Minister

145 [Jiankang Nine Years]

After the beginning of spring, the wind in the capital became fierce, and the sky gradually became higher.The mood of the people in the capital also gradually improved, and the old and new favorites who participated in the hunt were proud and elated according to the custom after returning to Beijing.Like Wei Chi before, Li Pan is the most beautiful person this year, but Li Pan is even more proud than Mr. Wei.After being hired again, the good news of his engagement came out.

It was Geng Yunmei who brought the news to Wei Chi.

Geng Yunmei was very frustrated, because she always insisted that Lin Yuzan liked her little brother Wei, but now she is engaged to Mr. Li... Although it is not that there is nothing wrong with Mr. Li, it is a pity after all.

She and Wei Chi can barely be considered childhood sweethearts, so they confide in each other. Although they are much younger than Wei Chi, as married people who have come here, they actually persuaded Wei Chi with earnest words: "My brother is a wooden man, little brother Wei I can't count on him. I thought you and Ms. Lin were destined, but I don't know that you are as stupid as my brother. In the past, with me, I could always mention you in front of my sisters. Son, my husband and I are leaving Beijing, who will take care of your affairs?"

Lin Mao didn't take the exam anymore. After taking the title of supervisor from the Imperial College, he was going to Nanzhili.There is no shortage of this official in his family, and he himself does not want to continue the exam. It just so happens that the older generation of his family are all in Nanzhili, where they are older and love him the most, so his father will make an exception. Li found him a decent job and sent him back to his old house in Nanjing.

Lin Mao was fine, but Geng Yunmei was very reluctant. Lin Mao was about to decide to take the Beijing exam, but Yunmei knew that he didn't want it in his heart. It was rare for his father to be open-minded, so he put away the discomfort in his heart and let Lin Mao feel relieved.

Although Wei Chi knew about this a few years ago, after the itinerary was confirmed, she was really sad for a while.Facing the absurd but sincere suggestion of this younger sister with a different surname, Wei Chi nodded seriously.

Zitan Zilin didn't follow, Wei Chi patted Geng Yunmei's head: "I went to Nanjing and respected my elders well. If there is a chance, I will definitely come and see you."

Geng Yunmei cried and asked Wei Chi to promise her not to forget to write a letter to Nanjing.

"In my heart, I have always had two brothers, one is my elder, the other is my friend, and both are my own brothers."

"Yeah!" Wei Chi took Geng Yunmei's hand, thinking of many past events, thinking of her with a small bun and braided hair, thinking of her chatting and arguing endlessly... She grew up in an instant, Wei Wei Chi was a little bit reluctant, and understood why he was reluctant, but he was reluctant again, sour and relieved.

"Lin Mao is sincere to you, but sometimes he can't help being emotional. You are also an upright person, so you must comfort each other. When you are pregnant and return to your hometown, the elders will inevitably nudge you, so you have to follow the words. "

Amidst the envy of Lin Yuzan in the capital, Wei Chi sent away the young couple of the Lin family.Only two months later, the Ministry of Officials issued another batch of transfer orders.Most of the names in the transfer order are the top few of the Kejia in the past few years. Almost all of these people have served in the Imperial Academy over the years. cabinet.There has never been such a large transfer order, but judging from the list, they are all promising people.Geng Bingwen was among them, and he was going to Jiangxi.

Geng Bingwen was relatively indifferent to this. He thought it was the emperor's intention. It has always been a customary way to keep the best officials in the capital, but the emperor seemed to have other ideas.When meeting the emperor before, he also felt some hints that this should represent a new change, and Geng Bingwen still quite agrees in his heart.

"In the past, only officials who were demoted or punished, or those with poor evaluations, would be transferred outside. This distribution seems fair, but it has caused local administration to fall into a quagmire of corruption or inefficiency. The Taifu should not approve of such a risky decision, but the emperor They are also people of insight, and they must have made thorough preparations before implementing this new policy. I think it is very good."

Wei Chi also believed that this approach made sense.

Geng Bingwen sighed: "You... are not on this list because you have already been to the Great Wall. You are not disappointed with the emperor. He does not anger you because of King Yan, which proves that he still recognizes your ability. Once you If there is a chance, I will recommend it to Shushu, so don’t worry.”

"What am I in a hurry for?" Wei Chi laughed when he heard him say this: "...Actually...how should I say it...the emperor gave me this position, after I think about it, I am still very grateful."

After knowing his loyalty to the King of Yan, Chen Xing was able to keep himself alive, and even serve as an official...Wei Chi had to admit that this man was not only courageous, but also courageous.Although I am walking on thin ice now, I am not entirely alone in crossing the sea with an unpredictable future... It is just that there are some things that I cannot say, and I can only thank Geng Bingran for his sincerity.

Wei Chi picked up a glass of wine: "You sent me off that year, and I sent you off this year. I hope it will all be a good result. In fact, there are many things that can't be distinguished. I don't worry about your talent. I just got there. Many small people will inevitably require you to pay more attention. Although selfish desires are not your desires, they are the desires of most people. In addition to the pure stream, there are also dirty streams. This is my greatest experience outside the Great Wall. I am now this Age, official rank five is enough, and there is Master Liu Min to protect, you don’t have to worry about me, just let go and do your business. If you can’t achieve a career, I won’t welcome you in the capital!”

The glass is this year's new wine, and the years outside the window are already green wicker. Even though the cold air is pressing, it can't delay the pace of spring.Wei Chi drank the wine in the glass, lit the bottom of the glass: "Team."

"Same encouragement!"

Over the past year, Wei Chi has written several letters to the outside of the Great Wall, but has not received a reply.It made Wei Chi, an official, start to wonder if the mutual market was just a joke.But no matter how frustrated Wei Chi was, the mutual market was really lively. The letters and bills of the merchants in the capital could be delivered directly through the official posts of the two countries, and both parties were satisfied.The battle... It should be impossible to fight, Wei Chi thought, is this a step closer to the world Qi Qige wants?

The few peonies that Wei Chi planted so hard last year survived the winter, Wei Chi couldn't bear the excitement again, went to the street to buy new paints, and wanted to paint a picture of the future flower bones and send it to Qi Qige ...According to those merchants, when the letter arrived, the flowers in their yard were just in bloom, right?

Wei Chi was biting his brush at the peony flowers that had just grown their leaves in the garden, and Mei Yue and Zhu Er were kicking shuttlecocks in the yard.

"Master Wei! Are you watching how we draw?" Mei Yue exposed Wei Chi's laziness: "Hey...Master Wei pretended not to hear, so childish..."

Wei Chi sighed... This is how this girl treats her savior...

"Master Wei, what are you drawing?" Mei Yue ran over bouncingly, holding Zhu'er by the hand.

Zhu'er didn't dare to do anything wrong: "...Mei Yue!"

The color on Wei Chi's hands was bright red, the same color as Mei Yue's jacket.

……

Here...Qi Qige, let me draw a New Year picture for you...

Xu Lang left Beijing, followed by the Lin family couple, and then Geng Bingran. The huge capital city seemed to become smaller and smaller. Wei Chi lived in the house and went back and forth in the yamen. He was separated from old friends and gradually alienated from new friends. up.

The only friend before was Feng Shixun, but the two spent less and less time together.Some people wondered why Mr. Wei was so busy during this period of time, others enthusiastically inquired that Mr. Wei was busy listening to operas recently, and others enthusiastically inquired that Mr. Wei was busy drinking tea recently.

Wei Chi, who was dozing off at home, was too lazy to talk to the warm-hearted people, while hugging the stove, while reading the book list Liu Min made for her.Master Liu has also recently become concerned about Wei Chi's communication, and asked her why she keeps avoiding people from the Ministry of Rites.Wei Chi found a reason to hold back, but Liu Min didn't ask, but only half-jokingly said: "In this regard, you and Geng Mingyan are quite similar."

Wei Chi came out of Liu Min's house, sighed, and vowed to be at full attendance tomorrow.

So the next day, Master Wei was on full duty.

But Quanqin is very awkward. I have been studying hard all day by myself, and whoever comes will say that I am busy.Enthusiasts felt that it might be that Mr. Wei didn't transfer outside this time, so he was sad and wanted to work hard...

After it was time to go home, Wei Chi heaved a sigh of relief, stood up to pack his things, and when he looked up, he saw someone sitting outside the house looking at him with a smile on his face.

This smile made Wei Chi shudder.

"Master Wei, you are really busy." Feng Shixun walked in with a smile.

"Ah...Master Feng, why haven't you left yet?" Wei Chi beckoned Yiqing to come in to pack his things, and greeted Feng Shixun by himself.

"Are you busy tonight?" Feng Shixun sat down and motioned Wei Chi to continue his work.

Wei Chiqiang smiled, walked into the cubicle to change clothes: "Ah...it's okay, what's wrong?"

"It's fine!"

When Wei Chi heard the slap of the folding fan in the man's hand, his heart couldn't help but jump, and his skin got goosebumps.

"Today is not a special day, why do we have to go to Qujiang Pond?" Half an hour later, Wei Chi reluctantly followed Feng Shixun to Qujiang Pond.

"You are in a hurry for the special day. Today is the birthday of Ruyuyuan's top gentleman, Shi Xiaoxiao. It's very lively over there." Feng Shixun laughed.

No wonder he was dressed in gorgeous clothes, Wei Chi secretly thought to himself - I still think it's the emperor's birthday...

The two of them didn't take the car, and when they arrived at Qujiang Pond, it was almost dinner time.Feng Shixun chatted casually along the way, Wei Chi listened, agreed, and smiled politely.

In Qujiangchi, a special banquet will be held on the birthday of a famous actor or geisha, and people of the same level will join in the celebration.According to the rules here, guests do not need to be invited, everyone can come, but at the entrance of the venue, only approved people are eligible to enter.In this way, there is somewhat of a challenge.

Officials like Feng Shixun or Wei Chi don't need to worry too much, so Wei Chi walked inside without thinking too much.

"Wait!" A luxuriously dressed female servant blocked Wei Chi: "This lord can't go in."

Feng Shixun was very puzzled: "What? What?"

"Master Feng can go in, but Master Wei cannot." The maid said with a smile.

They're all called by name, so it's not a misunderstanding.Wei Chi smiled and said to Feng Shixun: "Look, I'm not welcome, right? I'd better go back."

Generally, if a person with special status is stopped outside, it is likely that there are some teasing things to do-such as posting a couplet, singing a song, and so on.If it's brilliant, it's particularly brilliant.Those who have the ability can't wait for it!Wei Chi is usually a person who can make jokes, Feng Shixun saw that he was really going to go back, so he quickly stopped him.

"Hey! Isn't this Master Wei?" A special voice floated down from upstairs.

Wei Chi could tell who it was with his eyes closed: "Mr. Poetry."

After a while, Shi Xiaoxiao came downstairs. She was wearing a bright red dress today, her hair was combed high, and her face was very dignified.Different from Fu Yaoqin's exquisite face, and Xiao Mingyue's quiet temperament, Shi's small appearance is a kind of unique liveliness and dignity.When she was not drunk, her demeanor was more noble than that of a princess, and when she was not deliberately embarrassing others, her conversation was more elegant than the noble ladies in the capital.

But this kind of graceful aura disappeared when she came to Wei Chi, and she twitched her lips slightly: "Who dares to stop you, right? My brother-in-law Feng?"

After finishing speaking, he took Feng Shixun's arm affectionately.

Wei Chi, who hadn't been irritated by anyone for many years, felt that he was really going to get angry at this moment, but before it was too late, Shi Xiaoxiao gracefully stepped up the stairs, leaving only a back view.

Feng Shixun, Shi Xiaoxiao?There is also the moth in the room, Wei Chi is too lazy to pay attention to it... If it is someone else, he will definitely be embarrassed to follow in, but at this moment, Wei Chi does not want to see the faces of a group of actors, so he turns and leaves.

Wei Chi walked less than a hundred steps, when two guards in scary clothes stopped Wei Chi: "Master Wei, borrow a step."

Wei Chi saw their flying hat brims - Dongchang.

"Why, is Dongchang going to take someone now?"

One of them seemed to be the leader: "Master Wei, this is a bad word. There is no way to take someone or not. It's just that my master let you speak. If it's inconvenient for you, please do it."

That's what they said, but the two of them had no intention of giving way at all.

"Excuse me, tell Eunuch Huang that I'm really not feeling well today, and I'll definitely visit you someday." Wei Chi opened a gap with his fan while talking.

If the people in Dongchang can swallow the anger of the officials of the Ministry of Rites, then it is not Dongchang.The leader came over and wanted to grab the fan handle.

If Wei Chi had to suffer even from Dongchang, he would have spent a year under Wang Yunyi's hands for nothing.Wei Chi dodged the man's palm with his backhand, and slapped him on the back of his hand.

"Hey, isn't this Mrs. Wei?" This time it was Tan Youzhi who struck up a conversation. He hadn't seen him for many years, and he seemed to have returned to the capital recently. They Jin Yiwei were also from the palace, and it was reasonable to come out to sing poems for a small occasion: "Why, someone stopped you from buying fans again?"

"Master Qin has a really good memory." Wei Chi looked him up and down: "Master Qin has been promoted! Congratulations."

"How can we compare with you?" Tan Youzhi smiled gently: "I am not a dog anyway? What are the two brothers from Dongchang talking to Mr. Wei?"

The people from Dongchang were also really embarrassed to complain to the Jinyiwei people, and both of them faltered.

Tan Youzhi stepped forward and put Wei Chi's ear in his ear: "Eunuch, it's really hard to come to this kind of place. Mr. Wei is really serious, and he won't give in. You civil servants are very bad."

Wei Chi rubbed his forehead, and suddenly felt that this Jinyiwei dog was the most pleasing person he saw today.

"I didn't ask you to warm the kang head for Eunuch Huang, what are you afraid of?" Tan Youzhi said with a chuckle, "Even if I really want to warm the kang head, I wouldn't dare not to go, let alone you. .”

Upstairs here, after Feng Shixun took his seat, he realized that Wei Chi hadn't followed, so he couldn't help complaining to Shi Xiaoxiao: "Master Wei is always reserved, but you are really angry with him this time."

Shi Xiaoxiao smiled disdainfully: "My good brother-in-law, you really care about him." After finishing speaking, she threw her hands and went to the table.

With Huang Gui supporting the scene, his posture is much more magnificent than Xiao Mingyue supported by the Lin family, and Fu Yaoqin supported by the merchants.On the other side of the noisy big place, Huang Gui seemed to be losing his temper: "A bunch of useless slaves! You can't even stop a single person, and you want to come and eat?"

"Are you angry?" Shi Xiaoxiao came over and sat aside: "Who can't be stopped?"

Huang Gui saw that Shi Xiaoxiao was coming, so he put his temper aside: "Isn't it you who made fun of Mr. Wei? He has a hard temper, he refuses to come back, and let the Jinyiwei see the joke."

Shi Xiaoxiao poured a glass of wine and drank it by herself: "If you hate him, I can find a reason to kill him now, do you believe it?"

Huang Gui smiled: "I believe it! But Mr. Wei didn't provoke you, why don't you like it?"

"A stinky official, is it worth asking Eunuch Huang so much?" Shi Xiaoxiao yawned: "I will leave the matter here to you. I don't sing or dance, so I'll be busy first." Mine is gone."

"Hey!" Huang Gui pulled her: "It's your own birthday, where are you going?"

Shi Xiaoxiao smiled charmingly: "I, I want to turn into a goblin and eat that little Wei lord!"

When Shi Xiaoxiao appeared on the street swaggeringly, Wei Chi was still confronting the two servants of the East Factory, but this adult was very leisurely, with a bunch of sesame candies in his hand, and was slowly chewing.

Shi Xiaoxiao's big red dress was very luxurious, and the people around instantly recognized this perverse master, and everyone who knew something about the world avoided it.Shi Xiaoxiao walked behind Wei Chi unimpeded, and then climbed onto Wei Chi's neck like a cat: "Is this candy delicious?" Shi Xiaoxiao asked with a smile.

Wei Chi said indifferently: "There are some for sale nearby, don't you know if you buy a bunch?"

Shi Xiaoxiao squinted her eyes lazily: "I want to eat what's in your hand."

Wei Chi really wanted to stage a good show of beating women in the street, but Shi Xiaoxiao caught Wei Chi's ear at the right time: "In the world of life, you are suddenly like a traveler... Oh, I don't know if Prince Yan, who has traveled far, knows that he is like a man?" A traveler."

Shi Xiaoxiao let go of her hand with a sneer, snatched the sesame candy from Wei Chi's hand, and threw it on the ground: "Master Wei, can you speak with me?"