late Qing Dynasty

Chapter 52
Sunny July 1861, 10
We rushed day and night, and finally arrived in Hefei three days later.

Arriving in Hefei is not far from Anqing. In fact, Hefei has now been occupied by the Taiping Army.

"Mei Shuang, find a restaurant to eat and rest." I lifted the curtain of the carriage and said to Mei Shuang who was riding a horse in front.

I really don't understand this girl, she has a good carriage and doesn't sit in it, but insists on riding a horse in front of her.

"My lord, there happens to be a Tianxiangju building in front of us, let's eat there!" Mei Shuang shouted at me excitedly.

"Okay." I replied, and continued to lean on the carriage with my eyes closed.

In the past few days, everyone is probably exhausted. Now that we have arrived in Hefei, let's take a rest first and inquire about the news about the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

When we arrived at Tianxiangju Restaurant, the man led the horse to feed the fodder, and the four of us sat down in the corner of the hall.

"Xiaoer, serve up all the delicious food from your place!" Mei Shuang greeted the waiter as soon as she sat down.

Seeing her posture, she wished she could eat all the good things in other shops.

"Okay, guest officer, the food and drink will be served right away." Seeing that Mei Shuang was rich and powerful, Xiaoer became more polite.

Soon, Xiao Er served us a table of food and wine. I ate slowly, but my ears were listening to the discussions of the people around me.

"I heard no, the imperial court is going to send Seng Geerqin to attack the Taiping Army!"

"This Seng Geqin is brave and good at fighting. If he comes, I don't know what the state of Luzhou City will be like!"

"I understand now that the Taiping Army is no different from the imperial court!"

"By the way, I heard that the general of the Taiping Army is going to Hefei City in a few days!"

"Yo! It seems that there is really going to be a war. Which general is it? Have you heard of it?"

"It seems to be Li Xiucheng."

"Hey, this Li Xiucheng is really amazing. He has won many battles at a young age, but he is a rare young talent!"

"I just don't know what the outcome will be when facing a general like Seng Geerqin."

"We'll have to wait and see what the outcome will be, and we'll find out soon."

I listened to what they were talking about, and what they said had sense and insight, but I didn't know if Li Xiucheng would really come here.

"Zhong Yi, go and investigate later to see if Li Xiucheng really wants to come to Luzhou City." I lowered my voice and said to Zhong Yi.

Zhong Yi nodded, "Understood, my lord."

"How many times have I said it, don't call me Sir, call me Brother Tang." I emphasized it again.

This place is no better than the capital city. If those Taiping soldiers find out, it will be troublesome.

"Yes, brother Tang." Zhong Yi nodded apologetically, then continued to eat sullenly.

In the past few days, everyone has not had a stable meal, and they are probably all exhausted. I feel very sorry.

"Zhong Yi, let's rest for one night and go tomorrow." I couldn't help changing my words.

"My lord, don't worry, I'm fine...uh...Brother Tang." Zhong Yi hit himself hard on the head, complaining to himself, "Why are you so stupid! You can't even remember such trivial things!"

"Pfft!" Mei Shuang couldn't help laughing, grabbed Zhong Yi's arm, and couldn't help teasing him, "Zhong Yi, if you hit again, wouldn't you be even more stupid!"

"Mei Shuang, stop teasing me." Zhong Yi sighed angrily.

"Hehe, Zhong Yi, let's talk about it tomorrow, and don't be in a hurry, just observe the situation today." I gave Zhong Yi a step down.

"Okay, Brother Tang."

Zhong Yi was right this time, but his expression was a bit reserved. In fact, Zhong Yi was either stupid or too honest.

After we had dinner, we settled down in Tianxiang. It is said that this is the best restaurant in Hefei city, and the people who come and go are not dignitaries, gentry and landlords, in short, some people with more face.

This is also the main reason why I choose to live here. After all, useful information is often in the hands of this group of people. When they get together, they can't help but talk fast. The table just now is the best example.

In the evening, I saw that the downstairs was full of customers, so I pretended that nothing had happened and walked down. This time, I really gave myself a folding fan.

I waved my folding fan, put on the appearance of a literati, mingled among these people, and listened to their chats after dinner.

"Guest officer, what do you need?" The waiter saw me sitting down at an empty table, and immediately ran over.

"Bring me a pot of Taiping Houkui." I shook my folding fan and said in a moderate voice.

"Guest officer, you are really a connoisseur. Looking at the entire Luzhou city, we are the only restaurant with this Taiping Monkey King!" Seeing my extraordinary clothes, the waiter in the shop hurriedly flattered me a few words.

After being so flattered by the shop waiter, all the people around the tables looked at me, and even a good squire talked to me, "Hey, this man, doesn't he look like a local?"

"No." I replied implicitly, unwilling to have too much contact with these people.

After all, I'm here to find out the news, and the more low-key I can be, the better.

"Hearing my dear's accent, it looks like he's from the capital." Another person next to me asked me carefully.

"No, I'm from Luanzhou."

Out of desperation, I reported my hometown. Tangshan was called Luanzhou in the Qing Dynasty, while Hefei was called Luzhou. I could just show them a few dialects, and save a while.

"My dear friend, you come from such a far place, what is the purpose of coming here?" the person just now asked again.

"Oh! Come here to visit the mountains and rivers, nothing serious." I replied pretending to be calm.

It's just, why does this guy have so many questions? Did he come to check my account!

I couldn't help but look at him a few more times. This kid is only in his 20s, and he looks handsome and handsome. He doesn't look like a gossip guy.

The old saying is true, people are not judged by appearances!

"Did you come here alone?" the man continued to ask.

"No, I brought my maid and followers with me." I answered truthfully.

"If my dear friend doesn't mind, can I sit at the same table with my dear friend?"

Before I agreed, the man had already stood up and walked towards the opposite side of my table.

However, before he had time to sit down, Mei Shuang took the lead.

Mei Shuang sat across from me aggressively, glanced at that person with disdain, and then asked coquettishly, "Master, why did you come here? They have been looking for you for a long time!"

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(End of this chapter)