Aspirations

Chapter 186 The Great River Comes From Ten Thousand Mountains

Cui Xiang showed a slight embarrassment, and smiled: "Hehe, seeing that His Royal Highness has a deep prejudice against this official, there is nothing I can do about it."

Xia Xiang said with a smile: "The following officials see that His Royal Highness does not let the officials inform Cui Fuzun, not because he sees that the king has a big prejudice against Cui Fuzun, but because he has other important matters."

"What's the important thing?" Cui Xiang was slightly taken aback, a few thoughts flashed through his mind, and he asked, "It's really sunny, the people are peaceful, and the Hutuo River has been dredged. What else is there to see?" The king is secretly investigating? Xia Xianzun, upon seeing His Royal Highness, did you ever say whether His Royal Highness Xing Wang came with the emperor, is it true?"

Xia Xiang knew that Cui Xiang was worried that King Xing would be left in the capital, or that something happened to King Xing, so he smiled slightly: "His Royal Highness didn't say it clearly, but all the princes accompanied him. It seems that His Royal Highness's important thing is... ...To find the whereabouts of a woman, he just casually said a poem - Epiphyllum Fairy blooms for a thousand years, Wei Tuo Tianzun is to the Tathagata, the origin and end of the relationship end, the flowers bloom and fall and return to the dust."

Cui Xiang's heart skipped a beat, Fairy Epiphyllum seemed to be implying something, could it be the legendary witch?He looked at Xia Xiang secretly, and saw that Xia Xiang's face was calm and showed no surprise, so he couldn't help but feel relieved, thinking to himself that Xia Xiang might not know the legend about the emperor and the demon girl, so he was very interested in meeting His Royal Highness. Nothing is known about the hidden meaning of the poem.

"The Emperor is here!"

The sound of Changguan came from afar, accompanied by the sound of orderly footsteps, two columns of imperial guards lined up on both sides of the road, and behind the imperial guards was a guard of honor.After the guard of honor, the emperor's chariot slowly arrived.

The majestic, solemn chariot inlaid with gold and silver shows the royal majesty.The chariot is wrapped in layers of curtains, on which nine golden dragons are embroidered, and golden tassels fall to the ground, revealing a sense of nobility and majesty in the luxury.

The royal demeanor really has the prestige of ruling the world.It was Xia Xiang's second interview with the Holy Spirit, so he couldn't help being a little nervous.Taking a sneak peek, there were several people riding horses standing around the chariot, one of them was on the left side of the chariot, dressed in armor, extremely mighty, it was Ye Shisheng, the commander in front of the palace known as Ye Shuai.

The rest of the people are all on the right side of the chariot, they are the five princes, and the one in front of them, who is about fifty years old, is King Jing.Beside King Jing, there is a man wearing python clothes, with handsome eyebrows and bright eyes. He is about forty years old. He squints his eyes slightly, with a smile that is not a smile. He is the star king who dominates the court and shakes the world!

Behind the two are King Qing dressed as a general and King Yun dressed as a scholar.Behind King Yun was Jian Wang who was shaking his head with a folding fan.

See behind the king, there is a carriage with two horses.A man got out of the car, about fifty years old, thin, with slender eyes, and a foot-long beard. Standing in front of him, he had no official authority, but seemed to be elegant and dusty. The prime minister of the ruling and opposition parties, Hou Pingpan!
Don't look at the other civil and military officials who are accompanying you, just look at the number of people in front of you, you can see how grand the emperor's trip is, and all the important officials of the Great Xia come out.

Hou Pingpan came out with more people, and said in a loud voice: "The emperor's southern tour is really determined. It is a great event in the Great Summer and a blessing for the people. Ladies and gentlemen, the emperor is going to cruise the Hutuo River today. It is not time to start driving and go south to Xingzhou."

Xia Xiang was startled, and looked at Cui Xiang, both of them were shocked.I thought that the emperor would stay here for a few days, but he only stayed for half a day. Could it be that something happened?
"Get out of the car!" Chang Guan leaned over the car window and listened, and then said, "The emperor is tired, and the wind is strong outside, so he won't get out of the car, and we will have an audience with you when we get to the government office."

The chariot entered the door.

When several princes passed by on horseback, King Jing kept his eyes on him and turned a blind eye to Xia Xiang and Cui Xiang.Xing Wang nodded slightly to Cui Xiang, but his gaze stayed on Xia Xiang's face for a moment, and he smiled slightly: "Xia Xiang?"

"Returning to the prince, it is the next official." Xia Xiang hurriedly replied respectfully.

Xing Wang nodded and said, "Okay, very good, he really is talented."

King Qing and King Yun smiled lightly, and nodded slightly at Xia Xiang and Cui Xiang. Seeing that the king ignored Cui Xiang, he raised his leg, as if he wanted to kick Xia Xiang, and bent down to pat Xia Xiang on the shoulder: "Xia Xiang Xiang, when you and Mrs. Lian get married, this king will make a big fuss in the bridal chamber, you have to be careful, this king will not let you go until you enjoy yourself."

Xia Xiang smiled wryly: "Your Majesty is waiting for your Highness."

After the princes passed by, Hou Pingpan's carriage passed by.The carriage stopped, and Hou Pingpan opened the curtain. He became thinner and his beard thinned a lot. He coughed lightly: "Prefect Cui and Xia County, both of you, please take care to ensure that everything goes smoothly. , there must be no mistakes. If the emperor's southern tour is disturbed, the matter is serious and must be investigated."

Xia Xiang and Cui Xiang crossed their hands together to salute: "Your Majesty obeys."

"Some days have passed, and Xiazhi County has become more and more clear." After finishing his official business, Hou Pingpan changed the subject and smiled softly, "I heard that Xiazhi County has managed Zhending in an orderly manner, and he has done a few things to make the people applaud As a matter of gratification, I heard the official voice of Xiazhi County in the middle of the capital, which is really good. It is really more than [-] miles away from the capital, and the seventh-rank magistrate can be famous for [-] miles. Xiazhi County can be said to be a model magistrate in the world."

"Those who ride on people's carts carry people's troubles, those who wear people's clothes have people's worries, and those who eat people eat people's death. How can I betray my righteousness to Li!" Xia Xiang quoted Sima Qian's "Historical Records Huaiyin Hou Biography" A passage in "Responses to Hou Pingpan, "It is the duty of a minister to eat the king's salary and be loyal to the king. The county collection is the county, the county collection is the world, the county is governed, and the world is governed. Since then, I have devoted myself to serving the country and the people wholeheartedly. The so-called fame of six hundred miles is nothing but a false name. The reason why Zhending has today's governance is thanks to the blessing of the emperor, who has the help of his minister, and Cui Fuzun has taught him well... ..."

Xia Xiang's words were impeccable, and even elevated Hou Pingpan and Cui Xiang, leaving Hou Pingpan and Cui Xiang speechless.

After Hou Pingpan passed by, there were several carriages behind, and after one of them stopped, several people jumped out of the carriage, and one of them came to Xia Xiang and bowed with his arms crossed: "Brother Xia, I haven't seen you for a few months, even It's missing. I never thought that the reunion between you and me would be for real."

Xia Xiang was overjoyed, he didn't care about returning the gift, and hugged the other party's shoulder: "Brother Shen, are you safe? Why are you here?"

It was Shen Bao.

Shen Bao's eyes were slightly moist: "The emperor specially asked me to accompany him on his southern tour. I can not only accompany the emperor, but also meet brother Xia. It's the best of both worlds, how can I not come?"

"Brother Xia, Teng is being polite." Teng Zhengyuan flashed out from behind Shen Bao, and saluted Xia Xiang, "You have a good official reputation in Zhending. Teng had some prejudice against you before, so I apologize to you."

Xia Xiang hurriedly returned the salute: "Brother Teng doesn't have to be like this. As a speaker, you should know everything you can say."

"Brother Xia's limelight is the same all the time, and Zhang feels inferior." Zhang Hou stood up from behind Shen Bao. Compared with the real action, there is a world of difference.”

"Brother Zhang is too modest. The land of Rehe is no better than Zhending. One is located in a remote place, and the other is a fortress. From the overall situation, Rehe's stability is great governance." Although Xia Xiang heard Zhang Hou's words Dissatisfaction and ridicule outside the words, but still want to comfort Zhang Hou a few words.

But Zhang Hou didn't appreciate it, and sneered: "Brother Xia really thinks that Zhang is envious of you? Haha, Zhang just wants to tell you that Muxiu is bound to be destroyed by forest winds. I don't understand such a simple truth, and I don't know." Where have you read all your books? It is the magistrate who is so famous for fame, if you become a magistrate and become a minister, wouldn't you want to be famous in the world that no one can match?"

"Brother Zhang is meaningless to say that. What did Brother Xia do in Zhending for the sake of fame? You say that seeking fame and fame for the benefit of the people is jealous of you!" Shen Bao was very dissatisfied with Zhang Hou's cynicism.

Zhang Hou snorted, turned around and left: "Zhang is jealous of the virtuous and capable? Brother Shen, you are too self-righteous. Xia Xianzun really thinks that he is an upright and good official, virtuous and capable, and has a bright future in the future? Haha, wait and see, say Maybe Xia Xianzun will become a commoner soon. At that time, Zhang will have to come forward to intercede in order to save his life."

Xia Xiang cupped his hands at Zhang Hou's back, and smiled calmly: "Brother Zhang, go well, the road in Zhending City is flat, but there are many bridges and steps, so be careful not to fall."

Shen Bao said angrily: "How did Zhang Hou become like this?"

Teng Zhengyuan looked indifferent, and said: "Zhang Hou's generation has existed since ancient times. It's not surprising. It doesn't make any difference whether he is jealous of the virtuous and capable, or a rat-bellied chicken. Brother Xia, you don't have to care about it, just have a clear conscience. That's right. , Song Shilang and Li Zhongcheng were also accompanying them all the way, but they were ordered to go to Xingzhou the day before yesterday, and they will not stay in Zhending. They must have arrived in Xingzhou to wait for the emperor by now."

Song Shilang and Mr. Li went to Xingzhou first, probably entrusted by the emperor with something to do, Xia Xiang nodded and smiled, he didn't care about Zhang Hou's attitude in his heart, but was faintly worried, Zhang Hou's words just now seemed to reveal something.Although he also suspected that Xingwang would not let it go, he didn't know where Xingwang's next move would be.

When he arrived at the government office, the emperor accepted the worship of everyone in the main hall.Originally, Cui Xiang intended to expand a palace in the government office, but he got a reply that he didn't need to mobilize people.

Xia Xiangpin was not tall, and he was far away, but he could clearly see that the emperor's complexion had indeed improved a lot, but there was still a little tired look on his face.After the comparison, Hou Pingpan looked as usual, Xing Wang was in good spirits, not to mention Qing Wang, Yun Wang and Jian Wang, they were young and vigorous, just in time.Even King Jing looked much better than the emperor.

Next to Xia Xiang are Jin Jia and Ye Muping.

Jin Jia quietly tugged on Xia Xiang's sleeve, and whispered, "How do you think the emperor's condition is?"

Xia Xiang shook his head and smiled: "I'm not a doctor, how would I know? I was just about to ask you and Ye Zhenren."

Jin Jia was furious: "You didn't even read the medical book that the old man gave you, did you?"

Xia Xiang called Qu: "I've read some, but not all of it. Even if I read all of it, I only know a little bit. How can it compare to Mr. Jin Jia's superb medical skills?"

Jin Jia was unreasonable: "Are you looking down on the doctor? If you changed to another book, you would have read it long ago and knew it by heart."

Ye Muping defended Xia Xiang: "Mr. Jin Jia doesn't need to be like this. Xia Xianzun is the magistrate of Zhending County, and governance is a big deal. The matter of curing diseases and saving people is done by doctors. If Xia Xianzun is to cure diseases and save people, it will be overkill. .”

"Being able to save the emperor is a hundred times better than governance." Jin Jia quietly pointed to Cui Xiang in front of him, "Xiaxian Zun forgot to save Cui Fuzun in his busy schedule, is it to flatter his boss, or is there something else Pictured?"

Xia Xiang knew that Jin Jia had smelled the wormwood scent from Cui Xiang's body, so he couldn't help laughing angrily: "It's just a gift of Cui Fuzun's medicine chair and medicine bed."

"Cui Fuzun's condition is quite strange, similar to the emperor's condition. Could it be that he has also been poisoned by chronic poison?" Jin Jia probed forward, pressed close to Cui Xiang's back, and sucked a few Taking a deep breath, he retracted again, "Sure enough, sure enough, if Cui Fuzun's illness hadn't been for your medicine chair and medicine bed, he would have had an attack by now. It is thanks to you that he can still live to this day."

Hou Pingpan on the top was reading his essay for the emperor's southern tour, while Jin Jia and Xia Xiang on the bottom were whispering.After waiting for Ping Pan to finish reading, the emperor coughed a few times and said: "Since I came to the throne, I have never dared to forget the achievements of Taizong Taizong. Every time I think about the fact that my ancestors' foundation cannot be carried forward in my hands, I blame myself. I was supposed to go to the Great Buddha Temple to pray for blessings, but something happened, so I had to invite Master Shanlai to accompany me to cruise the Hutuo River."

Everyone followed the emperor out of the government office and boarded the dragon boat that had been prepared long ago.The dragon boat is more than double the size of Shiyangjin, and can accommodate hundreds of people.Except for the emperor, the accompanying princes and civil and military officials all took the same boat.

There is also Master Shanlai, the host of the Great Buddha Temple specially invited.

After Xia Xianglai Zhending took office, he has never paid a visit to Master Shanlai. He didn't want to meet Master Shanlai for the first time on the dragon boat. Master. Since I took office, I should have paid a visit to Master early in order to ask him for advice in person. However, I have been entangled in mundane affairs and have not been able to make the trip. I am lucky to see you today."

Master Shanlai was over fifty years old, with clear eyebrows, and his cassock set off his incomparable majesty.Master Shanlai with a broad forehead and wide ears has a kind face, which makes people feel happy when they look at it.

Master Shanlai clasped his hands together, and recited the Buddha's name loudly: "Amitabha, the outstanding person among the Xia County Venerables, the world is a public, and the people are really determined to tell each other the great achievements of the Xia County Venerables. There is a Xia County Venerable in Daxia, and it is the imperial court The good fortune is the blessing of the common people, and also the joy of Buddhism."

"Master, I've been honored. I just did what I was supposed to do. How dare I take this false name?" Xia Xiang hurriedly said a few words modestly.

Xia Xiang and Master Shanlai stood below the deck, surrounded by civil servants and generals, and the emperor sat in the cabin. He saw King Xing, King Yun, Hou Pingpan, Cui Xiang, Zhang Hou and others standing at the bow, facing the wind. , while Wu Yidong, Han Meng and other generals were talking and laughing happily with King Jing, King Qing, and King Jian, and they couldn't help but feel relieved.

Among other things, at least the hidden danger of the Hutuo River has been lifted. If there is no imperial army to join, it is impossible for Xingwang to make trouble in Zhending.

Ye Muping, Jin Jia and Xiao Wu came over, Xia Xiang introduced a few people to Master Shanlai, Jin Jia said first: "Master, I don't know something, please give me some advice."

Master Shanlai smiled slightly: "Please tell me."

(End of this chapter)