Aspirations

Chapter 98
Xu Heguang hurriedly asked what happened. Cui Xiang put away the letter, took out the tinder to set it on fire, and after it was all turned into soot, he smiled mysteriously, saying that it was the letter from Xianggong Hou, asking him to kill Xia Xiang's career. In Zhending, Xia Xiang cannot be allowed to do anything in Zhending, nor can Xia Xiang leave Zhending with political achievements.

Xu Heguang was overjoyed. Xia Xiang had offended the third prince in the capital. After he came to Zhending, he wondered why there was no letter from the capital, so that Cui Fuzun should respond to Xia Xiang. Feel at ease and boldly use all means to deal with Xia Xiang.Xia Xiang has only been here for a few days, but what he has done has made him very annoyed and dissatisfied. Completely different from Hao Haiji who took office, Xia Xiang is a county magistrate who has his own opinions and will never be influenced by others. Xiang, it is almost impossible for Xia Xiang to be used by him.

Fortunately, fortunately, it's really good, with the handwritten letter from Xianggong Hou, Xia Xiang will never think about doing whatever he wants in Zhending in the future!
Thinking about it again, Xu Heguang couldn't help laughing at him for being too hasty. Xia Xianglai really only had a few days to take office. Today, the capital sent a letter to inform him that it was fast enough.

Liu Changting and Xie Huagai were also overjoyed. Not only did they despise Xia Xiang's style, but they were also worried that Xia Xiang brought down Wen Changju in the capital and offended the third prince. Ma Qingyuan hated the extortion of the two of them.Now that there is a personal letter from Xianggong Hou, Xia Xiang will definitely be defeated in the real world.

Several people discussed it again, and agreed that Xu Wangshan and Ma Qingyuan wanted to keep the granary and grow grains for the sky-high price.Now that the asking price can't be achieved, let's see how the two of them end up.Although Cui Xiang also agreed with Liu Xie's statement, he was still skeptical, and always felt that Xia Xiang's move was very meaningful.

However, Liu Xie and the two said that no matter what Xia Xiang's deep meaning was, with the letter from Xianggong Hou, Cui Fuzun just let go of suppressing Xia Xiang. No matter how powerful Xia Xiang is, he can't do anything under the rule of Zhendingfu.

Cui Xiangyi thought the same, that is, he didn't say anything more, just told a few people to act carefully and not let Xia Xiang catch the handle.

Then Liu Xie and the two left, and Xu Heguang and Cui Xiang talked about Dong Xian's murder.Cui Xiang didn't quite know who would be implicated in Dong Xian's murder case, but he instinctively thought that Dong Xian's murder case should end here and should not be pursued further after he had been ups and downs in the officialdom for many years.Xianggong Hou's letter did not mention the case, so it can be seen that the case did not reach the capital.He also believes that the case involves the city's Lexian or the magistrate at most, and it's not a big deal.However, Shile County is also under the jurisdiction of Zhending Prefecture. If Dong Xian's case is to be sacked as a county magistrate or a magistrate, his face as a prefect is also dull.

The most important thing is that Pei Shuozhang from Lezhi County in the city is the proud student of Mr. Hou, and Mr. Hou intends to promote Pei Shuozhang as the minister of officials.Therefore, the performance evaluation of the city's Lezhi County is very important.

Cui Xiang originally wanted to leave a few people for dinner, but Liu Xie and the other had things to do, so they left, and Xu Heguang didn’t want to stay, and hurried back to the county office. He was angry and wanted to beat Xia Xiang secretly.Hou Xianggong's handwritten letter is equivalent to Shang Fang's sword.

Not only did Xia Xiang not want to give in at all, but he also said that Liu Changting and Xie Huagai taking over the granary and grain growing business was not a long-term solution. The anger in Xu Heguang's heart could no longer be suppressed, and it was burning.

Xu Heguang also didn't look good: "Xia Xianzun means that Liu Yuanwai and Xie Yuan will not be allowed to take over the granary and grain growing business? Now that the autumn planting has passed, and the winter is about to begin, it is a good time to build the granary and reserve the growing grain. , If you miss the time, when the weather is cold and the ground is freezing, you will not be able to build a granary. You can only build it after the thawing in the spring of the next year. Maybe there will be another bad pool, and it will not be built when it is harvested in summer and planted in autumn. People have nowhere to borrow and grow grain, and things get tricky. Xia Xianzun has read a lot of books, the book has its own golden house, and the book has Yan Ruyu, but the book does not teach people how to farm."

How could Xia Xiang not hear that Xu Heguang's implication was to ridicule him for not understanding the way of farming, he put his hands behind him and said: "Xu Xiancheng's words are very reasonable, but Liu Changting and Xie Huagai are disrespectful to this official and slander this official. They colluded with Xu Wangshan and Ma Qingyuan to blackmail their money. With such misbehaving people, how can I make this official believe that they can think of the people? I will take the initiative to plead guilty to Cui Fuzun, and then find someone else to take over the granary and grain growing business. The consequences will be borne by this official alone."

Xu Heguang was stunned on the spot. He aggressively came to ask the teacher to ask for his guilt. He thought that he had carried Cui Fuzun and the backing of the handwritten letter from Xianggong Hou, enough to let Xia Xiang down as soon as they met. On the contrary, he was so shocked that he was even more angered: "Xia Xianzun, the matter of granary and grain cultivation is no trivial matter, it is related to the new law, it is not a child's play! If something goes wrong, the husband will investigate it, not only Xia Xianzun alone. , all the people in Zhending County are to blame. The lower officials implore Xia County to think twice."

Xia Xiang saw Xu Heguang's stern voice, but instead he smiled: "Just now, this official said that all the consequences will be borne by this official, and Xu Xiancheng doesn't have to worry about it. And this official has already found a good candidate, so it will not delay things."

Xu Heguang could hardly believe his ears. Why did Xia Xiang find someone else to take over the granary and the grain growing business in a blink of an eye? Which song did he sing?His well-prepared remarks were disrupted by Xia Xiang's sudden knife, and he couldn't help panicking. If Xia Xiang really wanted to stop Liu Changting and Xie Huagai from taking over, Cui Fuzun would have nothing to do.Even if Cui Fu respects Xia Xiang's book, it will take a month before and after it will be approved by the Prime Minister. By then, the matter has been settled and there is no way to restore it.

In a hurry, Xu Heguang hurriedly said: "How can Xia Xianzun do this? Liu Yuanwai and Xie Yuanwai have already started to build granaries and reserve crops. If they don't take over and spread the word, people will laugh at the county. Changes in the court order will damage the prestige and prestige of Xia County."

Xia Xiang saw that the foreplay had been sung enough, so he took it a little: "That's right, but this official finds it hard to believe that Liu Yuanwai and Xie Yuanwai will wholeheartedly care about the people, if the two of them issue a military order, this official will Reluctantly not to take back his life."

Xu Heguang gritted his teeth and thought about it, Xia Xiang really wants to take his life back, and no one can stop him. Now it is better to back down and let Xia Xiang be proud for a few days. After Liu Changting and Xie Huagai have completely taken over the granary and the grain growing business, next year When taking out a loan, Xia Xiang had nothing to do with it.

Xu Heguang sighed: "How about Xiaguan's guarantee for Liu Yuanwai and Xie Yuanwai?"

Just waiting for Xu Heguang's words, Xia Xiang deliberately hesitated for a while before saying: "It's rare that Xu Xiancheng has a heart, and the more than [-] people in Zhending County will definitely remember Xu Xiancheng's kindness."

Xu Heguang wanted to talk about the more than [-] people in Zhending County. Zhending County is not your Xiaxiang's Zhending County, and you are not really thinking about the people of Zhending County. You are for your own official voice and harmony. achievements.

Xia Xiang's study had all the brush and ink. Xu Heguang wrote a letter of guarantee with a few strokes. After writing his name, he solemnly pressed his handprint.Xia Xiang watched from the sidelines, as expected, for Liu Changting and Xie Huagai, Xu Heguang did not hesitate to go into battle with his own shirtless guarantees. Xie and two are in their early stages, so it can be speculated that behind Liu Xie and the two, there must be a majestic mountain that both Cui Xiang and Xu Heguang look up to.

Although he did not dare to rashly guess whether the mountain behind Liu Xie and his wife was the third prince or the Duke Xianggong, Xia Xiang knew very well that the third prince asked him to come to Zhending County as magistrate, and he definitely wanted him to fail in Zhending County.Looking at Zhending Prefecture and Zhending County right now, there are really not many people around him.It goes without saying that Cui Xiang, the prefect, is a member of the Cui family of Qinghe, a son of a noble family, and he must have a backer in the court.At present, the court is completely dominated by Duke Xianggong and the third prince.

According to Lian Ruohan, the Cui family and the Lu family have always been on good terms, and they have an average relationship with the Zheng family and the Li family, while the Zheng family and the Li family are mostly intermarriage and have a close relationship.However, among the four families, you have me and I have you, and you cannot simply be divided by the quality of the relationship.Generally speaking, the Cui and Lu families often share the same political views, and the Zheng and Li families help each other most of the time.

Today, the four great families of Cui, Lu, Zheng, and Li have come to Zhending one after another, which shows that the place of Zhending is a treasure.All parties compete for official positions and business, and as the county magistrate of Zhending, he will inevitably be involved.It is a pity that he is single and weak, has no backers in the court, and has no friendship with the four great families, and he can't stand up to the four princes, let alone offend the third prince.

It means that Xia Xiang is now deeply trapped in the dragon's den and tiger's den, no matter which side he favors, he will surely offend the other side.No matter which side he offends, it is a serious consequence that he cannot bear.

A long time after Xu Heguang left, Xia Xiang sat alone in the study, pondering for a long time.Although the matter is understood, there is still no solution.Fortunately, there are Xiao Wuyou Mantuo and Lian Ruohan by his side. In the capital, there are Jin Jia and Cao Yongguo, and they are not alone.

Early the next morning, Xia Xiang went to see Lian Ruohan off.Lian Ruohan only sent Xia Xiang to the south of the Hutuo River bridge, and did not let him cross the bridge to the north of the bridge.Xia Xiang did not force it, and parted ways with Lian Ruohan.

Xia Xiang did not go back to the county government directly, but accompanied by Ding Ke, watched the grand occasion of the salvage of corpses by hundreds of boats.

Xia Xiang originally thought that it would be good for Ding Ke to requisition at most dozens of civilian boats, but he didn't want Ding Ke to be the head catcher and have a good relationship with many boatmen.They vary in size and are lined up on the Hutuo River, filling the not-so-narrow Hutuo River.

The leading boatman was named Lu Dongliang, who was Lu Dongdong's cousin.He heard that it was Xia County's honor to use boats, and immediately spared no effort to greet all the boatmen with good relations. He found nearly [-] boats by himself.

Xia Xiang nodded and praised: "Ding Zhaotou has done a good job in this matter, and it should be a great achievement."

Ding Ke was overjoyed and cupped his hands and said, "Thanks to Xia Xianzun's praise.

Xia Xiang nodded: "It's time to start."

Ding Ke took the flag from the yamen next to him, raised it high, shook it a few times, and shouted, "Get off the net!"

Following Ding Ke's order, hundreds of boats launched together, and the three large nets made overnight were pulled by more than a hundred boatmen of the hundred boats, completely covering the Hutuo River.Three large nets entered the water at the same time, splashing countless water splashes.

It was a fine autumn day, the sun was shining, and people on both sides of the strait were full of onlookers.The people who had never seen such a grand scene suddenly let out a terrifying applause, and the sound boomed into the sky.

Xu Heguang did not stand beside Xia Xiang, but hid in the crowd.In front of him are Liu Changting and Xie Huagai.

The fan in Liu Changting's hand pointed to the government office on the other side of the river: "Presumably Cui Fu Zun is also watching this earth-shattering farce in the government office. Xia Xian Zun is really amazing. He only took office for a few days, and he made such a big deal. It's okay to get Dong Xian's body out, but if you don't get it, it will be a joke."

Xie Huagai laughed: "Xiaxian honored the newly promoted Jinshi as the magistrate of Zhending, which is a joke in itself. It's just that he doesn't have self-knowledge. He still wants to do something in Zhending County and wants to oppose me. Unbelievable!"

Xu Heguang chuckled: "Xia Xianzun is young and energetic, and it is human nature to want to make a difference. As an elder, I should take more care of him. But being so happy is not the way to be an official. Cui Fuzun I also said that if Dong Xian’s body can be recovered, that’s fine. If not, Cui Fuzun will write to the emperor at the meeting, and Xia Xianzun will be very happy with the crime of power consumption and people’s effort, and Xia Xianzun will have a little more memory. Be cautious."

Xu Heguang's words sounded more euphemistic than those of Liu Xie and the other two, but they were actually more sarcastic. He regarded himself as an elder, which was disrespectful to Xia Xiang.

After Xu Heguang finished laughing, he thought of something again and asked, "Member Liu and Member Xie, this official has guaranteed the granary and the grain planting business for the two of you. Don't let this official down and Xia County. Honestly."

Liu Changting and Xie Huagai looked at each other and smiled, Xie Huagai shook the Buddha beads in his hand, and said with a smile: "Xu Xiancheng don't have to worry, you and I are one family, and you should take care of yourself. The granary and the grain growing business are not only to share the worries for Cui Fuzun, but also to In order to promote the new law, so that officials who oppose the new law have nothing to say. Besides, Xie and Liu Yuan are very determined and shoulder heavy responsibilities, not just to determine the gains and losses of a certain place. Xia Xiang is small and determined. Magistrate, your eyes are only on Zhending County, how can you compare with me?"

Xu Heguang nodded again and again: "Xie Yuanwai and Liu Yuanwai, are they working for the Third Prince or for the Duke Xianggong?"

The folding fan in Liu Changting's hand turned on with a "beep". Today, the weather is cool and windy, but he still habitually fanned it a few times: "Xianxian Cheng doesn't need to ask too much, you just need to know that my hands and eyes are connected to the sky. You can too. Don't think about it, what's the difference between working for the Third Prince or for the Duke Xianggong?"

Xu Heguang smiled knowingly: "I have been overly concerned, haha. I will definitely assist Liu Yuanwai and Xie Yuanwai with the big things that are really decided, and I also ask the two of you to be in front of the third prince and Hou Xianggong, mostly for the sake of the next beauty. A few words."

"It's easy to talk, easy to talk about." Xie Huagai put his hands behind his back and put his toes on his toes to look at the situation in the river from afar, "Xu Xiancheng, Xia Xianzun only came to Zhending County for a few days, don't worry, everything has just begun. Anyway, The granary and the grain growing business are in the hands of Xie Mou and Liu Yuanwai, and Xia Xianzun will know that he is very good when he lends money next year."

Liu Changting was a little taller than Xie Huagai and Xu Heguang, but he couldn't see the situation in the river clearly. There were too many people.He turned around and saw a man standing on a stool behind him watching with gusto. He quietly came behind him, took out a copper coin, and threw it on the back of the man's head.

The man was in pain, covered his head with his hands, turned his head and cursed: "Who doesn't have eyes and throw me..." His eyes fell on the copper coins on the ground, and suddenly he lit up, jumped off the stool to grab the coins, but he was a step late, and a man behind him The old man took the copper coins first.

"Return me, my copper coins." The man quit, grabbed the old man's collar, "Dare to steal my money, don't you want to live?"

The old man was not to be outdone: "How could your money be on the back of your head? It's clearly someone else's money."

"Why can't my money be slapped on the back of my head? You still haven't paid it back? You won't even punch me."

"If you don't pay it back, why should you pay it back if it's not your money?"

"Whether it's my money or not, if it hurts me, it has to be mine."

"There is no such thing in the world."

"I said there is..."

The two became more and more arguing, and then fought together.Liu Changting shook his head and smiled, greed kills people, as it has been since ancient times, he took the stool away by accident, returned to Xu Heguang and Xie Huagai, smiled smugly at the two, and stepped on the stool.

Xu Heguang and Xie Huagai looked surprised. They heard the noise behind them, and when they looked back, they were already in a ball.

At this time, hundreds of boats in the lake pulled three large nets and went upstream. Accompanied by the shouts of the boat masters, they had already ascended more than ten feet, but they found nothing.The captain of the boat, Lu Dongliang, was a little anxious. When Ding Ke found him, he told him to ask someone to go upstream to salvage the corpse. He said that the corpse would only be washed downstream, so how could it be upstream?However, Ding Ke said that it was the order of Xia Xianzun, and he had to go all the way up and salvage upstream.He had no choice but to obey, but he was worried. After all, Xia Xianzun was young, and he didn't understand the flow of water. Wouldn't it be a shame if he couldn't salvage the body after a lot of tossing?

Ding Ke had the same idea. He had mentioned it to Xia Xiang before, but Xia Xiang insisted on salvaging it upstream, so he couldn't say anything more.

The onlookers began to talk about it.

"More than 100 ships, what are they doing with great fanfare?"

"I heard that the body was salvaged, and it was the three murders some time ago."

"Didn't the three murders happen downstream? How to salvage upstream? Isn't this the opposite?"

"Who said it wasn't? I heard that Xia Xianzun insisted that people be salvaged upstream, and the Xianzun had to listen to what he said."

(End of this chapter)