Reborn in the last years of Kangxi

Chapter 315
Zhangjiakou is more than 28 miles away from the capital city. Cao Yong, Tang Zhiyu and two officials from the Taipu Temple brought their respective family members with them. A group of more than ten people set off from the capital city on the afternoon of March [-] and arrived at Zhangjiakou Station on the afternoon of March [-]. .

When everyone dismounted, Cao Yong and others were fine, but Tang Zhiyu's body was already stiff, panting and unable to speak.The servant he brought hurriedly helped him off the horse, and said worriedly: "Master..."

Panting heavily, Tang Zhiyu got off the horse, her legs were already not close together.Cao Yong was watching, but also couldn't bear it.

Tang Zhiyu is a southerner with a thin appearance. He is in his 40s and was born in a major.At this time, people in their 40s can call themselves "old people", and their bones really have not been tossed.

There are four officials and aides in the Taipu Temple, and Cao Yong's thinking is also in choosing Tang Zhiyu to come with him.Lu Jingyuan was a decoration, and he only came to the yamen to drink tea to pass the time. Tang Zhiyu was a Han official, and he stayed in Taipu Temple to preside over government affairs.Therefore, Cao Yong chose Tang Zhiyu to go with him.

Looking at it now, it seems a little difficult for Tang Zhiyu to accompany him on horseback.

Yi Cheng had already come out to greet them, Zhang Yi stepped forward with the documents and explained the identities of everyone.

Because everyone was wearing ordinary clothes, Yi Cheng didn't think that Cao Yong, the youngest among them, was the chief officer, but thought Tang Zhiyu was.Originally, he thought that since he was promoted from a third-rank official, he would be appointed and rewarded.

However, seeing Tang Zhiyu wearing a half-new long gown and torn and faded official boots, the enthusiasm in Yicheng's heart eased a bit.It seems that he is still an "upright official".The more officials are like this, the more impatient the post station will be to receive them. Not to mention the lack of rewards, it is not annoying to put on the official prestige.

Although he was full of slander in his heart, Yicheng still bowed forward and said with a smile to Tang Zhiyu: "There are a lot of officials who have gone out of the mouth these days. The upper room was full, and it happened that an adult left in the afternoon. The next official will leave now." Get someone to clean it up. Other adults, I'm afraid they will..." As he spoke, he looked at the others.

When he saw Cao Yong, the postman stopped talking.Although Cao Yong is dressed in ordinary clothes, the horses around him are first-class horses.In addition, at the moment Cao Yong is smiling, watching Yicheng talk to Tang Zhiyu, it seems that Yicheng is a little uncertain.

"Other adults, I'm afraid we have to...wait for a while, let Xiaoguan see if we can free up two more upper rooms." The Yicheng wanted to let other people live in worse guest rooms, but the words were on the verge of his mouth , and changed his mouth abruptly.

Tang Zhiyu nodded, pointed to Cao Yong, and said to the postman, "This is Mr. Cao, Minister of Taipusi. If you have a roommate, please ask someone to lead Mr. Cao to freshen up."

Seeing that Tang Zhiyu couldn't stand still, Cao Yong asked Zhao Tong to help Tang Zhiyu, and said: "Master Tang, you should go and rest first, the journey for the past two days is really hard. gone."

Seeing that he had admitted the wrong person, the Yicheng was afraid that Cao Yong would be unhappy, so he hurried forward to flatter him.

While speaking, everyone entered the station.Yicheng saw that among the 13 people in the group, six were the attendants of this "Master Cao", and this "Master Cao" was appointed as the third rank at this age, so he obviously had some status and was not an ordinary official.Therefore, he was so happy that he moved another upper room to accommodate Cao Yong and Tang Zhiyu.The other two subordinate officials did not have such good luck.

Although it is late spring, the weather here is slightly lower than that in Beijing.After Cao Yong finished washing, Xiaoman took out a thicker vest and asked Cao Yong to put it on.

In addition to Xiao Man, Wei Hei, Zhang Yi, and Zhao Tong, Cao Yong went out of Beijing this time, and there were two long-term followers.Because Cao Yong was temporarily appointed as the minister of Taipusi, and the long attendants around him were not enough, the old housekeeper told Cao Yong, and two more people came up.

Dinner has been delivered, nothing more than roast chicken, sauced meat and so on.After dinner, Cao Yong thought about Tang Zhiyu's situation.It is only halfway to Zhangjiakou, and we have to go another three hundred miles to the north to reach the Harani Dunjing Ranch.

It takes two or three days to go fast on horseback. Looking at Tang Zhiyu's situation, he may not be able to persist to the place.If it doesn't work, let him drive slowly in a car, and take a step ahead on horseback.After much deliberation, Cao Yong still felt that this was more appropriate.

Before Cao Yong went to look for Tang Zhiyu, Xiaoman came in with a chrysanthemum pear and a hundred treasures inlaid with lotus roots.

Seeing that the worship box was not a vulgar thing, Cao Yong asked, "Which adult gave it to you?"

Xiao Man shook his head with a smile and said: "Where is the lord, he is a servant of Prince Jian's mansion. I have seen it before, it is the nephew of Steward Cui, Shaoguo Zhuangzi in Daxing Town, named Cui Fei. He followed his uncle to our yamen last year. Now I have been promoted to be the manager of the palace, and I am transporting wine out of the mouth. I heard that the uncle is here, so I handed over the letter box."

Cao Yong remembered Cui Fei, a young man in his twenties, so he said to Xiao Man: "I'll go and see Mr. Tang, let him come and talk later!"

Xiaoman responded, and Cao Yong went to Tang Zhiyu's place next door.

The food was placed on the table, and it seemed that only two chopsticks were moved, and the rice remained untouched.Although the doors and windows were open, the stale air in the room did not dissipate.

Tang Zhiyu's face was innocent and a little ugly.Cao Yong looked at Tang Shun with a questioning look.

Tang Shun replied: "My master has a stomachache. He vomited after taking a bite. He just drank half a glass of boiled water to feel better."

Tang Zhiyu waved his hand to Tang Shun and said, "What are you talking about, hurry up and ask for hot water to make tea for Mr. Cao."

Tang Shun went down, and Tang Zhiyu asked Cao Yong to sit down.

Cao Yong saw that he was stiff and it was very inconvenient to walk, so he said: "It takes three days to go to the ranch. Tomorrow, the Japanese official will take people there first. Mr. Tang, should we change the car tomorrow?"

When Tang Zhiyu heard this, her face flushed red, she quickly shook her head and said, "I'm not in the way of being an official, and I will definitely not delay my lord's schedule!"

Cao Yong said: "Master Tang, don't get me wrong. It's not because of the lack of schedule. We don't know how long we will stay at the pasture. Don't rush for a day or two. If Master Tang hurts himself because of rushing, wait until the employer At that time, the errands were delayed instead. It would be more appropriate to change the carriage and refresh yourself on the road!"

Seeing Cao Yong's face full of sincerity, Tang Zhiyu was a little speechless.Although he was a little dissatisfied with his old age, he also knew that his bones might break apart after another two days of bumping.Therefore, he stood up and thanked Cao Yong solemnly.

Seeing that he was upright, Cao Yong admired him very much, unlike other literati who were full of flattery.

Seeing that he couldn't sit still, and his forehead was covered with fine sweat, Cao Yong didn't sit for a long time, said a few business matters, and then left first.

After returning to the room, Cao Yong asked Xiao Man to call Cui Fei over.Along with Cui Fei was a middle-aged man in his thirties.Not only was Cui Fei dressed very brightly, but the middle-aged man who came with him was also wearing a silk robe, which is not something ordinary people can wear.

Cui Fei had been in Cao Yong before, and when he saw him sitting at the table, he immediately came up and said, "I have seen Mr. Cao, please greet Mr. Cao!"

Although he is smart, Cao Yong is not a person who puts on airs. He stretched out his hand and said: "Get up quickly, I didn't expect to see you here! Are you coming from Beijing or Yizhou?"

Cui Fei got up, and said solemnly: "The young one came to Yizhou. When I came, I heard from my uncle that Master Cao went to the capital to celebrate Wanshou. I just heard that he is the master of Taipu Temple. The young one should only have the same name. , When I saw Brother Xiaoman, I knew that Master Cao had been promoted!" As he said, he introduced to Cao Yong: "This is Chen Jun'an, Master Chen, brother of Brother Jiu, who happened to be in Zhangjiakou as well. Grandpa was here, so I begged my little one to meet Grandpa Cao."

Although this is the first time I have met Cao Yong's uncle, Chen Jun'an, Brother Nine, he has already admired his name for a long time.This person is concerned about the vacancy of an alternate magistrate, but he acts like a merchant.

In the capital, Chen Jun'an is well-known as a "money-making expert".As long as the shops he has set his eyes on are not finished until he gets his hands on them.There were not ten, but eight businessmen who were forced to go bankrupt and hang themselves and jump into the river.To put it bluntly, he still relied on Brother Jiu's influence, he was a mad dog under Brother Jiu's sect.

"Consort Cao, I have admired your name for a long time, and it is my honor to meet you today!" Chen Jun'an clasped his fists and laughed.

Seeing Chen Jun'an scrutinizing himself, Cao Yong felt a burst of disgust.If he didn't know that the villain is difficult to deal with and he doesn't want to cause trouble, he really wanted to send this "money-making expert" out immediately.Therefore, he just nodded and said: "Since you are here, please sit down and talk!"

Cui Fei hurriedly said: "In front of Master Cao, how can there be a seat for a villain? It's more comfortable for a small person to stand and answer!"

On Chen Jun'an's side, he sat down aggressively, and said with a smile: "Everyone in Beijing has rumored that Cao Erfu is the tea boy next to the God of Wealth, but I don't believe it. Speaking of that, I don't think so." Did you say 'God of Wealth'?" As he spoke, he raised Erlang's legs and looked at Cao Yong with a look of color on his face.

It was rude to say this, Cui Fei was listening, and his expression had changed.While looking at Cao Yong's expression, he whispered to Chen Jun'an: "Master Chen..."

How can I offend this person, why can I feel fear in his eyes?Although Cao Yong was annoyed in his heart, he smiled on his face and asked: "What kind of allusion is this, this is the first time I have heard of it? It is a boy and a god of wealth. It sounds very lively."

Chen Jun'an raised his eyebrows, and replied: "That's not the case. It is said that Cao Erfu has opened his eyes since he was a child. He has to meet noble people and knows the place of tea. Jiu Ye was still dubious at the beginning, if it wasn't for me and him Having said that, I am afraid that he really wants to find Cao Erfu to ask about the business. It’s just that the outsiders are careless and spreading rumors. How is business management so easy? Not everyone can manage it! It's only you!"

Although he didn't know the score, Cao Yong could hear some points from Chen Jun'an's sour words.Dare to love is because he is afraid that Cao Yong will steal his job and become the person that Brother Jiu relies heavily on.

What a big joke, if I was full, would I hang out with those unlucky elder brothers?Cao Yong was secretly amused in his heart, not to mention anything else, when Yongzheng settled the score after autumn, Brother Jiu's "indulging slaves and committing murder" would definitely not be able to escape.

Playing tricks in the capital, where is the action of a smart person?I don't know how many braids have been caught in people's hands, but this Chen Jun'an is dazzled by the silver, and the ninth elder brother thinks that the eighth elder brother's throne is in his palm, so he dares to be so unscrupulous!
Speaking of which, I would also like to thank this Chen Jun'an, if he hadn't been jealous of me, I was afraid that Brother Nine would have entangled him.It's just that this person is really not a good person, if he doesn't offend him, that's fine; if he doesn't open his eyes, then he has to think of a way to eliminate harm for the people.

Speaking of which, it is only the 52nd year of Kangxi, and the eighth elder brother and the others will have a good time for many years. If the matter is revealed and a grudge is formed, it may cause trouble in the future.However, if the matter is handled well, the Cao family's suspicion of clinging to the eighth elder brother will be eliminated, and it can be regarded as a disguised surrender in front of the fourth elder brother.Even if the eighth elder brother was on the Li family bus, the Cao family would not be implicated.

Thinking of this, Cao Yong smiled a little more on his face. He nodded to Chen Junan and said, "That's right, that's good. I'm an official appointed by the imperial court. I read the books of sages and sages since I was a child. How can I do business?"

Although Cao Yong smiled warmly, Chen Jun'an couldn't help feeling a chill.He couldn't help but wake up in his heart, put down his legs, and looked respectful.

After Cao Yong asked Cui Fei a few words, he served tea to see off the guests.

Chen Jun'an returned to the room, feeling a little uneasy in his heart, he was so presumptuous just now, is it a bit too much?He suddenly remembered the matter of Cao Yong leading people to surround the ten prince's mansion in the summer of the previous year, and he couldn't help a cold sweat on his back.The Heshuo forehead son-in-law in front of him looks amiable, but he is a stubborn person.

The county prince didn't pay much attention to him, and his size as an alternate county magistrate was really nothing. If there was a real trouble, the master would be eager to dispose of himself and get involved with the Cao family.Seeing the meaning of the master and son on weekdays, he is very willing to get on the line with the Cao family.

Turning around in the house, Chen Jun'an was still a little worried, so he asked someone to take the greeting card and deliver it to Cao Yong's room in person, along with a hundred taels of gold as a gift.

Although these ingots were golden and bright, they were not in Cao Yong's eyes.Just looking at Chen Junan's attitude of "If you don't accept it, you will look down on it" and "If you don't accept it, you will kneel down", Cao Yong was too lazy to talk to him, so he asked Xiaoman to pick it up, and asked Xiaoman to take the silver seal as a reward.

Where is Chen Junan willing to accept?Cao Yong looked impatient, and said: "What's the matter? If you can honor the Lord, the Lord can't reward you? Could it be that you look down on me, Cao!"

Chen Jun'an cursed secretly in his heart, it's really embarrassing, this is still playing the music of the master?However, because of scruples in his heart, he was afraid that Cao Yong would take revenge, so he accepted it respectfully, and thanked Cao Yong for his reward.

After returning to the room, Chen Jun'an opened the silver seal and took a look, but he picked it up.Although it was said to be three light silver bills, the weight was really heavy. One was worth 2000 taels, and two were worth [-] taels, a total of [-] taels.

Nowadays, gold is exchanged for silver for 16 tael for 600 taels. Even the hundred taels of gold that Chen Junan sent is only [-] taels in silver.

He breathed a sigh of relief, as if he was relieved.Although Cao Yong didn't accept his filial piety, he didn't mean to blame himself, otherwise he wouldn't reward himself generously.

He held the bank note, looked it left and right twice, and couldn't help thinking about it again.Even if Cao Yong did not blame himself, there is no reason to reward him generously?Is it for the sake of the master, or is it loose hands and feet, or... is it because of his favor and appreciation?
Although in communication, everyone calls him "Master Chen" because of Brother Jiu's face, but how many people really think highly of him?Even his own brother frowned when he mentioned business and earning a living, as if he was afraid of being stinked by the smell of copper, his eyes were full of contempt.

*
The capital, outside Xihuamen, Jueluo Mansion.

Xi Tala's head was covered, lying on the kang in the main room, looking at Cao Yi who was holding a medicine bowl beside the kang, he said: "Just ask the maids to take care of you. You don't have to watch it yourself. If you are exhausted, you don't have to call me." Mother is distressed!"

Cao Yi used a spoon to fill some medicinal juice, put it to his lips to test the temperature, and seeing that it was still hot, he put the medicine bowl aside, and said with a smile: "Only allow my mother to love my daughter-in-law, and I don't want my daughter-in-law to be filial." Damn it? The imperial physician has already said that it’s just caused by the change of seasons, just take a few more medicines and you’ll be fine!”

Xi Tara sighed and said: "Because of Er Niang, you were tied up, and you were not seen off by your in-laws or your in-laws. Although they are uncles and aunts, seeing how they treat you, It's just a daughter, that's all!"

Cao Yi lowered his head and said softly: "Well, the kindness of father and mother, the daughter-in-law will always remember it in her heart, and dare not forget each other for a moment."

Xi Tara nodded, and asked: "By the way, didn't you say that your wife and your little brothers are going to Beijing? Is there any place for Tu'er to use his strength? They are not outsiders, so don't talk outside .Although our family is not as good as that of Wangfu, you man can still do errands and so on. "

Cao Yi showed his face and said: "The daughter-in-law originally wanted to go to the palace and ask the second sister, but now that the elder brother and sister-in-law are staying in Beijing, they have already started to make people clean up the empty houses in the mansion!"

Outside the house, at the gate.

Because of his mother's discomfort, Seishtu came back from the military camp early. Unexpectedly, as soon as he arrived at the door, he saw his eldest brother-in-law Zhong Haihan standing at the gate with a face.

Seshitu hurriedly got off his horse and asked, "Eldest brother-in-law, didn't you say that you went outside, why are you free today?"

Zhong Hai looked at the fourth-rank official uniform on Seishtu, snorted coldly, and said, "What's the matter? Master Shenling looks down on this poor little relative, and is it an eyesore?"

Seshitu blushed from being squeezed, and said with a smile: "Look at what my brother-in-law said, my brother can be regarded as my brother-in-law's caregiver. How can he be that kind of ungrateful person?"

Zhong Hai's expression softened slightly, and he frowned and said: "Then I asked you to help introduce your brother-in-law, why did you push it so hard until today? It's just meeting a relative. Could it be that the Cao family is still shaking?"

Sai Shitu said: "Brother-in-law, don't get me wrong, Er Niang has been feeling unwell these days, and my younger brother didn't go to Cao's house."

Zhong Hai looked better this way, and said: "Since that's the case, why didn't you write to your eldest sister earlier, so that we can come and visit the old lady as soon as possible!"

With that said, the two entered the mansion.

When Xi Tala heard that the eldest son-in-law was going to visit, he said he was impatient and didn't ask him to go to the backyard; he also made Seshitu tell Zhong Hai that there was no need to let his daughter come back.After staying for a few days, she will feel refreshed, and she will send someone to drive a carriage to pick her up when she misses her daughter and grandson.

Zhong Hai got up and listened to Saishitu's message, then sat down again, and said to Saishitu: "I originally wanted to leave Beijing today, but it was delayed for half a day because of some things, so I decided to leave Beijing tomorrow. My son came to see you to give you pocket money! Now your family is different from usual, and there are many favors and entertainments, you always need more income!"

Seshitu knew that his brother-in-law was an expert in business, and said with a smile, "My brother-in-law loves me, and my younger brother is also worried! It turns out that although the salary is not much, the family can barely afford it. Open! If it wasn't for the promising Zhuangzi your younger siblings marry, there would be a deficit in the book!"

Zhong Hai shook his head when he heard the words, and said, "How can a man count on his wife's dowry to support his family? You don't have to make the Cao family laugh, and I won't stand up straight in front of them from now on. I'll go out to buy leather goods tomorrow, and bring them to you." Come back. Doesn’t my mother-in-law have a cloth shop, it’s also good to tidy up and sell fur goods in winter!”

Seshtu was a little embarrassed: "Brother-in-law, that money..."

Zhong Hai laughed and said, "This is on my brother-in-law, so don't worry about it. I happen to have some money from my own house, and it didn't go to the public house. Just don't forget to share some of the profits with my brother-in-law!"

Seshtu heard what brother-in-law meant, not just helping him to make money, but brother-in-law also earning some extra money, so he replied with a smile: "It's all arranged by brother-in-law, we are not outsiders, brother-in-law can figure it out." Bar!"

Zhong Hai picked up the tea and was about to drink it when he remembered something and said to Seishtu: "By the way, the tea garden in your house has good tea, let alone good tea. It is also good to make tea bricks and sell them outside. There is a number, and I will bring it for you in the future, or you can have the steward follow it. The Mongolians love this, although the Yamen is controlled, it is not a problem to bring less every time!"

Saishitu agreed, and Zhong Hai said everything he needed to say, so he didn't stay any longer, and went back to prepare his luggage.

*
Let’s count as one and a half, the next update, tomorrow. . .

During the Chinese New Year, there are many people and many things to do, and nine tears run. . . .

Continue to ask for monthly tickets and recommended tickets. .

(End of this chapter)