Huan Rong

Chapter 44 New Years

As the end of the year draws to a close, the government does not try criminals. Whether it is Jiankang City or the prefectures, counties, and counties, the front doors are closed. Criminals held in prisons, whether convicted or not, will neither appear in court nor receive punishment until the end of the day.

Yu Qian and Yu Rou were imprisoned for nearly a month, during which time they were interrogated many times by officials from Shangshu Province for the crime of treason.

The two always insisted that they were wronged, and retorted that King Xincai falsely accused him of framing his loyal ministers, which was really a malicious intention.

Yu Qian and Yu Rou are not fools after all, they know the truth that there are no eggs under the nest.Even if he hated Yu Xi and the two of them, he would not get involved with the entire Yu family unless he had to.

The imperial power is declining, the emperor is basically a decoration, and treason is still an unforgivable crime.Strong as Wang Dun, with Wang Dao standing behind him, he failed to seize power with his troops.

If the two really had the intention of treason, it would be fine if the incident was dealt with.

But the two of them had no rebellion at all, and they were about to be falsely accused of treason by the latter without saying a few words to King Xincai.

Guessing that it was Huan Wenwen and Xi Min who were secretly promoting it, but there is no basis for saying it, and it will only kill him faster if he shouts it out.

Yu Qian and Yu Rou simply insisted that they were wronged, beat them to death and refused to admit the accusation of King Xin Cai.As for how long it can be delayed, it depends on whether Yu Xi and Yu Miao still have a conscience and are willing to fight for them.

If the latter shrinks his neck, doesn't see the critical situation, and just wants to protect himself, Yu Qian and Yu Rou can only admit it.

Although I understand it in my heart, I am still upset after all.

If it wasn't for Yu Xi and Yu Miao, how could they have fallen into today's situation?Even if they went underground to meet their ancestors, the two still had something to talk about!

The cells where the two were held happened to be opposite each other.

The jailers patrol twice a day, once delivering food and once taking away the bowls and chopsticks, while ridiculing the criminals a few times to satisfy their appetite.

The former Gaomen Langjun and the branch of the foreign relative Yu's family are all existences that the prison guards look up to.Now that the defendant conspired against him, even if he could save his life, he would be demoted to common people, or even exiled to a barren land. Naturally, the jailer no longer had any scruples.

"Yu Shijun, unexpectedly, you will have today!"

The status of jailers in the Eastern Jin Dynasty was so low that they were not even comparable to servants of high-ranking servants.

The latter can at least be released and re-registered as a citizen, and future generations have something to look forward to.Once the former is on the roster, none of the offspring males can leave their nationality.It would be fine if he could buy a property, but he has no land in his hands, and if he angers the Shangguan and loses his job, the whole family will starve to death.

The elder father of the prison guard once owned more than [-] acres of paddy fields, and his life can be considered affluent.Just because he offended Yu's family servants, all the fields were taken away and the houses were burned.

Among the several sons, except for the eldest son and grandson who were assigned to the prison guards, the others were all arrested as shady households, and their lives and deaths are still unknown.

Thinking of his father who died in grievances and uncles and uncles whose whereabouts are unknown, the jailer's eyes widened angrily, wishing that tomorrow, Shang Shusheng would come to pick him up, behead Yu Rourou and Yu Qian!

"If you don't treat us as human beings, you will never want to continue to be human beings! I have begged in temples and earthen temples, and I guarantee that you will be reincarnated as animals in your next life, and you will not be able to stand up for life after life!"

During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, metaphysics flourished, and Buddhism also began to flow in.

The upper-class gentry believed in Taoism, and most of them believed in the way of heavenly masters.Xie An, Wang Tanzhi and Huan Wen are all "friends of Taoism".

Folk Buddhism is becoming more and more popular, and the theory of karma and reincarnation is popular and deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.For the sake of safety, the common people also built various earthen temples that were not used for ritual ceremonies, which are often called "prostitution temples" in later generations.

Buddhist temples at this time were different from those of later generations. Monks could not help drinking and meat, and temples could not help killing animals.If you see a monk drinking in a big bowl and eating meat, it is definitely not unusual.

The jailer cursed several times and even kicked the gate.

Yu Qian was enraged, her eyes were red, Yu Rou leaned against the wall without even lifting her eyelids.

Why should such a small person bother.

If you can get rid of the crime, you can crush to death with a finger.If you can't... It's nothing to be ridiculed.

Compared with Yu Rou and Yu Qian, Yin Juan, who was also imprisoned, was treated slightly better.

Yin Kang finally cared about his kinship, so he did not come to visit in person, but he sent his servants to bring bedding and clothes, and meals the next day, and gave a rough update on the situation in the court.

"Emissary Yin, please rest assured for now. My lord has already met Wang Shizhong and Xie Shizhong. Let the servant tell the envoy that there may be some room for change in the matter of the new King Cai. If not," the servant paused, and said in a low voice, " My Lord Lang said that he will do his best to preserve the envoy's blood."

Yin Juan didn't make a sound, but held onto the wooden bar with both hands, so hard that his knuckles turned white.

He didn't wait until Yin Juan opened his mouth, thinking that the other party didn't intend to let him pass on the message, the servant got up and saluted, and walked out of the prison quickly.

As soon as the servant came out of the prison gate, a gust of cold wind was blowing in front of him, mixed with icy snow.The servant raised his head and found that the sky was already gloomy, and another rain and snow was coming.

In Huan's mansion, several servants walked quickly through the corridor holding wooden boxes in their hands.

Walking to the end of the corridor, he met Sima Daofu, who was wearing a Confucian dress and a gold hairpin, and immediately stopped to salute.

Sima Daofu didn't care at all, when he passed by, he saw the wooden box in the hand of the maidservant, and found that the pattern on the box was novel, with large clusters of peonies carved, and the edges of the petals and the center of the flower were inlaid with colored treasures, his eyes lit up, and he said, : "Where did this come from?"

"Back to Your Highness, it was delivered by Yandu." The maidservant replied respectfully.

"Yandu, did Xiao Lang send it?" Sima Daofu was attracted by the delicate patterns, and couldn't bear to move away from Twilight.The boxes are so eye-catching, and the contents in the box are more exquisite.

If it was sent by my aunt, she might get a few more.Don't even think about the things Yandu sent, it's good fortune to be able to see them twice.

The more you can't get it, the more you want it, the more you can't see it, the more you want to see it.

Sima Daofu couldn't bear his curiosity, so he stopped going to the courtyard to enjoy the rain scene, but turned to see Princess Nankang instead.

The servants didn't stop them, and they didn't dare to stop them.Get out of the way for half a step and let Sima Daofu go first.

At that time, Princess Nankang was discussing with Mrs. Li, how many carts should be sent to Huan Rong as the first day was approaching.

"The melons are in Yandu, and the pepper and cypress wine is not available, and he doesn't like the taste of the wine. It's better to prepare two jars of Tusu wine, and then transport half a peach tree."

"Ah Mi will cook the peach soup and prepare it, so there is no need to worry about it."

"Five spicy vegetables," Princess Nankang paused, and frowned in disgust, "Guer has never liked melons, and I'm not in front of my eyes, so I probably won't eat a single bite."

Mrs. Li covered her mouth with a chuckle, and said: "Mr. Lang doesn't like this taste, but he followed my sister."

Huan Rong doesn't like spicy food, and he doesn't like too salty dishes. This is indeed like Princess Nankang.In contrast, Da Sima Huan likes salty and spicy food. When he was young, he didn't like salty food or spicy food. In layman's terms, he was quite heavy mouthed.

The two were discussing, Ah Mai went to the inner room to report that it was Yandu who came, and there was a gift from Huan Rong in the car.

"Two large boxes and six long boxes are now outside the door."

"Did it come from Guaer?" Princess Nankang was overjoyed, and immediately let the servants in.Seeing Sima Daofu following in, it was rare to give her a good face.

"Where is the visitor now?"

"Returning to Your Highness, the person here calls himself Shi, and is now a member of the county government house, with a letter written by Mr. Lang himself."

"Sheren?" Princess Nankang recalled in a trance that Huan Rong had sent a letter a few days ago, indeed mentioning the appointment of a state official.

"Sister, since you are sent by your lord, you might as well see her."

"it is good."

Princess Nankang nodded, seeing that Sima Daofu was holding back, she frowned, she didn't chase him away immediately.

The servants moved the screen to stand on three sides, Princess Nankang sat in the front seat, Madam Li sat on the left, Sima Daofu knew Madam Li's status in the mansion, sat on the right side wisely, and did not say anything to be annoying.

After the indoor arrangement is complete, Ah Mai goes to the guest room to invite Shi Shao.

About half a quarter of an hour later, a young gentleman in blue dark clothes and a Ge scarf walked into the room and saluted through the standing screen.

Princess Nankang looked carefully and found that this person had handsome features and clear eyes, so she nodded involuntarily.Turning to exchange eyes with Mrs. Li, the latter nodded slightly, parted her red lips, and said in a low voice, "Mr. Li can know people."

When Sima Daofu saw Shi Shao's face clearly, his interest dropped greatly.

What she likes is a romantic gentleman like Wang Xianzhi, and Shi Shaojun is handsome, with the temperament of a northern gentleman to some extent, she really doesn't like it.

After seeing the ceremony, Shi Shao took out the letter he was carrying with him, and handed it to the maidservant.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, this matter is of great importance, and the servant must speak to His Highness face to face."

Princess Nankang unfolded the letter behind the screen, and after quickly scanning it, her expression became serious.Handing the letter to Mrs. Li, he turned to Sima Daofu and said, "Go back first."

"promise."

After all, Sima Daofu was born in the royal family, and it's not really that he didn't wink.Seeing that Princess Nankang was unwilling to say more, she immediately got up and left behind the screen.

The fragrant wind wafted through his nose, and Shi Shao sat upright all the time, without squinting.

When Sima Daofu was far away, servants immediately guarded the corridor. Princess Nankang's phoenix eyes were covered with frost, and her sharp gaze penetrated the standing screen and stabbed Shi Shao.

"You actually encouraged my son to act like this, after all it suits your intentions!"

Princess Nankang's prestige is no small matter, Shi Shao prepared in advance, but still couldn't help his scalp tingling.I had no choice but to take a deep breath and explained: "Your Highness, I have no intention of harming you due to the great favor of the lord of the palace. If you speak half a lie, I am willing to be struck by lightning and burned!"

Nowadays people believe in ghosts and gods, Shi Shao swears such a heavy oath, Princess Nankang's expression has not changed, but her tone has softened a little, and she is no longer too aggressive.

"So, are you thinking about my son?"

"Returning to Your Highness, it is true." Shi Shao said in a deep voice, "I used to travel between the north and the south in the early years. I dare not say that I know everything well, but I am somewhat sure. I can be regarded as well-informed."

Princess Nankang did not interrupt, waiting for him to continue.

"Your Majesty comes from a noble family, well-clothed and well-fed. It seems that everything is safe, but in fact the surroundings are dangerous, and if you are not careful, you will fall into danger."

Princess Nankang pursed her red lips and fingers, Madam Li approached silently, covered the back of Princess Nankang's hand with the help of a screen.

"It seems like a dragon trapped in a shoal in Yandu, where the Lord of the Fu government is struggling, but it's actually like a tiger entering a deep mountain and a fish entering a vast ocean."

"After the governor of Fu took office, he gathered the troubled county people, eradicated the powerful people in the county, took back the salt pavilion, divided the land widely, and eradicated the bad government. In just two months, the number of salt boats transported exceeded half a year last year. The people in the county all praised the government. Jun Rende."

"The Qin family is a noble family in the north, and its ancestors can be traced back to the Qin and Han Dynasties."

"Nowadays the Hu people are going south, according to the land of Huaxia, the Jin Dynasty and the high-ranking families have moved south one after another, but the Qin family is guarding Xihe and other places, recruiting refugees, and gathering scattered people. family prestige."

Having said this, Shi Shao deliberately paused.

Behind the screen, Princess Nankang showed anger, which quickly disappeared.

Shi Shao praised Qin's heroes inside and out, which further highlighted the weakness of the Jin Dynasty.Princess Nankang's surname is Sima, how can she not be angry after hearing his hints like this.

On second thought, it's no wonder Shi Shao.

With the current status and prestige of the Jin family, apart from the title of the royal family, it may not be as good as Wang Xie and other noble families.

"You can continue."

"promise."

Seeing that Princess Nankang didn't intend to blame, Shi Shao let go of his courage a little bit, and continued: "The Qin family has more than ten thousand generals in their hands, and they are known for being good at fighting in the north. Neither the Di people nor Murong Xianbei dare to commit lightly."

"The war in the north is endless, and the locusts are repeatedly attacked by natural disasters. The Qin Clan's Wubao has no shortage of people, but it lacks grain, grain, salt and silk."

"Your Majesty is in charge of Yandu now. There is plenty of salt and food, and there is a waterway to bypass Jiankang. It happens to be united with the Qin family..."

Shi Shao cited Huan Rong's predicament first, and then listed the strengths of the Qin family, clearly stating that the cooperation between the two parties can be described as a strong alliance.In the end, he added that if necessary, he could use the prestige of the Qin family to deter people with scheming hearts.

Shi Shao didn't say who this "person with scheming heart" refers to, and Princess Nankang didn't ask, but they both knew it well.

Shi Sheren is well-founded and eloquent.

Princess Nankang was finally persuaded, and agreed to enter Taicheng before the first day of the Yuan Dynasty, and loaded two boats of sea salt in the name of Huan Rong, in exchange for permission to sell salt in Jiankang City.

"Your Majesty's intention is that if things can be accomplished, starting from next year, two shipments of sea salt will be imported every six months."

Princess Nankang thought for a moment, and said: "Two boats are too many, one boat is enough." In order not to feed the appetite of some people, regret changing Yandu to Guershiyi, and secretly have bad thoughts, and it will be difficult to deal with it in the future .

"promise!"

Shi Shao respectfully agreed, and secretly felt that if Huan Rong was as decisive as Princess Nankang, the amount of gold that would go into storage next year would definitely be doubled.

After discussing everything, Shi Shao stood up and said goodbye.Yandu is short of manpower, especially the lack of civil servants.If the matter is not of great importance, it is impossible to entrust others, and there is no need for him to make this trip.

When the door was closed and the servants removed the screen, Princess Nankang read the letter carefully and said with a smile: "It's hard for Gua'er to find this person."

Mrs. Li nodded with a smile, held the wooden box aside with her own hands, and said, "Sister, Mr. Lang is a blessed man."

Princess Nankang put down the letter, and the long sleeves vibrated accordingly, and the sleeves spread gently by her side like spread butterfly wings.

"Open it and see what Gua'er sent."

The wooden box seems to be unlocked, but there is a mystery hidden inside.

Mrs. Li couldn't be bothered by such an mechanism. She moved lightly with her bare hands, and there was only a soft click. The lid of the box carved with peony patterns slid open to one side, revealing a pair of gold hairpins in the box.

The gold hairpin is made into the shape of a phoenix, the tail of which is wrapped with gold thread, and the end is inlaid with colored treasures.The phoenix eyes are bright, and they are two red treasures the size of rice grains.There are two strings of pearls in the mouth of the phoenix, which flow dazzling colors.

Princess Nankang held up a gold hairpin and gently stroked the colored treasure on the phoenix tail.

Ah Mai held up the bronze mirror, and Mrs. Li held up a gold hairpin, and inserted it obliquely in Princess Nankang's black hair.

Her delicate face was reflected in the mirror, she looked into the eyes of Princess Nankang, and she couldn't help smiling. When she moved sideways, the pleated skirt spread out in a fan shape, and the hem of the skirt flowed like water waves.

"Lang Jun is filial, and the gold hairpin and red treasure are the only ones to complement my sister."

Princess Nankang laughed, and opened another wooden box, and found that it was also a gold hairpin, but it was made into a bunch of flowers.

"This must be for you."

Mrs. Li smiled slightly, her red lips were more beautiful than before.

"Sister, will you come to me for me?"

Sima Daofu knew that Shi Shao had left, so he couldn't hold back his curiosity and came here for the second time.When he got to the door, Ah Mai stopped him, saying that Princess Nankang didn't want to see her.

Through the wooden window, laughter could be faintly heard, but it was not very real.Sima Daofu wanted to listen carefully, but saw Ah Mai looking over, frightened by Princess Nankang's prestige, he turned and left unwillingly.

In the fourth year of Taihe, on the first day of the first month, Yuanzheng

Before dawn, the rooster crowed for the first time, and suddenly there was a crackling sound outside the house.

Huan Rong was awakened from the dream, sat up abruptly, put on his clothes and got off the bed.Seeing that the room was dark, Xiao Tong and A Mi were not there, there were constant explosions outside, and there was a puff of white smoke. He thought it was water from the county government office, and immediately called out: "A Nan!"

As soon as he called twice, Xiao Tong and A Mi walked into the inner room.

Both of them were dressed in new clothes, holding lacquer trays in their hands.There are three lacquer bowls on the plate, the round lids are turned upside down on the bowls, and auspicious patterns are painted on the top of the lids.

"Lang Jun, today is Zhengdan, congratulations."

Zhengdan?

Huan Rong thought for a while, and finally realized that today is Chinese New Year!

The festivals of the Jin and Jin Dynasties were inherited from the Han Dynasty, and the new year began on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar, and both the court and the people held celebrations.If it was the Qin Dynasty, the celebration would not be on the first day of the first lunar month, but on the first day of the tenth lunar month.

The first emperor ruled the world, had power and money, and wanted to celebrate the New Year in October. He was so capricious!

After more than 100 years, Liu Che, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, was born and restored the month arrangement method of the Xia Dynasty. The first day of the first month was regarded as the beginning of the new year, and it continued for thousands of years.

According to the rules of the Chinese New Year, Huan Rong put on new clothes and tied her hair with a Ge scarf.Then they sat at the table and had luck with the "New Year's food" presented by the little boy.

The custom of celebrating New Year's Eve has not yet been formed, and naturally there are no New Year's festival delicacies such as dumplings and glutinous rice balls.

Of the three lacquered bowls placed in front of Huan Rong, one contained eggs, raw, and a few boiled beans were added to the disheveled ones.One is filled with three pieces of plastic teeth, and you can know the sticky teeth just by hearing the name.

The last bowl is five-spicy vegetables. The main ingredients are onion, garlic, leek, ginger and coriander. The color is beautiful, but the key is the taste.Before putting it in his mouth, Huan Rong felt his eyes turn black.

"Lang Jun, please use it."

The little boy set the table and chopsticks, took out a glass of Tusu wine, and invited Huan Rong to have a meal with great anticipation.

The goshawk stood on the wooden shelf beside him, tilting his head to look at the food on the plate, and soon lost interest, and flew out of the house to look for food on his own.

Huan Rong picked up the wooden chopsticks, put a piece of coriander into his mouth, his expression twisted for two seconds.The thought of eating the whole plate brought tears to my eyes.

"Why are you crying, Mr. Lang?" the little boy asked puzzled.

"...Thank God."

Fortunately, there is no pepper in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, fortunately!