Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 373: Xu Hou was defeated? ? ? [Thank you! Goodbye! I owe you words]

The Chinese Valentine's Day has just passed.

The capital of Guangnan West Road was Guizhou.

The afterglow of the setting sun disappeared into the horizon.

In Guizhou City,

Next to a fairly busy and bustling street,
There is a two-story restaurant with a large plaque hanging on the main entrance, with three large characters "Saifanlou" engraved on it.

Under the wine flag in front of Saifan Tower,

A very strong young man was looking curiously at the door of a wealthy family diagonally opposite the restaurant.

Someone was coming out of the door carrying a thick bamboo pole, ready to put it on a ox cart and take it away.

At this time,

A man with a square face, thick eyebrows and small eyes, who was about the same size as the young man, walked out of Saifan Building and said, "Xiao Duan, have you seen anyone?"

The young man shook his head: "Brother Shen, I didn't see it!"

"So what were you looking at just now? Why were you so engrossed?"

Xiao Duan pointed to the door of the rich family and said, "Brother Shen, what do you think such a thick bamboo pole is used for?"

After thinking for a while, 'Brother Shen' said, "Maybe this family is using it to build the Qiqiao Tower!"

Hearing this, Xiao Duan's eyes lit up and said, "Hey, it's really possible! Brother Shen, how did you come up with this idea?"

I don't know what this 'Big Brother Shen' was thinking of. He said with a happy smile on his face:

"How did I think of that? When we were in Yuzhou, your sister-in-law Zou and my younger sister would pray every Chinese Valentine's Day! Your sister-in-law asked me to build that thing many times!"

Xiao Duan nodded, glanced into the distance, and said:
"Brother Shen, do you think that young Master Xiong will come to our place? I heard that many people in Guizhou City want to invite him!"

That 'Big Brother Shen' hesitated and said: "He should come, if he didn't come, I would have refused him long ago!"

Xiao Duan replied, "But it's almost dark now and we haven't seen anyone yet! Brother Shen, if we and Lao Geng had gone to the army of Marquis Tuoxi or Marquis Yongyi, we would have fought in battle with real swords and guns, and we wouldn't have to endure this kind of humiliation!"

"I heard from someone that the boy surnamed Guo next to this young Master Xiong is a member of the same clan as Marquis Yongyi. In less than a year, he was promoted to deputy commander of a battalion due to his meritorious service!"

That 'Big Brother Shen' sighed, "Who says it's not true! But your sister-in-law asked me, saying that it is easy to make meritorious deeds under the command of these two marquises, but how many people will die during sieges and field battles?"

Xiao Duan was embarrassed.

"Now that we can use my brother-in-law's status as a royal family member to find a military position here to recruit soldiers and train troops, it's already good enough! And..."

'Big Brother Shen' looked around and saw that there was no one around him, so he continued, "And Ce Ying wrote to me two days ago, saying that His Majesty intends to expand a few armies in Guizhou. If we build a good relationship with this young Lord Xiong, maybe we can serve under Viscount Xie and become a commander in the future!"

Xiao Duan: "Ah? Viscount Xie? Brother Shen, you mean the deity standing behind this young master is from the Xie family? But one is an earl and the other is a viscount."

'Big Brother Shen' shook his head and said, "According to Ce Ying's letter, this young master is engaged to the third daughter of Lord Xie. In the future, he will be the brother-in-law of the son of Marquis Yongyi. Lord Xie's younger sister is married to a member of the Zheng family of Marquis Zhongjing."

Xiao Duan nodded and said, "The Xu family and the Gu family are relatives, no wonder the young masters of the Guangnan West Road Marshal's Office, the prefectural governor and other families all came to the banquet."

That 'Big Brother Shen' continued, "Not only that, Lao Geng said that when he invited the people around the young master to drink, he heard that he also visited the residences of Lord Wu in Huainan Road and Lord Shen in Jinghu South Road on the way!"

"Brother Shen, before we left, the militia did mention that Viscount Xie had helped Lord Shen before! Then what is the relationship between Lord Wu and this young master?"

"Mr. Wu's brother works in the Ministry of Revenue, and his sister, Madam Wu, is the wife of the Marquis of Yongchang. Maybe they are relatives that we don't know about! Look, someone is coming! Tell Lao Geng to come down!"

Hearing this, Xiao Duan hurriedly looked and saw a group of six or seven people riding horses towards them.

Xiong Yan and others arrived at the gate of Saifan Tower and dismounted.

The 'Big Brother Shen' came forward with two people, smiling and bowing, saying: "I am Shen Congxing."

Xiao Duan: "My humble servant Duan Chengqian"

The last one to go downstairs was Lao Geng: "I am Geng Jiechuan"

"Hello, young uncle!"

When the three were about to bow, Xiong Yan stepped forward, held Shen Congxing's arm, and said:

"Sister Shen is married to Zhao Tuanlian of Yuzhou, a royal relative! This kid is not worthy of your gift!"

Xiong Yan looked at the three strong men and said, "I just entertained several business managers from the elders' families in Beijing. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for a long time. I'll have a drink to apologize later."

Shen Congxing extended his hand and said with a smile: "Young uncle, you are too polite! It is an honor for us to have you here! Please go upstairs!"

"please"

While Shen Congxing and Xiong Yan were talking, Lao Geng and Xiao Duan were entertaining Guo Zhui, Yu Zhi and others and were heading upstairs.

Everyone sat down in a private room on the second floor facing the street. During the meal, local delicacies of Guizhou and dishes imitating those of Fanlou in Bianjing were served.

As they were drinking, Shen Congxing put down the glass in his hand and said:
"Young Master, you are right! The most capable fighters in Guangnan West Road, apart from the imperial guards under Viscount Xie, are the 4,000 foreign soldiers led by Tianzhou to make Nong Jing'an safe."

"After the Lantern Festival this year, we had several conflicts with Jiaozhi. Viscount Xie and Coach Nong cooperated with each other and won several games!"

Xiong Yan nodded and pondered for a moment before saying, "I heard that this coach Tianzhou has married several wives?"

Geng Jiechuan, who was standing nearby, had a tigress and said with some envy, "Young Master is right. I heard that those women are the daughters or sisters of the chiefs of the barbarians around Tianzhou! Tsk~"

Xiong Yan looked at Lao Geng and smiled slightly, "Brother Shen, I also heard that Nong Jing'an has two sisters who married into the Yong Palace?"

"Yes, Prince Yong has many heirs! Prince Yong's two younger brothers each took a concubine."

"So it seems that Prince Yong has some influence in Guangnan West Road."

Shen Congxing said, "My nephew said that this can't be helped! Now the war with Baigao Kingdom in the north is fierce, and Jiaozhi in the south has repeatedly invaded the border. It would be good for our Great Zhou if Prince Yong married them."

Xiong Yan nodded and said, "Brother Shen is right."

Looking at Xiong Yan's drunken young face, Shen Congxing thought about the letter from his nephew Zhao Ceying and gritted his teeth and said:
"Viscount Xie and Coach Nong are facing Jiaozhi in the south. We are recruiting soldiers and training the army in Guizhou to help King Yong guard against various situations. We are also prepared for any eventuality!"

"After all, Guizhou is an important land and water point on the Guangnan West Road heading north to the Central Plains."

Hearing this, Xiong Yan raised his glass and said with a much more friendly look: "Brother Shen, you are right! Please!"

Looking into Xiong Yan's eyes, Shen Congxing understood something and quickly raised his glass.

After finishing a cup, Xiong Yan looked at the look in Xiao Duan's eyes when he looked at the big sword in the hand of the Xiong family's servant, and waved his hand and said, "Show it to Brother Xiao Duan!"

Duan Chengqian was stunned, and quickly stood up and raised his glass, saying, "Thank you, young uncle!"

Lao Geng and Xiao Duan admired the big sword.

Xiong Yan was talking to Shen Congxing about the origin of this great sword.

Shen Congxing held up the wine glass. After listening to Xiong Yan's words, his eyes were full of memories as he said, "Jing'er, the fifth son of the Xu family? I remember when His Majesty celebrated his birthday, my nephew went to the palace to celebrate and was bullied by the Prince of Yong. It was Jing'er and the second son of the Gu family who helped him out!"

Xiong Yan was stunned and said, "Oh? There is such a thing!"

"That's right! Unfortunately, my brother-in-law was afraid that he would be accused by the censors of having connections with nobles and generals, so he didn't let my nephew go to look for the brothers of these two families in the following years."

Xiong Yan said: "Lord Zhao is a man of integrity and a man of duty! His Majesty and the Queen also praised him!"

Hearing this, Shen Congxing raised his glass somewhat embarrassedly: "Young Master is right!"

After having a good meal and a few drinks, Xiong Yan and Shen Congxing went downstairs together.

Before parting, Xiong Yan said, "Brother Shen and the other brothers are all used to working under Master Zhao Tuanlian. I will have to trouble you a lot with Guizhou's affairs in the future."

Xiao Duan and Lao Geng looked at each other happily, then they bowed together with Shen Congxing in front of them and said, "Thank you, young uncle!"

After saying goodbye, Geng Jiechuan came to Shen Congxing and said, "Old Shen, this Xiong family boy is only in his twenties. He is quite shrewd despite his young age."

Shen Congxing nodded: "My wife said that there is no shortage of tigers and wolves in Bianjing, and no shortage of elite people. How can someone who was chosen to come here not have outstanding qualities?"

"This young master, he is naturally like this in front of us! If he were in front of the sons of dukes of equal status, he would probably be in a different state!"

Xiao Duan said on the side: "What the Zou family's sister-in-law said is always reasonable."

Shen Congxing patted Xiao Duan on the shoulder, and the three of them left while chatting and laughing.

mid-July,

The Ghost Festival is approaching.
There were many vendors selling all kinds of funerary objects on the streets of Bianjing, and the shelves were filled with all kinds of daily necessities made of colored paper, including clothes, shoes, hats, and so on.

2:30 pm (after 1:30 pm)
East of the Imperial City,

In the streets near the palace walls,

Chai family,

Qiushengyuan,
In the hall, Fu Yi stood beside the table and looked at Chai Zhengzheng who was sitting on the chair: "Miss, do you want to add or delete anything I have said?"

Chai Zhengzheng looked down at the account book in front of him and whispered, "Buy some peaches as offerings, and buy a few wooden combs to burn for Qingxue and the others. Buy the rest as you said."

"Yes, girl!"

After Fu Yi left the desk, Chai Zhengzheng took a deep breath, dispelled the grief in his mind, and continued to look at the account books of the stores under his name.

"crash"

The bead curtain hanging in the middle of the hall partition was drawn aside, and Yunmu walked over in a hurry.

Chai Zhengzheng looked up, put down the brush in his hand, and said in a deep voice: "What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"

Yunmu came up to Chai Zhengzheng and said in a hurry: "Miss, when I went to Miss Wei's store just now, I heard a customer say, "

"Huh? What did you say?"

"A guest said that Marquis Yongyi was defeated by the Baigao Kingdom's garrison commander outside the Baigao Kingdom's Keyi Gate Fortress!"

"what!!!"

Chai Zhengzheng's eyes widened, he stood up, frowned and asked anxiously: "Defeated? Is Marquis Yongyi okay?"

Then he said, "How could this happen?"

Yunmu sighed, "It is said that after a series of great victories, Marquis Yongyi underestimated the enemy and led his troops directly to the battle line outside the Keyi Gate. As a result..."

"Before the Marquis of Yongyi could finish his battle formation, the Baigao Kingdom's defenders took advantage of the terrain and rushed in with their iron kites, causing chaos in their formation! Many people were killed!"

"I heard that Marquis Yongyi was also injured."

Chai Zhengzheng: "Is the injury serious?"

Yunmu shook her head: "This servant didn't hear it."

Chai Zhengzheng exhaled, sat back in his chair with a serious expression, and said: "Marquis Yongyi conquered Houqu before, which was a great achievement! This kind of failure should not be a big deal."

"What happened at this time, Yunmu, have you found out?"

Yunmu frowned and shook his head slightly, saying:

"Miss, I rushed back as soon as I heard the news. I didn't have time to inquire! I only heard that when His Majesty went to court today, his face looked very bad! I don't think it's as you said, that there is nothing wrong."

Chai Zhengzheng frowned and looked at Yunmu: "Why?"

Yunmu said, "Miss, because at the morning court today, there are officials who are reporting this matter to Marquis Yongyi! They are advising His Majesty to call Marquis Yongyi back from the north to punish him! Some people also said that we should replace him with an experienced and prudent old noble to preside over this matter!"

Chai Zhengzheng: "Who should go instead?"

Yunmu: "I heard that some people said that Duke Anguo should be replaced, some said that Duke Lingguo should be asked to come out of retirement, and some said that Duke Hanguo is very powerful."

Chai Zhengzheng shook his head and said, "How old are these people!"

"Young lady, you are right! During the court session, the two Marquises, Zhongshan Marquis and Jinxiang Marquis, recommended themselves, but it seems that His Majesty did not express much."

"Yunmu, where is the Marquis of Xiangyang? Has anyone recommended himself, or has His Majesty mentioned the Marquis of Xiangyang?"

"I didn't hear anyone mention the Marquis of Xiangyang!"

Hearing this, Chai Zhengzheng's eyes were full of thought, and he slowly sat back in his seat.

Rong family,

Back to the gate of the Snow Courtyard,
Rong Xian, who had just finished his shift, was wearing the armor of the imperial guards and was looking into the yard.

Hearing his sister say "Ma'am, take care," Rong Xian hurriedly walked a few steps out of the yard and hid aside.

He leaned over to see Nanny Kong, who had a neat bun and a solemn face, disappear at the moon gate planted with flowers. Rong Xian then walked out slowly, adjusted his helmet, and entered Huixue Courtyard.

"The young master is here!" a little maid shouted at the door.

Rong Xian lowered his head and walked through the gauze curtain opened by the maid. After taking off the helmet on his head, he sat on a chair beside him and said, "Sister, why did you call me here in such a hurry? What's the matter?"

Rong Feiyan turned her back and dusted the paintings on the wall with a duster, while the maid walked out in small steps and called all the maids in the room out.

After walking out of the house,
Rong Feiyan then turned around and bit her lower lip and said, "Brother, have any people from the Fuguo family blocked you these past two days?"

Rong Xian curled his lips and said, "As handsome as your brother is, the Dou family will naturally not give up easily. Why are you concerned about me today?"

Rong Feiyan nodded to Ningxiang, and the maid Ningxiang understood and went to the room nearby to bring out a small wooden box.

Looking at the small wooden box being placed on the table, Rong Feiyan said, "Brother, you know what happened to the Xu family of Marquis Yongyi today, right?"

Rong Xian glanced at the small wooden box and nodded indifferently: "Are you talking about the defeat of Marquis Yongyi?"

Rong Feiyan looked at Rong Xian solemnly: "Yes!"

Rong Xian said: "I see, victory and defeat are common in the military, it's no big deal!"

Rong Feiyan frowned and said, "But, I heard from the maid that it is widely rumored that His Majesty wants to punish Marquis Yongyi."

Rong Xian glanced at his sister, then at the wooden box on the table, and said hesitantly, "Sister, you are not going to deduct your brother's pocket money because of the Xu family's trouble, right?"

Rong Feiyan said angrily: "Brother, I'm talking to you about serious matters! Why are you still thinking about your pocket money?"

Rong Xian shook his head, took the herbal tea handed over by Ning Xiang, drank it leisurely, and said: "What do you know, little girl in the inner house?"

Rong Feiyan: "Brother, what do I know? What don't I understand?"

Rong Xian curled his lips in a noncommittal manner.

Looking at Rong Xian's expression, Rong Feiyan said, "Brother, if you can give me a reason, I will give you extra pocket money for this month!"

(End of this chapter)