Aspirations

Chapter 161 But teach Fang Cun to be free from evil, and stand in the midst of wolves and tigers

"Feng Dao was upright and upright. None of the twelve emperors criticized him for his misconduct. For such a virtue, he has been the only one throughout the ages. He has been an official in all dynasties not for his own glory and wealth, but for not to Let the emperor mess around and destroy the Chinese culture. In order to preserve the traditional culture of the Chinese nation, he had no choice but to be an official in the troubled times. I don't want to pass it down to the world, but only one poem has been handed down: don't be sad when you are in danger, and the future is often due to the future. You must know that the sea and the mountains return to the Ming Lord, and the universe does not necessarily fall into auspicious people. There is no evil, and you can stand among the wolves and tigers!" Xia Xiang bowed deeply to Cui Xiang, solemnly, "Master Cui, it's time to see you, heroes emerge in troubled times, Feng Dao served twelve emperors, and has always been ranked among the prime ministers of the three princes. If you say that he is a shameless person, doesn’t it mean that the twelve emperors who used him are all blind? All his life, he focused on the affairs of the people and despised the affairs of the emperor. He was more inclined to save the world than to save the country. But there is no way to teach All the evil, standing among the wolves and tigers, is a true portrayal of his efforts to govern the country and the people all his life!"

Cui Xiang nodded silently, feeling touched in his heart, he slowly got up and went to the window, outside the window all the leaves had fallen, a piece of decay, and a murderous aura filled the world.On the Hutuo River in the distance, Yan Hao is directing the boats to be busy under the Zilong Bridge.

Cui Xiang naturally knew what Yan Hao was busy with.It would be against his will to say that he sincerely followed Xing Wang to cause chaos.It's just that now he is in a dilemma, he wants to get out of the whole body, but he can't.

Regarding Feng Dao's evaluation, Cui Xiang was deeply influenced by Sima Shi, and believed that Feng Dao was humble, without a king and without a father. He never thought that Xia Xiang would interpret Feng Dao in such a way today, which made him feel refreshed and suddenly understood Feng Dao. The Tao is not easy and broad.Justice is at ease in people's hearts, and it has been like this for thousands of years.It's just that people's hearts are sometimes unfair, only the way of heaven is the most fair.

Cui Xiang also believes in Buddhism, has read many Buddhist scriptures, and knows the truth that knowing is easier than doing.What Xia Xiang said today touched him a lot, and he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.Compared with Feng Dao, he really only cared about his own safety, not the life and death of the people.

"People of the world only see Feng Dao's deeds, but they don't know Feng Dao's heart." Xia Xiang smiled ashamedly, and said, "I'm digressing, the official of the Cui family came here today, and there must be something important to order. All ears."

Cui Xiang withdrew his mind and hesitated for a moment. The matter has come to an end, and it is useless to think too much. Even if he wants to become Feng Dao's second, he is afraid that he is not as talented as Feng Dao, so he simply puts his mind to it: "Master Xia, I heard that you intend to clean up The mud at the bottom of the Hutuo River?"

"Exactly."

"The emperor's southern tour is coming soon, and Taiwei Yan is patrolling the Hutuo River day and night, lest there be a slight mistake. It is not the time to dredge the silt at this time." Cui Xiang did not give Xia Xiang a chance to explain, and made a decision directly, "This matter is so settled, there is no need Say it again."

"Master Cui, this..." Xia Xiang was worried, Cui Xiang and Yan Hao cooperated openly and secretly to block all his ways.

"There is no need to discuss this matter again!" Cui Xiang showed the prefect's authority, "There is also the case of Fuke, and there is no need to retry it. We will talk about it after the emperor's southern tour. In addition, I heard that you have a close relationship with Mrs. Lian, who is always in good times. ?”

Well, press the matter of dredging, and freeze the case of Fuke. Cui Xiang clearly wants him to be arrested without a fight. If Cui Xiang didn't learn from Feng Dao, he had to be Feng Dao.

"Returning to Cui Fuzun, this official not only has a close relationship with Mrs. Lian, but also has a marriage contract." Xia Xiang simply made it clear, so that Cui Xiang knew what he knew, "This official has also made a lifelong appointment with Mrs. Cao. The next official shoulders Choose two families, you can marry two wives."

"..." Cui Xiang wanted to keep suppressing Xia Xiang with a straight face, but Xia Xiang's words turned too fast, and in a blink of an eye, he transitioned to marriage. The majesty he just mentioned disappeared, so he could only squeeze out a few smiles , "Congratulations to Xianzun Xia. On the day of the wedding, I will come to ask for a wedding wine."

"Your Majesty will send you an invitation card, and I respectfully invite Master Cui to visit you." Xia Xiang went downhill with a smile, "Ms. Lian and Master Cui are originally from the same family, and Master Cui is still an elder. At that time, Master Cui will also be invited to be your grandson." I two marry."

Cui Xiang smiled embarrassingly: "It's easy to say, easy to say. It's just that the emperor's southern tour is coming soon, and the matter of the emperor's southern tour is the most important thing. You tell Mrs. Lian, don't make trouble out of nothing, everything is peace."

"I don't understand what Cui Fuzun means." Xia Xiang pretended to be confused.

Cui Xiang showed displeasure on his face: "Xiaojing Changzai is not in the iron ore business, so why do you have to stop the supply of iron ore from Guangjin Trading Company? Guangjin Trading Company is the trading firm of Liu Yuanwai and Xie Yuanwai, who built granaries for the people of Zhending To stockpile and grow grain for the benefit of the common people, why should even the lady have to make trouble with them?"

"Why can't Miss Lian get through with Guangjin Commercial Bank?" Xia Xiang saw that Cui Xiang no longer concealed it, and spoke directly for Liu Xie and the two. He knew that the matter was serious enough to require Cui Xiang to rush to the front, so he no longer detoured "Ms. Lian has her own ideas in business, and the lower officials have never interfered. Besides, Haojing Chang did not engage in iron ore business before, which does not mean that he will not engage in iron ore business now and in the future. Besides, business is originally a matter of profit. First, if Guangjin Commercial Bank has the strength, just increase the price to buy iron ore, and if you don’t believe that the iron miner will not sell it to him. Cui Fuzun, as the king of a family, takes care of everything every day, so don’t worry about such a trivial matter.”

Cui Xiang was unhappy, Xia Xiang's implication was to advise him not to meddle in other matters, the problem is that this is not a nosy matter but a major matter, his face darkened: "Guangjin Commercial Bank is doing things for the official, even the lady is embarrassing Guangjin Commercial Bank, that is Embarrass me."

Taking Cui Xiang as a person, it was unbearable to speak so bluntly, Xia Xiang still said calmly: "Ms. Lian and Cui Fuzun are from the same family. If you have something to talk about, you don't have to be an official. Spread the word in the middle. However, the lower officials are unclear about one thing, why does Guangjin Trading Co., Ltd. run the iron ore business? Could it be that Guangjin Trading Co., Ltd. wants to refine weapons and rebel?"

As soon as these words came out, Xu Heguang and Yang Jiang suddenly turned pale.

"Iron ore can be used to make ironware, which can be used to make kitchen knives, farm tools, and kitchen utensils. How could it be for making weapons to rebel?" Cui Xiang smiled calmly, "Xia Xianzun can really joke, but if you rebel, you can't Talk nonsense, be careful of getting killed."

"Cui Fuzun taught you the lesson." Xia Xiang looked respectful, "The above three things, the matter of dredging, the lower officials should obey their orders. In the case of Fu Ke, the lower officials also obeyed the orders. I just told the matter of Mrs. Lian, forgive me The official is unable to follow orders, so please ask Cui Fuzun to inform Mrs. Lian face to face."

Xia Xiang answered two of the three things on official business. The last one was half-public and half-private. Said: "Okay, I will personally talk to Mrs. Lian about this matter."

"The subordinate retire."

After leaving the gate of the government office, Xia Xiang walked on the Zilong Bridge and returned to the county office.Handled several small cases of Zhang San suing Li Si for building a house and occupying his own foundation, and Wang Wu suing Ma Liu for peeping at his wife's bath.

Xia Xiang was worried about leaving Mantuo, just when Ma Zhanguo, Ding Ke, and Cao Shujun came back, the two of them searched with Cao Shujun for a day, but found nothing, and reported to Xia Xiang dejectedly.Xia Xiang asked the three of them to accompany him to Guanxin Pavilion.

Xia Xiang walked slowly with his hands behind his back, Yan Hao's boats were no longer in the river, but under the Zilong Bridge, there were many more wooden piles protruding from the water, which looked hideous like canine teeth in the night.

"Cui Fuzun ordered that the dredging of the silt be postponed, and there is no need to retrial the case of Fuke. Everything will be discussed after the emperor's southern tour." Xia Xiang's eyes showed worry, "Cui Fuzun's move is tantamount to blocking the case." all the way."

"How can this be done?" Ma Zhanguo was anxious, "Master Xia, dredging is of great importance. Not only can thousands of refugees outside the city survive the winter safely, but it can also allow the Hutuo River to flow unimpeded..."

"The case of Fu Ke is also extremely important." Ding Ke said hurriedly, "Fu Ke is the key witness, and only by his testimony can everyone be wiped out."

However, Cao Shujuan looked calm and unhurried: "How important the matter of dredging silt and the case of Fuke is, needless to say, Xia Xianzun knows it very well. You two don't need to worry, Xia Xianzun must have thought of it. A surefire solution."

Ma Zhanguo looked surprised: "Xia Xianzun has a countermeasure?"

Xia Xiang stretched out his hands with a helpless expression: "No, I'm helpless."

Cao Shujun rolled his eyes: "Come on, don't pretend, Mr. Xia, who doesn't know that you are extremely smart and resourceful, and you can come up with a hundred ways in the blink of an eye."

"I really can't help it." Xia Xiang shook his head and sighed, "In matters in the officialdom, the senior officials crush people to death. If I refuse to obey orders, the Cui Fuzun will really dismiss my official."

Seeing that Xia Xiang didn't seem to be pretending, Cao Shujun was a little flustered: "Then what should we do?"

"Go to Guanxin Pavilion for dinner first. You have to eat enough to have the strength to think about things." Xia Xiang smiled relaxedly again.

Guanxin Pavilion is very different from before, with lights and festoons, laughter and laughter, because of the arrival of Lian Ruohan and the others, it has gained popularity, and the whole house presents a scene of a thriving population.

In fact, there were not many people. Even Ruohan and the others together, together with maids and followers, were no more than a dozen people.However, there were more than a dozen people, but it brought the atmosphere of the whole house up.

Xia Xiang thought he had gone to the wrong place, the Guanxin Pavilion was brightly lit like daytime.He looked left and right, and when he didn't know why, Xiao Jia trotted all the way to meet him.

"Xia Xianzun is here, please hurry up. How about it, are you celebrating?" Xiao Jia smiled and took Xia Xiang's arm, "I asked them to light up all the candles and oil lamps, which is both beautiful and festive. It can also prevent thieves."

"Which thief?" Xia Xiang was taken aback.

"I heard from Mrs. Mantuo that there is another expert in Zhending City who wants to harm Xia Xianzun. I thought, let Guanxin Pavilion be as bright as day, and see if she dares to come again." Xiao Jia heard about this. Afterwards, she was extremely anxious, Man Tuo rested, Xiao Wu did not come back, the yamen servant was nothing in the eyes of experts, and she did not know martial arts, how to protect Xia Xiang comprehensively?After much deliberation, I had no choice but to make a bad decision.

Xia Xiang couldn't help but be moved when he heard this, Xiao Jia really sincerely treats him.However, in order not to worry Xiao Jia, he laughed and pretended to be relaxed and said, "She was also scared out of her wits by Mrs. Mantuo during the battle last night, so she must not dare to come again. Thank you Mrs. Xiao for your kindness, but even if she still Dare to come again, there is Lady Mantuo, there is Xiao Wu, there is Ding Tutou, she can't even think about it."

Only then did Ding Ke know that Xia Xiang was almost assassinated by someone last night, and immediately broke out in a cold sweat from fright, and hurriedly said: "Xia Xianzun, this official has neglected his duty. This official will send more yamen servants tonight to protect Guanxin Pavilion."

"You don't have to mobilize people like this." Xia Xiang waved his hand and came to the living room, which was full of guests and friends. He waved to Lian Ruohan, "Miss Lian, is Linger here?"

"Ling'er is here." Ling'er flashed out from behind Xia Xiang, with a wide smile on his face, "What orders does Xia Xianzun have?"

Ling'er had slight contempt for Xia Xiang before, but after learning that his wife and Xia Xiang were engaged and got married after the emperor's southern tour, his attitude towards Xia Xiang changed drastically.After all, Lian Ruohan was married, and she was a dowry maid, not to mention whether Xia Xianzun accepted her as a housemaid, only if Xia Xianzun treated her well, could she keep her status and become a big maid.Otherwise, it would be easy to be bullied by Lu Huanhuan.

"Ling'er, you and Ding Tutou will set up a wind chime at each of the four corners of Guanxin Pavilion."

"Yes, Mr. Xia, I obey." Ling'er's cleverness is that as long as she recognizes someone, no matter what he says, she will do it, even if she doesn't understand why she does it.

"Why did you set up the wind chime?" After Ma Zhanguo and Ling'er went out, Lian Ruohan asked in confusion, "With the other party's skill, how can you touch the wind chime?"

"What I want is to let her see the wind chime, and then she will know that Guanxin Pavilion has been prepared for it, so that she dare not act rashly." Xia Xiang smiled lightly, "After all, she is secretly killing people, she is too suspicious, she will guess when she sees the wind chime Now that we have taken precautions, if she wants to commit another murder, she will definitely think twice before acting."

"It turns out that what you bet on is a speculation, and you bet on her misjudgment. What if she is bold enough to barge in no matter what the wind chime is?" Lian Ruohan smiled, feeling very sorry for Xia Xiang. Intrigued by his outlandish ideas.

"When the two armies are fighting, isn't it the other party's mistake to bet on? Every fighter wins with the combination of righteousness and surprise. Therefore, those who are good at making surprises are as infinite as the sky and the earth, and as endless as the river and the sea." Xia Xiang laughed, looked around, and saw Cao Shuli Xiao Jia's smile was like a flower, and Xiao Jia's face was full of spring, while Cao Shujun leaned next to Xiao Jia, whispering something in a low voice, he waved his hand, "Dinner is served, dinner is served, the emperor is still hungry, don't stand still."

People take their seats.

(End of this chapter)