Wind Village were killed."

When talking about Governor Ge, the shopkeeper looked longingly and seemed to have great admiration for this parent officer.

Seeing Fan Xin and others looking at each other, they did not expect that Governor Ge was a good official who won the hearts of the people.

After leaving the restaurant, Fan Xin patted Ge Hong on the shoulder.

"You have done a good job. I will personally ask Your Majesty for your credit when I return to the capital city."

Ge Hong was overjoyed and quickly bowed and saluted.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Fan, for your support. These are all matters within the lower official position."

"Well, go back and prepare. In three days, I will read out the imperial edict in public."

When he saw the foot of Qinghua Mountain, there was no one in front of him, and Fan Xin was about to go home.

Zhang Huan beside him suddenly pointed at the green smoke on the mountainside and said loudly.

"Xiang Fan, it's cold in the winter. Let's go to the fox hunter's house to buy some furs. I want to make furs for my wife."

Hearing these words, Ge Hong's face changed slightly, and an imperceptible panic flashed in his eyes.

He quickly handed over his hands.

"Xiang Fan, there are many ferocious beasts in Qinghua Mountain, why don't we come back another time?"

"It's okay. With Zhang Huan here, the wild beasts can't hurt us."

After speaking, he walked towards Qinghua Mountain.

He was curious about what ferocious beasts there could be on this bare mountain.

Looking at the backs of everyone, Ge Hong's face was uncertain, and finally he waved his sleeves bitterly and followed them.

Damn Zhang Yu, I clearly told him to drive the people away.

This is so damn foolable.

A group of four people came to the mountainside and discovered that the place where the smoke was coming was a simple tea shop.

Several villagers dressed as hunters sat at the table chatting.

Seeing their arrival, one of the simple old hunters wiped his hands on his cotton robe and came up to them.

"Young masters, where did you come from?"

Because he had lived in the mountains for a long time, he did not recognize Ge Hong's identity.

Fan Xin bowed his hand politely.

"Old man, I'm from Youzhou. I heard that the leather goods in Lanzhou are good, so I went up the mountain to buy some."

Hearing that a few of them were leather goods collectors, the old Orion's expression was obviously relieved and he invited them to sit down at the tea table.

He picked off a few pieces of leather from the mud wall and said with a smile.

"The situation has been bad recently. We haven't gone down the mountain for a long time. I don't know the price. Can you give it to me?"

As soon as these words came out, Fan Xin's interest was immediately aroused.

Orions make a living by hunting, so it would be strange if they didn’t even know the price of their furs.

"Old man, I think this place is only a few miles away from Lanzhou City, so it shouldn't prevent you from selling your skins."

Before the old Orion could speak, a man sitting in front of the tea table snorted heavily.

"What the hell, the government has sealed the mountain for almost a month, who dares to go down the mountain!"

The old Orion glared at the man and said to Fan Xin with a wry smile.

"Young Master is from out of town and doesn't know the rules here. What Ge Laogou says is an imperial edict. No one can violate it, otherwise he won't survive the next day."

Fan Xin glanced at Ge Hong, whose face was ashen, and did not continue to ask any more questions. After purchasing the leather at a high price, he returned to the camp.

As soon as he entered the door, Ge Hong knelt on the ground with a bang and said guiltily.

"Xiang Fan, I beg you to apologize."

"Oh, what is Governor Ge's crime?"

After helping Ge Hong up, Fan Xin poured him a cup of tea and motioned for him to sit down.

After sitting down, Ge Hong said guiltily.

"To be honest, Xianguan added water to the good report. The number of bandits in Heifeng Village was only one thousand and two, and Xianguan reported dozens more.

Fan Xin thought it was something big, but it turned out that the number of people was overreported.

This kind of thing is an old practice tacitly accepted by the imperial court.

Military officers need it to gain military exploits, and the court needs it to boost the morale of the world.

So reporting dozens more heads is not a big deal.

Compared with this, he was more concerned about why the government blocked Qinghua Mountain for no reason and prevented the hunters from going down the mountain.

"Ge Jishi, I am a little curious. What made you blockade Qinghua Mountain for more than 20 days?"

(End of this chapter)