A small soldier of the frontier army in the late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 77 Double Happiness
The third day of the twelfth lunar month in the eighth year of Chongzhen is already the tenth day of January in the Gregorian calendar of later generations.

In the end of the new year, there has been no heavy snowfall in Baoan Prefecture, but light snowfall has continued. The streets and alleys in the state city are full of solid ice made of remnant snow, which is extremely slippery. Fine sand to prevent tripping and falling.

Wang Dou was wearing a thick leather robe and a fur cap on his head. His whole body was tightly wrapped, but he still felt abnormally cold.He was followed by Han Chao and several guards, but he found Zhang Gui's residence in the city. It was located in a large courtyard in Cheng'enfang, Xunyu City, next to a temple called Sanguan Temple, which was full of incense.

Zhang Guirong was promoted to be a farmer in Zhoucheng, and he held real power, so there were many people who fawned on him. The big house in front of him was given by a merchant in Zhoucheng. From the outside, the size of the house is quite large.

After Wang Dou's announcement, Zhang Gui greeted him personally, and his hearty laughter could be heard from a distance, and then he strode out, followed by his former team leader Zhang Tanggong, who was also smiling all over his face.

Seeing Zhang Gui, Wang Dou was stunned for a moment, but saw that he was wearing the Xiong Wei embroidered uniform of a fifth-rank military officer, and a beautiful unicorn bronze medal on his waist, but he was wearing the official uniform of a thousand households.

Wang Dou thought: "Could it be that the thieves from above have been rewarded?"

He stepped forward to salute: "Wang Dou has met your lord!"

Zhang Gui laughed and stepped forward to help Wang Dou up: "You and my brother, why should you be so polite?"

Wang Dou saluted meticulously, and he said with a smile: "It seems that the elder brother has been promoted, and the younger brother is here to congratulate!"

Zhang Gui's face was full of pride, and he said meaningfully: "You are not bad, brother!"

Seeing that Wang Dou and the others were blue from the cold, and their lips were purple, he said: "It's a bitterly cold day, come in quickly, today you and my brothers meet, let's have a few drinks."

Wang Dou followed him into the courtyard, and Han Chao and others followed behind with several huge gift boxes.

Seeing that the house was quite luxurious, Wang Dou couldn't help sighing: "Brother, this residence is very nice!"

Zhang Gui proudly said: "A gift from a businessman, with my brother's salary, how can I afford this house?"

When everyone entered the hall, there was a fire burning inside, and a warmth came to their faces, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Wang Dou took the gift list from Han Chao, handed it to him with both hands, and said with a smile: "My brother is very happy to be promoted, and my younger brother has never had time to congratulate him. This kind of kindness, brother Wanwang, don't dislike it!"

Zhang Gui took the gift list and looked at it. Seeing that the sum of all kinds of gifts might not be less than 15 taels, he laughed and said: "Brother, you are good at everything, but you are not good at all, and you are too careful. Anyway, brother If you have a heart, brother, you will not be polite!"

He ordered Zhang Tanggong to accept the gift, Wang Dou nodded to Zhang Tanggong with a smile, and Zhang Tanggong went down smiling.

Wang Dou and Zhang Gui made another bow to each other, sat down as guests and hosts, and offered tea. Zhang Gui said: "My brother, tell me, what's the matter with you coming to Zhoucheng this time, I know that you will go to the Three Treasures Hall for everything!"

Wang Dou gave a thumbs up: "The elder brother just understands the younger brother!"

After listening to Wang Dou's words, Zhang Gui murmured, "It's not a big problem if you want my brother to support some grain, rice and cattle. The scope of authority, I can do it right away, but the barren land will be free of grain for three years. This matter is old." Brother can’t be the master, you have to ask Mr. Xu who is a man of integrity!”

Wang Dou stood up and bowed deeply: "Thank you, brother!"

Zhang Gui patted his thigh: "Forget it, my brother will accompany you for a walk, and go to Mr. Xu's to see how it is!"

……

The mansion of Xu Zucheng, the integrity officer, is located in Xunyu City, not far from Baoan Prefecture. It was originally a garrison mansion.

In front of the Zhishou mansion, I saw a huge courtyard, and the front of the courtyard was paved with big blue stones.In front of the gate of Shigu, there are several huge horse-mounting stones lying on the side, and there are thick horse-tied stone piles beside them, which is imposing.

Arriving here, Zhang Gui was also cautious, he smiled and explained the situation to the porter, handed the name badge, and stuffed money, and the porter proudly went in to report.

Zhang Gui said with a smile to Wang Dou: "The seventh-rank official in front of the Prime Minister's gate, don't look at this small concierge, you can't afford to offend him!"

Wang Dou said gratefully: "It's all my younger brother's business, that's why my elder brother is so troublesome!" At the same time, he thought to himself, in the future when he is in a high position, he must reform this kind of concierge system, so as not to hinder his subordinates from doing things.

Zhang Gui waved his hands nonchalantly: "They're all brothers from my own family, so if you say that, you'll be offended!"

The man who came out of the mansion was a burly middle-aged officer, but it was Yang Dongmin, the general beside Xu Zucheng. He bowed his hands to Zhang Gui and saw Wang Dou again. He laughed and said, "So it's Brother Wang. When I was talking about you, you came, and if I really said that Cao Cao is here, Cao Cao will be there!"

Wang Dou said with a smile, "I'm here today, but I'm going to bother my brother."

Yang Dongmin laughed loudly and said, "My brother, why bother?"

Looking at Han Chao and several guards beside Wang Dou, there was an expression of appreciation in his eyes: "Brother, these servants are good, they have trained vigorously!"

Wang Dou smiled slightly, but didn't point it out.

Everyone followed Yang Dongmin into the mansion, and they seemed to be able to walk through endless pavilions, courtyards, and courtyards, all the way to the front of the living room in the backyard.In the courtyard of the living room, there is an old pagoda tree with luxuriant branches, which is still full of greenery in this cold winter.

Entering the living room, the inside is as warm as spring, and I saw Xu Zucheng, the integrity officer, wearing casual fur and fur, lying on a soft chair with his eyes closed.

The soft chair was cushioned with brocade silk cotton, and two maids were tapping Xu Zucheng's bones.Around the living room, there are girls and mothers standing in silence.In the living room, most of them are huanghuali official hat chairs, huanghuali household utensils, and the aura of wealth and nobility blows across your face.

It seems that this state city is different, and the lives of upper-ranking officers and lower-ranking officers are also very different.

Being able to come to the backyard of the integrity officer is also a sign that Wang Dou and others have become Xu Zucheng's confidantes. Seeing that Xu Zucheng is resting with his eyes closed, Zhang Gui and Wang Dou dare not move a little.This kind of rich and solemn style also made Han Chao and others dare not show their arrogance.

Yang Dongmin signaled Wang Dou and the others to wait a moment, he came to Xu Zucheng's side lightly, and called softly: "My lord, Mr. Zhang and Mr. Wang are here."

"Oh?"

Yang Dongmin called out a few times, Xu Zucheng opened his eyes, saw Zhang Gui and Wang Dou standing beside him respectfully, turned over and sat up, and said, "Are you here?"

He patted his head again, and sighed: "Time is not forgiving, I didn't expect to fall asleep like this."

Zhang Gui said with a smile: "How old are you, my lord? You are in good spirits."

Wang Dou estimated that Xu Zucheng was only 45 or [-] years old, but his hair was already grey. I haven't seen him for a while. His hair seems to be even grayer. It seems that he is in a high position and is under great pressure
After hearing Zhang Gui's words, Xu Zucheng laughed, and said, "Zhang Gui, you just know how to talk."

His voice was loud, and after looking around, he regained his former majesty, like a sleeping lion waking up.

Wang Dou strode forward, kowtowed to Xu Zucheng, Xu Zucheng bowed slightly, seeing Wang Dou walking vigorously, extremely energetic, his face full of fleshy Chinese characters showed a smile, and said gently: "Wang Dou, get up. "

Wang Dou followed the sound, and Xu Zucheng looked at Wang Dou carefully, and saw that although he was covered in travel and dust, his eyes were sharp, and he was young and strong, and it was the time when he was unstoppable. Such a young general was exactly what he needed.

He sat upright on the chair and said solemnly: "Tell me, Wang Dou, what is the purpose of you coming to the mansion today?"

Zhang Gui hurriedly stepped forward and explained the matter, he said with a smile: "Brother Wang has a fair heart, but the difficulty is indeed great, no, he has no choice but to come to Zhoucheng for help."

Xu Zucheng came from Shun Township Fort, of course he knew the local situation, he sighed: "Wang Dou, you have such a heart, it's really hard for you."

He mused, "Wanted land can be exempted from grain for three years, but Wang Dou, can you guarantee to complete the original amount of grain in Shunbao's farming?"

Wang Dou's face was troubled, he bowed his head for a while, and said with a bite: "I will definitely complete it, and I will live up to my lord's high expectations!"

Xu Zucheng laughed loudly, and said several times: "Okay, okay!"

He once heard from his subordinates that after Wang Dou took over Shun Township Castle, a series of things were done with great fanfare. This Wang Dou can be regarded as a diligent person. It is a great political achievement for me to collect grain.

Lord Li Yi'an, the guard of the Acropolis, is 55 years old this year, and he won't be able to do it for a few years. After he retires, who will take over the position of guard?At that time, the competition will definitely be fierce. If he has Wang Dou's political achievements to help him, his confidence will be greatly strengthened.

Expropriating grain now is killing chickens to extract eggs. Xu Zucheng is not a short-sighted person, and he is not in a hurry.

plus...

Xu Zucheng smiled at Wang Dou and said, "Wang Dou, in September, my security guards will suppress bandits and exorcise bandits. Wang Dou, you attacked and killed the bandit camp, beheaded more than [-] bandits, and captured more than [-] bandits. The capture is useless. Recorded as the first meritorious service! In addition, you made great achievements in exterminating Siliangqing bandits last year. Countless meritorious deeds have been achieved. According to Mr. Huailai’s military preparation, Mr. Shiwei, the Ministry of War has rewarded you. job!"

Wang Dou was stunned for a while, and then he was overjoyed. He didn't expect that he would be promoted from General Banner to Thousand Households, jumping several levels in between, which was really unexpected.

It turned out that after the military merits were reported, the meritorious service list was in the hands of Ji Shiwei, Huailong's soldier, and Ji Shiwei had always been deeply impressed by Wang Dou.Last year, he was exempted from Emperor Chongzhen's censure and punishment because of the military exploits of Wang Dou and others. Unexpectedly, this year, Wang Dou would make great contributions again.After highlighting Wang Dou in the list, he happily let his favorite youngest daughter Ji Junjiao play the flute and play the piano for fun.

With the unintentional efforts of all parties, Wang Dou's current result came about.

Of course, Wang Dou was not alone in the harvest. As the integrity officer of Baoanzhou City, Xu Zucheng also made contributions.Because of this promotion, Xu Zucheng had the idea of ​​competing for the defensive position in the future.

Similarly, Zhang Gui was also honored and officially became Zhengqianhu. Although he and Wang Dou are both Qianhu, but he is the governor of the state city, and his position of power is naturally much stronger than Wang Dou.There is still one piece of rewards, and Wang Dou can't finish asking for a while.

Originally, according to the Weisuo system of the Ming Dynasty, after Wang Dou was promoted to Zhengqianhu, he had to go to the capital to report for assessment, but now that the Ming Dynasty is in chaos, the Weisuo officials are not worth much, so the Ministry of War directly issued the official document, and Wang Dou The straight manager Shangguan informed.

……

Zhang Gui congratulated Wang Dou, Wang Dou was all smiles, Han Chao and the others next to him were also overjoyed, after your lord was promoted, they also rose accordingly, presumably, you have a share in this reward.

Xu Zucheng smiled and said: "Originally when the documents from the Ministry of War came down, I wanted to send someone to notify you. It happened that you came, so I informed you here. When you go down, let Yang Dongmin and Zhang Gui go with you, and they will make an official announcement. With your promotion, it will be more glorious to be promoted in front of others, and let others see that you are the person next to me, Xu Zucheng!"

Wang Dou quickly thanked him.

Xu Zucheng asked intentionally or unintentionally: "There is a team officer named Wen Fangliang at Shunxiang Fort. He is the nephew of Wen Shiyan, the former city management officer of the prefecture. Are you looking for trouble?"

A figure of a young military officer in his 20s appeared in Wang Dou's mind. This man was handsome and very attractive to women, but he smiled all day long and looked like a playboy.

Wang Dou also heard that there used to be a Tuenguan officer in Zhoucheng named Wen Shiyan, who was at odds with Xu Zucheng. Xu Zucheng has always been jealous and disgusted with Wen Shiyan.

It seems that in the past, Du Zhen of Shun Township Fort began to disobey Xu Zhongjun because of his relationship with Wen Shiyan.

Hearing what Xu Zucheng said at this time, he hurriedly said: "It's nothing to make trouble for. After the official returns, I will immediately check this Wen Fangliang's background."

Xu Zucheng snorted: "If anyone in Shunbao dares to sing against you, please come and tell me as much as possible."

Wang Dou thanked him again.

……

On the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month in the eighth year of Chongzhen, after staying in Zhoucheng for two days, Wang Dou returned to Shunxiang Fort.

Accompanying him were Yang Dongmin and Zhang Gui. In addition, there were a group of miscellaneous military servicemen from Baoanzhou City.

During this trip, Wangdou had a fruitful harvest. He brought fifty oxen, sixty pairs of plow tools, more than 200 hoes, and more than 300 shi of grain and rice from the city.

Hearing that Wang Dou returned with a full load, especially the reward from the Ministry of War this time, everyone in Shunxiang Fort was very happy, but went to the south gate of Shunxiang Fort to greet him.

Unlike in front of Wang Dou, in front of everyone in Shun Township, Zhang Gui and Yang Dongmin are very proud, especially Zhang Gui, when he used to come to Shun Township, he would nod and bow to everyone, with a smile, but now He was promoted to the governor of Zhoucheng, whoever saw him, don't be polite?

For a while, he felt quite the honor of returning home.

All the military officials in the fort admired Wang Dou's skills when they saw the grain and rice vehicles coming in mighty force, and the strong bleating cattle. There are so many supplies.With these oxen and farm tools, the chances of winning will be even greater next year when opening up wasteland in the castle.The more than 300 stone grains and rice also reassured everyone that this New Year's Eve will be better.

Lin Daofu, who was in charge of farming in the fort, was even more grinning from ear to ear.He personally ordered these cattle farm implements to be put into storage.

Among the group of people who greeted him, Wang Dou took a special look at Wen Fangliang. This young and handsome officer still had a playful smile, but he just stood in the crowd and looked at the cows, Mimai, with a surprised expression on his face.From Wang Dou's point of view, he gave Wang Dou a split-mouthed smile, reminiscent of a sunny youth.

After Wang Dou and others surrounded Zhang Gui and Yang Dongmin into the fort, they were a little surprised to see the inside of the Shun Township fort.

Zhang Gui sighed: "My brother is really talented, I haven't seen you for a short time, this Shunbao has changed, tsk tsk..."

He was amazed, and Yang Dongmin nodded again and again.

Wang Dou smiled and said, "The two old brothers are overrated."

All the military officers entered the thousand-household government hall, gathered together, and sat down as guests and hosts.

Yang Dongmin came out boldly and announced to everyone the promotion and appointment of Wang Dou. Wang Dou, the former chief banner officer of Dongjiazhuang in Shun Township Fort, had meritorious service in suppressing thieves. , Still serving as the defense officer of Shun Township Fort.

He paused, then took out another official document and said: "Military selection, inspector security guard Zuoqianhu, who is in charge of Qianhu Wangdou, dedicated to his duties, can be used for investigation, and is specially awarded the honor of Xiaoqiwei. This member needs to do his best. , lived up to the high expectations of the appointment!"

The officers in the hall were in an uproar, and Wang Dou was also stunned.

Regardless of whether they were officials or generals in the Ming Dynasty, after entering the officialdom, they could obtain "sanjie" according to their grades, and the name of the "sanjie" was related to their grades.There are 42 grades for civil servants, and the performance appraisal every three years is used as the standard for promotion and promotion.There are also [-] ranks for military officers, and the salary corresponding to each rank is different.

After Wang Dou was promoted to Zhengqianhu, he was first awarded the Sanjie of General Wude, with a monthly salary of sixteen shi. At the same time, his current wife also has the title of Gongren.A few years later, he will be promoted to the rank of general Wujie, and his salary will increase at the same time.

Only civil and military officials with outstanding achievements can be awarded honors at the same time, civil officials of the fifth rank are awarded honors to Xiu Yin, and military officers of the fifth rank are awarded honors to Xiaoqiwei!With this honor, not to mention the immediate increase of a few stones in the monthly salary, it is also a powerful consideration for future promotion.

Every official has a loose rank, and not every civil official and military general can get this honor.

Wang Dou didn't know why he was able to get the honor of Captain Xiaoqi, it was too unexpected, how could he not be stunned for a while?
The officials of the Shunxiang Fort below saw Zhang Gui and Yang Dongmin from Zhoucheng personally came to announce Wang Dou's promotion, and they were already envious. This proved Wang Dou's position in the mind of Mr. Xu, the integrity officer, and saw that Wang Dou was awarded Xiaoqi Wei's Rong Xun has different moods.

Lin Daofu also looked gloomy. He worked hard, but he couldn't get a promotion. Why are everyone's official fortunes so different?Fortunately, the new Lord Defender thinks highly of himself, Lin Daofu has already made up his mind, and will hug Wang Dou's thick thigh tightly from now on.

Only Han Chao and Han Zhong in the hall were very excited and proud of Wang Dou.

Yang Dongmin also looked at Wang Dou with admiration, this kid is very lucky, Wu Xun is extremely difficult to get, but this kid got it, does this kid have something to do with the Ministry of War?Thinking of this, Yang Dongmin even thought of making friends with Wang Dou.

He smiled and said, "Wang Qianhu, take over!"

Wang Dou agreed loudly, and took the official uniform seal, waist badge and other things handed over by Yang Dongmin one by one.Then he pleaded guilty, went in and changed his official clothes, and came out. When he came out, he was already wearing the official uniform of Xiong Yuqianhu, which was embroidered with the fifth-rank military officer, and the exquisite unicorn bronze medal of Xiaoqiwei on his waist. Wearing official boots, the momentum is different.

The current Wang Dou, as a member of a thousand households in the guard, and also the defense officer of Shun Township Fort, is already eligible to be included in the imperial review post selected by the Ministry of War. What.

After Wang Dou came out, everyone in Shun Township Fort greeted him again. The current Wang Dou, with the position of a thousand households, served as the defense officer of Shun Township Castle.

Next, it was Wang Dou who replaced Yang Dongmin and read to everyone in Shun Xiangbao about the promotion of the Shangguan.

Han Chao and Han Zhong were originally assigned the general banner, but this time they have made meritorious service, and both of them actually awarded hundreds of households.

Zhong Tiaoyang, Department General Banner.

Gao Shiyin was originally a small flag, but this time he made great contributions and was promoted to a hundred households.

Yang Tong, General Banner of the Department.

These are Wang Dou's direct descendants in the past, except for the two Han and Chao brothers, the rest of them must be informed to come to Shun Township Castle to collect their confessions.Especially Gao Shiyin and Yang Tong, originally Wang Dou asked them to serve as Dongjiazhuang management team officer and post team officer, it is inevitable that many people were dissatisfied and there were many private discussions, now the two are justified.

Han Chao and Han Zhong were very happy to take their official uniforms and say goodbye, thinking that following the adults would have a bright future.There are also some officers of Shunxiang Fort who participated in the war against bandits last time, and everyone was rewarded.However, it is mostly a few verbal praises, or a few people get some extra salary, without any real benefits.

Lin Daofu was like this, the notice documents praised him like crazy, but he didn't even add a grain of salary, which made his face full of bitterness.

Only Wen Fangliang, the official of Shun Township Baoyuan Hundred Households, was promoted to Deputy Thousand Households at a young age. Sure enough, there are people in charge.

After the reward was raised, some people were happy while others were worried.

Wang Dou hosted a banquet in honor of Yang Dongmin, Zhang Gui and his party who came to Shun Township Castle.At the banquet, there were many people toasting to the two, especially the officers of the old Shunxiang Fort army, who took turns to join the battle. A toast is mostly just a taste.

But when Wang Dou made a toast to him, Yang Dongmin toasted to him several times in a row, making the people below jealous.

……

The next day, after Yang Dongmin and Zhang Gui went back, news spread that Wang Dou was promoted to Zhengqianhu. The military households in Shunxiang Fort and Jingbian Fort were all happy. Gao Shiyin and Yang Tong learned that After the news that he was rewarded, he rushed from Dongjiazhuang to collect the confession papers.

When Zhong Tiaoyang came from Jingbian Fort, he brought a piece of good news, Xie Xiuniang was happy, and now all the military households in Jingbian Fort are celebrating.

Wang Dou was also overjoyed, this time he was really double-happy.

Thinking of myself and my wife getting together less and leaving more, we separated within seven days of getting married.Now that I have gained a firm foothold in Shunxiangbao, and my wife is happy again, I should bring Xie Xiuniang and her mother to live in Shunxiangbao, so that I can take care of them nearby.

(End of this chapter)