Ma Erniang's Splendid Pastoral

Chapter 88
In a certain palace in the capital, Liu Zaili, Prince of Yancheng County, did not expect that a small general manager came and did not get it back!
"Jun Wang, a few people hid in Lingchuan."

"Xia Zhen is covering them?"

"Back to the king of the county, I heard that Qiu Baiyan's boss is a young lady who is stunningly beautiful. The whole Pingding knows that the young general of Zhenguo General's Mansion likes Erniang Ma from Anlong Trading Company."

"Ma Er Niang?"

The big steward was in a cold sweat, "The little one is negligent, I didn't find out about this person."

Liu Zaili sneered: "What is the last name of the young master who was demoted three years ago?"

"Jun Wang, I'll check it out right away."

Liu Zaili rubbed his smooth chin, "It's not my territory, it's really inconvenient to do things."

The staff stepped forward: "Your Majesty, there are so many capable white clothes, why give him face!"

Liu Zaili glanced at the staff indifferently.The staff member quickly lowered his head in fright.

Anxing Zhenguo General's Mansion, the old general received a letter from his grandson to go to the border again, "It's really hard for this child, it would be great if Zetao was here!"

Mrs. Xia lowered her head and sobbed: "My son, you can't see people when you are born, and you can't see a corpse when you die. It's hard, hard!"

Hearing the old wife's cry, the old general lowered his shoulders, and looked up at the roof as if he was a few years older. "You said Zian agreed to get married?"

Mrs. Xia wiped her nose, "Well, he said it himself, wait another two years."

"Two years isn't too long, it's okay, we still have the energy to take care of our great-grandson."

Talking about the future always makes people feel hopeful, Mrs. Xia wiped away her tears, "This child, I asked him whose little lady he likes, but he just refused to tell me."

"Didn't you ask Nianmei?"

"I asked, but I refused to tell."

"These brats." The old general slapped the table angrily.

"Don't get angry." Mrs. Xia said, "It's Qiuqin who helped me find out some news."

"what news?"

Mrs. Xia replied: "Everyone in Pingding knows that Zi'an likes the second wife of the Ma family."

"The Ma family?"

"Ok!"

"Last time, didn't you say you met the Ma family?"

"It's not a direct descendant, it's the daughter of a concubine's family."

The old general's face darkened.

Mrs. Xia continued: "I heard that the mother of this concubine was given to Shaofu by the emperor."

"Your Majesty..." The old general thought for a while, and then called out, "Come on—"

"Old General..."

"Call Lao Cen over."

"Yes, old general."

After a while, Lao Cen, the first counselor of the General's Mansion, came, "Old General, did you call me?"

The old general asked: "Last time you said that the Pingding area grew double-season grain. Who is the leading Ma family?"

Lao Cen replied: "Returning to the old general, it is Ma Qifeng, the sixth son of the Ma family concubine, but according to the investigation of the humble office, the housekeeper is Ma Erniang, who is eleven or twelve years old."

"Little lady is in charge?"

"Yes, old general, this shop is beyond the reach of ordinary men. In three years, the shop has moved from Pingding to Lingchuan."

"After all, he is the descendant of Shaofu, and he really knows how to be in charge of the family." Mrs. Xia praised her.

"Old lady, you don't know everything. Since the Ma family is the leader in growing double-season grain, not only the Pingding area has grown, but even several surrounding counties have grown, which has alleviated the problem of food shortage for our 20 troops in Yizhou, and made us a lot less. elbow."

Mrs. Ma smiled: "Master, so the second lady of the Ma family wants to praise you?"

The old general said: "Praise is secondary, but... I am afraid that Zian has already secretly protected Shang Ma's family."

"Old general, you are right. For the past two years, the Ma family has been under the protection of the young general."

"Ah That's good!"

Mrs. Xia was concerned about another question, "So Zi'an has been in constant contact with the second mother of the Ma family in the past two years?"

Lao Cen shook his head: "Back to Madam, in the past two years, the little general has never had any contact with the Ma family's second wife."

"Ah..." Mrs. Xia really did not expect it, "How could this happen?" Then how could I fall in love with it? I really don't understand.

"I don't know about this... humble job. The old man only found out that the little general had no direct contact with the Ma family." Lao Cen replied.

"Oh!"

The old couple fell into deep thought.

Lao Cen cupped his hands: "Old General, if there is nothing to do, the humble post will be retired first!"

"Well, I have something to do. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay, old general, that humble post is farewell."

"Master, is Zi'an going to marry the second wife of the Ma family?"

After a while, the old general said: "Although it is said to be born of a concubine, but in the end it is the descendant of Shaofu. If he is a good person, it can be justified."

Mrs. Xia opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but couldn't say it.

In the capital, after more than a month of rest, the emperor went to court again. He went to court and told the whole world that my health is good and I can manage state affairs. All monsters, ghosts, and snakes should stop if you want to stop.

Jingli, where the undercurrent was surging, seemed to quiet down in an instant.

In a secluded music workshop, the surrounding environment is quiet and elegant, and the pavilions and small pavilions are so beautiful. Sitting in a private room on the second floor, looking at the sunshine outside the window, it is quiet.

"My people have verified that the third child has hooked up with the General's Mansion in Xiangzhou Mansion." Jin Wang Liu Zicheng said with narrowed eyes.

"Brother Zicheng, what do you mean?"

"I'm afraid he will go to Yizhou Mansion next."

"The Holy Majesty has already gone to court, so I'm afraid he doesn't dare to move."

Liu Zicheng didn't speak, and waited for a while before saying again: "Zi Li, how about helping me take a trip to Pingding next year?"

"Win or stop?"

"What if it's both?"

"Brother Zicheng, I'm afraid I can only help you with one thing."

Jin Wang Liu Zicheng smiled slightly, "Alright!"

Liu Zaili lowered his eyelids and drank tea.

The fortune teller continued to hold his flag and walked in the streets and alleys of Pingding County. Although there was a war in the north, it did not affect the lives of the people here at all. There is no room for copper.

He has never stayed in other state capitals, and walked all the way. It seems that people's lives are better when this section is settled. Is it just because of the double-season grain?He also felt a whiff of commercial free trade.

The taxation of small commodities here is not high, why?Don't officials want to be corrupt?
Seeing that it was almost the end of the year, and it was time to report on the performance of the government, the county magistrate Mo Huaien felt that in the past two years, he did not panic, and was even sure, because he didn't need to rack his brains at all. Even though the tax rate still maintains the preferential policy during the severe drought three years ago, the granaries in their county are still full.

Don't Mo Huaien not want to be greedy?The official doesn't want to be greedy, of course he wants to, but can he be greedy?Don't say that the current magistrate Yao is a powerful and practical official, just say that the little general who lives in Pingping, how dare he be greedy? If he dares to be greedy, he doesn't need Wang Fa at all. down.

I remember that back then, Mrs. Liu, the stepmother, was greedy for ink and almost died under Xia Zhen's knife. She was so frightened that Mrs. Liu lay on the bed for half a year before getting up, but after that, although she still received some extra money, she never dared to act recklessly again. up.

Although it is not as rich as the officials outside, Mo Huaien thinks that for a person like him who has no ambitions, these years have actually been good, at least safe, no worries, and it's pretty good!

It's just that the eldest daughter's marriage has been delayed again and again. It seems that she is already 21 and has not yet married.

Passing by Bo's office, Ma Qizhang saw his boss and hurried out to salute, "Master Mo..."

"Where are you still doing?"

"Yes, my lord, there are still some official documents to deal with."

"Well, then do it well."

"Yes, my lord."

Mo Huaien walked away with official steps, but secretly laughed. The son of the former young master also wanted to be greedy. It's a pity that the county's food money is controlled by the little general's house. If you can be greedy, it's your turn?As the magistrate, I'm just putting on airs, and you're the only one who is the master, so let's be good to know.

Ma Qizhang sighed, and continued to go back to the office to do the accounts. If he hadn't opened a few snack shops at home, he could hardly support his family with his salary in the yamen. He wanted to make some money. The people in the Little General's Mansion are in control, so he has his share of greed. He is giving up now, not as good as the fourth child in Yunshui Town, he is really evil.

Ma Laosi feels that his little life is good, whether it is his own small private shop or errands in the town, he has income. The few brothers and sisters, except for the lucky Ma Lao Liu, even Ma Lao Er in the county It's not as moisturizing as your own, so don't mention how beautiful it is.

He often hums a ditty, drinks tea and chats with his colleagues in the best tea house in the town to pass the time. When bragging, on the one hand, he is the in-law of Ting Chang, and on the other hand, his father is the former emperor's teacher. Who doesn't give face, They all praised him so high that he almost didn't fly.

Ma Laowu and Ma Laojiu were run off by their nieces and left the God of Wealth. They simply opened a small gambling house in partnership with the brothers. Although it was small, it was specially opened for the children of the rich. , there are all kinds of tricks.

If it weren't for the fact that people often complained to Ma Chengzu, this brother would have been able to go to heaven, but he was severely punished by others, so he didn't dare to be arrogant.

Who can cure them?Of course, it is the garrison in Pingding. Some soldiers went to the gambling shop to gamble, but they were found cheating. Ma Laojiu and Ma Laowu's lives were almost gone. They saved their lives by claiming the name of their niece Ma Erniang. After being frightened by this, they calmed down a lot. Like most gambling houses in Pingding, they started doing business in a decent manner. Although there are cheaters, they only dare to choose honest No, people with no background started.

The days seem to flow like water, and before you know it, the new year is here again. Ma Miner is thirteen years old. This year, Xia Zhen did not come back. He led the army and the Turkic coalition forces at the junction of Xiangzhou and Yizhou A great battle was fought there.

Hearing that the general of Yizhou had neglected his duty and almost let Xiangzhou fall, the news spread to Beijing, the emperor was furious, and in a fit of anger cut off the post of general of Xiangzhou Prefecture, sent a new general to guard Xiangzhou, and increased his troops by five Wan, together with Xia Zhen from Yizhou Prefecture, repelled the Turkic coalition forces.

There was a major reshuffle in the army of Xiangzhou prefecture. Because the Ling family was related to the General of Zhenguo in Yizhou prefecture, and this time, the Xiangyi allied forces had been on the front line. The general was demoted to Captain Zhaowu (the sixth grade), and from the general to the captain by four consecutive ranks. Ling Qianyan, a man who used to make a fortune by marrying the wife of the general in Yizhou Prefecture, suddenly fell down. it goes without saying.

Now that the emperor has sent a new general, he doesn't know what the situation will be like?It was like walking on ice.

When Ling Ruya knew what happened to her family, she was so worried that she couldn't open her brows, "How could this happen?"

Qing Jin said: "I heard that all the generals of Xiangzhou Prefecture have been escorted to the capital. If it wasn't for the young generals, master..."

Ling Ruya felt that her life was becoming more and more difficult, "When will my cousin come back?"

When Xia Zhen and others settled all the trivial matters and returned to Pingping, February had already passed, and the days had slipped into the spring of March. As soon as he came back, he came to look for Ma Erniang, but she was neither in the shop nor in Xiaowang. Village, so anxious that she almost killed someone: "Then where did she go?"

The little guy replied: "Back to the little general, shopkeeper Qiu bought a batch of spinning machines in the south of the Yangtze River. I don't know what happened near the capital. The little boss and shopkeeper Qiu went out to solve it."

"Near the capital?"

"Yes, little general!"

"Thousands of miles away!"

"Yes... yes, little general!"

"When did you leave?"

"Back to the little general, it's been ten days since we left."

Xia Zhen pursed her lips.

The boy backed away quietly.

Xia Zhen looked at the empty office room, and felt that his heart was just like this room, empty, he didn't know what he was going to do!
Jing Mo thought for a while, went out, and whispered a few words to the guards outside.

"My subordinate understands."

"Well, let's do it quickly."

"Yes, General Shock."

capital palace
The emperor was sitting on the side of the couch, flipping official documents in his hand. It was March, and he was still wearing a thick cloak. Not far from the couch, the charcoal pot for heating was burning vigorously. He coughed from time to time, The old servant hurriedly stood beside him, gently stroking his back, and helping him with the wind.

With a snap, the emperor threw away the folder in his hand, and after coughing, he said slowly, "I really thought I was getting old."

"His Majesty……"

"Old Chang!"

"Your Majesty, the old slave is here."

"Young Fu seems to be doing well in the north."

"Your Majesty, if it weren't for your kindness, how could there be a good life for Shao Fu's family."

"Haha..." The emperor laughed loudly, followed by a burst of coughing.

"Your Majesty, you are too tired, please lie down and rest."

The emperor waved his hand, "I think Shaofu is really good in Yunshui. Not only did he ease the drought, but he also planted double crops there, so that the Xia family's 20 troops have food to eat."

"Your Majesty...Your Majesty, the 20 troops belong to the Great Wei Kingdom, and it belongs to you..." the servant hurriedly said in fright.

"But now I let the Xia family lead me."

"That's the blessing of his Xia family."

"It would be great if the Xia family knew."

"My lord, the Xia family must know."

"Xia Shiyong is as old as I am. My son Xia Zetao is gone, and there is only one grandson left. I heard that his temper is still irritable. I am really worried. 20 troops, can you bring them down?"

"Your Majesty, four years ago, didn't you recruit the young general? That child looked a little dull and honest. If there was no old general, it would be difficult to lead 20 troops."

"Yes..." the old emperor said again, "But I like honest and honest children."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

In this trip, apart from Qiu Baiyan, there is also a nursing home, and a lame old beggar. The Shan family also brought two of the best, both are Shan Xiaodan's older brothers. They dressed up as ordinary businessmen to travel, Go to Chenzhou Prefecture - a small state capital more than 100 miles away from Kyoto.

In Prince Ning's Mansion in the capital, Liu Zaili was bidding farewell to his father.

Ning Wang twisted his old eyes and looked at the young boy, "Isn't he just a common man in white clothes, there is no one who can do it?"

"Go back to my father, it's easy to use."

Ning Wang drooped his old eyelids, "Youngest, you can go out to play or hang out, don't get involved in those things, do you hear me?"

"Father, son understands."

King Ning looked at his son who didn't care, and snorted coldly: "Don't blame the father for being cruel, if something happens, for the sake of the family, I will not recognize him."

Liu Zaili lowered his eyes, "What if you get the Tao?"

"That means your fate is good, I can only praise you at most."

"Yes, father, my son understands." Liu Zaili stood up, saluted, and left the porter's room.

As soon as he arrived at the door, Old King Ning's voice sounded behind him, "Gambling with money, playing with women, whatever you want, just don't touch things that shouldn't be touched, understand?"

Liu Zaili raised his forehead slightly, "Yes, Father, I understand!" After speaking, he stepped out the door.

The waiter waiting outside King Ning's courtyard saw Liu Zaili coming out, and hurried forward, and whispered in his ear: "Jun Wang, the one named Qiu is here."

Liu Zaili raised his eyebrows, "You still dare to come?"

The waiter looked happy, looked around, and continued: "Your Majesty, I heard that Erniang Ma is also here."

Liu Zaili was a little surprised, "You really dare to come?"

The waiter smiled and said, "Perhaps, she thought that with her beauty, she could find someone like General Xia as a backer to get her things back."

"Haha..." Liu Zaili laughed loudly, "Then... isn't Xia Zhen... so interesting, so interesting... Go, go quickly, the king of this county is going to see what kind of stunning beauty she is... Beauty is so confident."

"Yes, the king of the county!"

It took nearly a month's journey to arrive at Chenzhou Mansion. This state capital is almost the back garden of the rich and powerful families in the capital, and there is a sense of prosperity everywhere.

The bustling streets are lined with shops and shops, and the afterglow of the setting sun lightly sprinkles on the cornices of the pavilions, adding a bit of hazy and poetic flavor to the prosperous and prosperous Chenzhou Mansion in front of you.

It's a pity that Ma Min'er and the others didn't have time to appreciate it. Qiu Baiyan used to help the former owner here, and he is quite familiar with it. Just like him, he managed to find a place for his caravan with great difficulty. .

"Shopkeeper Qiu, you guys are here!" The burly man Peng Weiran almost cried when he saw Ma Erniang, just like seeing his relatives.

"Uncle Peng, don't worry, sit down and talk slowly."

Peng Weiran used to be Ma Miner's first shopkeeper in Yunshui Town. He was decisive and courageous in his work, but the key was to dare to break through. So when Ma Miner's caravan was established, he was the first to invite Sakura, and she didn't even think about it. agreed.

"Uncle Peng, you wrote to say that when you settled down at the inn, the truck with the spinning carts was placed in the warehouse of the inn, but the next day, the people at the inn refused to admit that you had goods to store, did they?"

"That's right, my little boss, we reported it to the Yamen of Chenzhou Mansion, but the Yamen didn't accept it at all. It's 2 taels of silver, I..." Shopkeeper Peng beat his head.

"There is no robbery, and there is no plundering. If you put something in, you will say you didn't see it the next day. This is all right. Tigers are not afraid of anything when they occupy mountains."

Qiu Baiyan said: "Little boss, maybe this time it's still targeting me."

Ma Min'er looked at Qiu Baiyan.

(End of this chapter)