Aspirations

Chapter 74 Suffering from the New Law
A group of people came to the main gate of the county government office. When they looked up, they couldn't help being surprised. There was a group of people standing at the gate, there were more than a dozen people. , in chains, obviously a prisoner.

The person Xu Heguang knew was Fan Li, the county magistrate of Shile, and immediately greeted him with a smile: "The county magistrate Fan came to Zhending, why didn't you let him know in advance, or send someone from afar to greet him."

Fan Li knew in his heart that Xu Heguang was polite on the surface but not polite because Xu Heguang was higher than him, so he took a step back and crossed his hands in a salute: "Xiaguan Fan Li has seen Xu Xiancheng."

"You don't need to be polite." Xu Heguang returned a salute at will, stretched out his hand to wrap Fan Li's arm, warm and cordial, "Fan Xianwei, come here and speak inside."

Fan Li didn't appreciate it, and smiled faintly: "Thank you, Xu Xiancheng, the next official has his life, and after handing over the prisoner, he will return to Shile immediately, and he can't stay long."

Xu Heguang was slightly astonished, glanced at the person behind Fan Li, and said strangely: "Prisoner? What prisoner?"

"Bring it here." Fan Li turned around and shouted. Liu Ming and several arresting officers escorted Fu Ke and his accomplices forward. Behind Fu Ke and his party were Wang Xianke, Wang Sunshi, and Dong Duan, who were bruised and bruised.

"This..." Xu Heguang was even more baffled, "What the hell is going on here?"

Fan Li and Xu Heguang have had several relationships, and he is well aware of his personality. Zhending County is much more complicated than Shile County. As an outsider, he is reluctant to intervene in it. Shang Xiaxiang treats him and the other fast-catching brothers well, delicious food, and rewards, so he doesn't need to say anything more, just follow the rules.

"Return to the county magistrate, this person's name is Fu Ke, originally from Shile County, he usually runs wild in the village and does mischief. The Xiaxian Zun in Guixian County passed by Shile, and Fu Ke was blind and offended Xia County Zun. It also almost hurt Xia Xianzun. Pei Xianzun of this county ordered Fu Ke and his henchmen to be taken away, escorted to Gui County, and handed over to Xia Xianzun for disposal." Fan Li turned around and pointed at Wang Xianke and Dong Duan, "Wang Xian Ke, Wang Sun, and Dong Duan are all victims, and they are witnesses, so they are sent together."

How can this be so?Xu Heguang was taken aback, and when he wanted to ask more clearly, Fan Li crossed his hands and bowed: "The person has been delivered, and the lower official has to go back to resume his life. It is inconvenient to stay for a long time. Goodbye!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Fan Li saluted Ma Zhanguo and several others, turned around and left.

"Lieutenant Fan Xian, please stay behind." Ma Zhanguo took a step forward, blocking Fan Li's way, and asked, "Where is Xia Xianzun now?"

Fan Li shook his head: "I was traveling with Xia Xianzun all the way. When we arrived at Zhending County, Xia Xianzun said he had other important matters, so he separated from us. I don't know where he is now."

Ding Kei understood a little in his heart, and thought that Fan Li would move forward and retreat in a proper manner, not leaking water, and was slightly lower than Xu and Guang Pinyi, so he called himself a lower official.He was the same as Ma Zhanguo, and he was the same as Yi, so he called himself the official.Another business-like appearance, with a neither humble nor arrogant attitude, and an impartial stance, but he is really a well-rounded character.

Xu Heguang didn't want to let Fan Li go, and insisted on staying with Fan Li for dinner, but Fan Li declined repeatedly, but in the end he still didn't enter the county government.And from the beginning to the end, Xia Xiang's whereabouts were not revealed, nor did he say anything more about the inside story of Fu Ke's murder of the imperial court official.

Although Xu Heguang was unhappy, he couldn't help it. Fan Li was Shile County Captain, so he was not under his jurisdiction, and he didn't usually have many friendships.After Fan Li left, he summoned Ma Zhanguo, Yang Jiang, and Ding Ke to discuss the matter. First, he confirmed that Xia Xianzun was in Zhending County at this time, but no one knew where he was.Since Xianzun Xia has not disappeared and has safely arrived in Zhending City, there is no need to report to Zhending Mansion.

For safety reasons, Xu Heguang asked Ma Zhanguo and Ding Kei to send more people to strengthen the security of Zhending County, in addition to strictly guarding Fu Ke and others, and properly placing Dong Duan, Wang Xianke, and Wang Sun. .Afterwards, he discussed with Yang Jiang privately, but he couldn't guess what Xia Xiang's intention was.The two consider themselves to be well-informed, but they have never met the county magistrate who started the trial on the way to take office, and they have never heard of the county magistrate who Rendi did not come to the county office to take office.

Xia Xiang, Xia Xian Zun, is really different. Although Xu Heguang was a little more curious and vigilant about Xia Xiang, he didn't think about it deeply. He only thought that Xia Xiang was a young man, and it was fun for a while. When it was getting late, he said goodbye to Yang. Jiang, let Yang Jiang stay in the county office and wait for the arrival of Xia Xianzun at any time. He walked in a car and went home.

It's getting dark.

Lanterns on both sides of the Hutuo River were lit up one by one, and all kinds of boats in the river, big boats, small boats and flower boats, were also lit up, reflecting the river and the scenery on both sides of the river blurred and bleak.

It is autumn after all.In the autumn in the north, although desolate, it is full of harvest weather. The Hutuo River is abundant and calm, and the banks are covered with reeds. At first glance, there is a mood of "the lilies are green, and the white dew is frost. The so-called Iraqi people are on the side of the water".The smoke from both sides of the strait and the smoke from the ship blended together and slowly rose into the sky.The afterglow of the setting sun is like gold, sprinkled on the river surface, and the golden light is glittering, interweaving into a picture of tranquility and tranquility.

"The world is peaceful and the people live and work in peace and contentment. It is the fortune of officials." Xia Xiang pointed a folding fan to a large boat in the river, the corner of his mouth raised slightly, his eyebrows raised slightly, "It is true that its name is well-deserved, it is true A place of stability. Even the little lady, in such a peaceful county, why does it say that it is the Longtan Tiger Den?"

There was only Ling'er behind Xia Xiang, and Xiao Wu and Mantuo were not seen. The person beside him was Lian Ruohan.

Xia Xiang, who was dressed in green, was a little less elegant than the previous white shirt, but a little more free and easy, and the scarf on his head added a bit of majesty. Pay attention to the rules.

Lian Ruohan smiled sweetly: "Whether Zhending is a dragon pond or a tiger's lair, the county lord has his own judgment, so don't bother the little girl to say more. The county lord has already arrived at Zhending, and if he doesn't go to the county government but comes to visit the Hutuo River first, he must have been thinking about it for a long time. "

"What's the matter with this officer, I just want to relieve the anguish in my heart." Xia Xiang jumped on a small boat docked on the shore with his hands behind his back, and said to the boatman with white hair and beard, "Boatman, take us a few minutes. How much does it cost to visit the Hutuo River, plus snacks and dinner?"

The boatman with white beard and hair is at least sixty years old. The wrinkles on his face are as full of vicissitudes as the bark of a pine tree. The smile with a few teeth missing is simple and thick: "Ten Wen is enough. But guest officer, the old man can It must be stated in advance that there is nothing delicious on board, only salted fish, pickled vegetables, hot peppers, rice porridge, and pancakes, as long as you don’t dislike the simple food, oil and salt.”

"No problem." Xia Xiang turned around and smiled at Lian Ruohan, "Is there a problem with the little lady?"

Lian Ruohan didn't need Ling'er to help him, and jumped onto the boat lightly: "How much is the difference between brocade clothing and jade food and rough tea? Xia County... Xia Langjun has no problem, and I have no problem."

Ling'er covered her mouth and smiled and got on the boat.

The boatman laughed and shook the boat away from the shore.The night wind is blowing, and the whole body is cold, but it is cool but not cold.

The boatman poured himself a glass of turbid wine, and sang in a muddy but vicissitudes of voice with the evening wind and the sound of the oars: "The moon is shining in Kyushu, and some people are happy and some people are sad. Other states. The waning moon shines on Kyushu, and some families are happy and some are sad. Worry about nailing people is related to menstruation, so I have to take a break and take a break. The waning moon shines on Kyushu, some happy and some sad. Several high-rise buildings Drinking fine wine, a few families are living in the streets..."

The sound of paddles, moon shadows, singing, and lamp shadows are all radiant under the hazy moonlight, like a poem that has been sung continuously from ancient times to the present.

"The moon shines on Kyushu, and some people are happy and some are sad. Some high-rise buildings drink fine wine, and some live on the streets..." Xia Xiang sang softly and nodded again and again. , On both sides of the strait, there are many high-rise buildings, and it is extremely prosperous. However, when the boat sailed out of the county seat, I saw thousands of fertile fields and thousands of miles of fertile fields, but there were many men and women in ragged clothes outside the city gate.

The boat continued to move forward, and soon came to the outside of the city.The Hutuo River passed through the city, and after exiting the city, it turned a corner to the south, part of it injected into the moat, and part of it continued to flow southeast, like a crescent moon encircling Zhending City.

The smell of porridge wafted from the cabin, and after a while, a white-haired mother-in-law greeted a few people and said, "Several guest officers, the food is ready, it's time to eat."

Xia Xiang retracted his thoughts and smiled slightly: "My lady is invited."

The mother-in-law smiled kindly: "It's a pair of beautiful people, talented and beautiful, a match made in heaven. Little lady, your officials are handsome, and your conversation is noble, and you will be rich and noble in the future. You are a blessed person."

Lian Ruohan blushed: "Old man, he is not an official of my family, just a friend."

"Friends?" The mother-in-law looked Xia Xiang up and down, and said earnestly in the tone of someone who had come over, "I said little lady, it's not that I talk too much, such a good gentleman, if you miss it, you will never be able to find it again. I know There are countless people, with a pair of bright eyes, you can see at a glance that this little man is extraordinary."

"Old man, where did you see that he was extraordinary?" Lian Ruohan was very surprised that an ordinary boatman could see that Xia Xiang was extraordinary at a glance?Could it be that she is an expert hidden in the folk?

When Xia Xiang saw that Lian Ruohan believed it to be true, he couldn't help laughing: "The boatman just saw me with a good face and said casually, but you believed it. Even the little lady, you are too credulous."

But the mother-in-law said dissatisfiedly: "Xiao Langjun, don't you think I'm just talking? You're wrong, I'm not someone who talks nonsense, and I won't compliment a guest official for a few quid rewards. I'm telling the truth, This Xiao Langjun has a full heavenly court, bright eyes, thick eyebrows and big eyes, and rounded helixes. At first glance, he looks like a rich and noble person. Moreover, Xiao Langjun's demeanor and conversation are very elegant, and he walks like a tiger. big man."

"Haha..." Xia Xiang laughed loudly, and threw out a tael of silver, "Thank you for your kind words, mother-in-law. If I really become rich in the future, I will definitely not forget my mother-in-law's praise today."

She said she didn't want to reward money, but her mother-in-law quickly took the money and smiled happily: "Look, I'm not wrong, right? Xiao Langjun is generous and generous, and it will be difficult to think about wealth or honor in the future. Hurry up, eat quickly, whether you want food or not. It's cold."

Lian Ruohan laughed dumbly. It turned out that her mother-in-law really wanted to reward money. She couldn't help shaking her head, thinking that Xia Xiang could handle everything from the capital to the county, from high officials to the common people, and he was really a genius.However, I couldn't help but look at Xia Xiang secretly again, and I felt strange in my heart. Xia Xiang's elegant air was there, and he walked like a tiger... but he didn't see it, but he walked smoothly.

The boatman shook his head and sighed: "Ma'am, how many times have I said it, we can eat and wear just being the boatman. Even if we don't plant the land and have no harvest, we won't die of starvation, so we don't need to ask the guest officer for money."

The mother-in-law was afraid that Xia Xiang would take back the reward, so she quickly put away the money: "What do you know as an old man? If you are not in charge of the family, you don't know how much money is needed, so you can't earn a few pennies a day by rocking the boat, and just enough food and clothing. If there is someone What should I do if I am sick? This guest official is a rich man, and a tael of silver is just a skin, but to us, it is enough to live frugally for half a year."

Xia Xiang and Lian Ruohan sat down to eat, while Ling'er waited.

Although the pancakes are not exquisite, they are baked in a traditional way. There is not much oil, but the fragrance is fragrant. Xia Xiang enjoyed it very much, and he added a few pickles.

Lian Ruohan whispered: "Don't forget that you are the honorable person of a county, a pancake is so satisfying?"

"Those who enjoy the joy of the people, the people also have fun; those who worry about the people's worries, the people also worry about their worries..." Xia Xiang took a big bite of the cake, drank another mouthful of porridge, put down his chopsticks, and asked the boatman, "The boatman said, "The boatman , why don't you farm?"

At this time, the sky was completely dark, and the dark area in the distance could not be seen clearly, but it was vaguely visible that it was the forest, farmland, and in the distance was the tall city gate. Above the city gate, the lights were bright.

The boatman started to turn around and said: "Guest officer, if you go any further, you will be farther and farther away from the county... Originally, my family still had more than ten acres of land, and the land was very fertile, and the harvest was pretty good every year. In the early morning of the year before last, there was no harvest. Fortunately, the harvest the year before last was sufficient, and it would not be a problem to eat enough for another year. The government came forward and said that they can borrow money from the government to grow grain or young crops, and when there is a harvest in the coming year, they will be settled according to the two-point interest..."

Xia Xiang nodded secretly. This law is called the new law, and it is one of the reform measures that Hou Pingpan pushed hard, and it is also the reason why he was reused by the emperor.The original meaning of the new law is "the people don't pay more, but the country has enough", and the government will build grain storage in various places, which can increase the price to buy rice in good years, so as to prevent the low price of grain from hurting farmers; Stabilize prices, save the people, and prevent expensive grains from killing farmers.

Xia Xiang went all the way south from the capital, passing through several states and counties, saw large areas of barren fields and displaced farmers, and had a stronger and more intuitive understanding of the implementation of Hou Xianggong's new law among the people.

In all fairness, Xia Xiang disapproved of the implementation of the new law, especially since the implementation of the new law, those who supported the new law were regarded as the same party by Hou Xianggong, those who opposed the new law were classified as different, and the same party was promoted and disqualified. Support and opposition to the new law are split into two camps.The two camps attacked each other and ran their own affairs, causing chaos in the courtroom, and even the emperor could not suppress the quarrel between the two factions.

Later, the emperor was seriously ill and ignored the government affairs. The third prince took over the government affairs on his behalf and joined forces with Hou Pingpan to strike down the officials who opposed the new law. All opponents were directly dismissed from office.Some opponents were demoted.Neutral, demotion.

This matter started when the emperor was ill, to the emperor's serious illness, and now, it has intensified.Today, there are no officials in office who oppose the new law, all of whom are in favor of the new law, or vassals of the Third Prince, Hou Pingpan, or flatterers.

"The two-cent interest is not too much. I figured that it would not be a problem to repay the principal and interest, so I borrowed a stone from the government to grow grain." The boatman's wrinkled face showed a helpless and bitter smile, "No one thought that the coming year will indeed be a big one. A bumper harvest, but the government clearly stated that it was two-cent interest, but it was cleverly established, and after calculation, it finally became a four-cent interest. In addition to various unknown expenses, it was converted into a single stone of grain with interest and interest. Three stones, borrow one for three, who can afford it?"

"During the autumn planting last year, I simply stopped borrowing money from the government. I didn't want the government to come to me and force me to borrow money, and the loan was ten shi. Hehe, during the autumn harvest this year, I collected more than 20 shi of grain, and I paid back the loan. Three repayments, I thought that borrowing another ten shi from my neighbor would be enough to pay back the government, but who knows why the government added some extra items, and it would be enough to pay back forty shi. Even if I sold my little old man, I wouldn't be able to pay that much. In the end, I had to sell the land to pay off the loan from the government.” The boatman laughed sadly, and a few turbid tears flowed down, “I didn’t expect the little old man to be honest all his life, save food and money, and manage the house frugally. Unexpectedly, the bamboo basket fetched water in vain, and ended up with nothing to stand on. If I hadn’t borrowed money, I would still have more than ten acres of Susukida. ..."

"The Hakka officials only saw the people outside the city. They were all people who sold their land and houses because they couldn't pay the government's loan." The mother-in-law said while clearing the dishes, "Hao Haiji, the magistrate, was a good official. He was too good to be bullied by others. , the official was too good and was bullied by the official. I heard that he was always being crushed by the county magistrate Xu Heguang, and he obeyed Xu Heguang in everything. The county magistrate is younger than the county magistrate. "

Xia Xiang's mood is a bit heavy. For farmers, the land is the lifeblood. The farmers who lose their land are like floating duckweed. Mencius said, the people are the Tao. The original intention of the new law was to enrich the country and strengthen the people, but it turned out to be the reason for officials to fish the common people. Mr. Hou did not necessarily know the truth of the implementation of the new law, but he deliberately concealed it from the emperor, claiming that the new law was deeply loved and supported by the people in various places, and that it was for the sake of How much tax did the court raise.

Where does the extra tax come from?It is the blood and sweat of the boatmen in front of us, it is the life savings of the displaced people outside the city, and it is the fat and ointment of the people plundered by countless officials!

After the boat docked, Lian Ruohan took out a piece of money and handed it to the boatman.

After Lian Ruohan and the others left, the boatman took out the money and took a look at the light. He was so frightened that he sat down on the boat.The boatman stammered and opened his terrified eyes: "Mother... son, am I right? Are you old and dizzy?"

The mother-in-law came over and took a look, then exclaimed: "God, one hundred guan, 100 taels of silver! 100 taels of silver is enough for us to eat for a lifetime, old man, we are rich."

The boatman was stunned for a while, then knelt down on the bow of the boat with a "plop", and bowed in the direction where Lian Ruohan and the others disappeared: "The Bodhisattva blesses the good people to be rich and noble, and to live a safe life."

(End of this chapter)