When the fleet approached Linqing, because the sky seemed to be a little gloomy, the prince of Guangping was worried that there would be wind and snow, so he ordered the boatmen to speed up a little, if they could reach Linqing as much as possible, everyone could rest assured. The boatmen then sped up the speed of the boat, but fortunately the canal in this area was not frozen, and the river was quite abundant, so they arrived at the Linqing wharf very smoothly, and the time was just after noon.

The prince of Guangping seems to have found that he has miscalculated, but this is not a bad thing. It's better to arrive in Linqing earlier, the weather is getting colder and colder, and the ship also needs to replenish the water and charcoal. Linqing is one of the major states in Shandong, quite prosperous, and all the objects needed on the ship can be found here. Therefore, although there is still about half a day to hurry today, the prince of Guangping also ordered the fleet to dock at Linqing for the night, so as not to have half a day to rush to the next town and miss the accommodation.

The local officials of Linqing sent people to the dock early to pay attention to the news of the fleet of King Guangping, and although the fleet arrived two hours earlier than they expected, they still rushed to the dock in an orderly manner to meet them. The king of Guangping had just had lunch and was about to take a nap, so he didn't want to see a guest, so he had to be received by the deputy Qin sent Zeng Shilang. Everyone didn't dare to disturb the king of Guangping and the prince, and the Marquis of Jiannan looked like he had something to do, so they had to hug Zeng Shilang's thigh. It just so happened that one of the local officials was the same year as Zeng Shilang. Although the two were far apart in official positions, they had also been friends in the past, so the local officials very warmly invited Zeng Shilang and several accompanying officials to go ashore. The most famous restaurant in the city has already been chartered today. The best banquet is being set up, waiting to entertain the distinguished guests. A decent gentry in the city rushed over and competed for a place in the chaperone. Celestial envoys. They may not be able to meet one in their lifetime, so naturally they can't miss a good opportunity to see the world.

Zeng Shilang took away most of the accompanying officials on the fleet, and the king of Guangping was happy to be quiet, and stayed in the cabin to take a nap, with people waiting around him. Gao Zhen, the prince of the world, freed his hand and quietly called Zhao Wei, and the two met for a moment to discuss. Zhao Wei instructed Wang Fulai to transport his carriage to the shore and load it, and then asked the two mothers-in-law to prepare charcoal basins and put them in the carriage. Then I went up to the second floor to look for my sister.

Zhao Xiu was mentally prepared, and as soon as the boat stopped, he urged Xia Lu and Dongshuang to wait for Zhang's to dress and wear a hat. Zhang also wondered: "I don't go out, what are I doing wearing such a thick dress?" It's inconvenient to move. Zhao Xiu said: "It's still early today, take advantage of the fact that it's okay now." Let's take a bus to Liulin Town. It's only a matter of two or three hours to go back and forth. If it's neat. I was able to come back in time for dinner. ”

Zhang was stunned: "What are you ......" Without waiting for her granddaughter to answer, her eyes turned red first, and she didn't say much, so she obediently dressed up under the waiter of the girl, and then took the hand stove with silver frost charcoal that her granddaughter brought over, and sat there quietly waiting. When Zhao Wei went upstairs and said that the car had been set, she was a little excited to hold her grandchildren's hands. Go downstairs to the deck.

Ever since the ship sailed into the Linqing realm, she had ordered the ladies not to open the windows of her cabin. She didn't want to see that strange and familiar sight again. I don't want to think about the sad past again. But now, standing on the deck, she looked around, and found that although she was still sad, she no longer had that feeling of despair. She seems to have long accepted the death of her son and daughter-in-law, and she is grief-stricken when she no longer thinks about it.

They didn't alarm too many people, and quietly went ashore and boarded the car. Gao Zhen rode a horse, brought a team of guards over, and said to Zhao Wei, "I'll send you over." Zhao Wei didn't want to accept it, although he knew that Gao Zhen had good intentions, but worshipping this kind of thing was the exclusive right of their family, so what should they do with an outsider? Even if he knew that Gao Zhen might become his brother-in-law, he was still unhappy in his heart.

Gao Zhen said: "Although you have been here, it was not winter, and it was snowing all around, do you know the way?" Some of my guards are from local backgrounds and are most familiar with the road conditions, so how much trouble will it save you to let him lead the way? You don't have a lot of time, so don't waste all your effort on finding your way. ”

Zhao Wei was a little hesitant, Zhao Xiu had already heard it in the car, and raised the curtain and said to Zhao Wei: "Brother, the prince is also a good intention, you can agree." As long as the prince is free and will not delay the affairs of the prince, please ask him to accompany us. When we were in distress, it was thanks to the prince, the princess and the prince that we were saved. ”

When Zhao Wei heard this, his expression softened, and he hugged his fist at Gao Zhen and said, "Then thank you to the prince." Gao Zhen smiled slightly: "You're welcome." His eyes couldn't help but glance in the direction of the carriage. It's a pity that Zhao Xiu has already lowered the curtain, he didn't see anything, and he couldn't help but feel a little stunned.

Someone leads the way, it's different. Gao Zhen's guard, who was born in Linqing, acted as a guide in front, and took them on the smoothest, easiest and shortest road. The quality of the carriage in Jiannanhou Mansion is also excellent, the speed is very fast, and the base of the carriage uses a shockproof device, and Zhang and Zhao Xiu did not feel too bumpy. The group walked for half an hour, and arrived to the north of Liulin Town, where Zhao Zhuo, Mi Shi and Jiannan Houfu were killed.

Zhao Xiu got out of the car and looked around, only to feel full of strangeness. It's been more than a decade, it's still late autumn, and the surroundings don't seem to be the same as they are now. She doesn't quite remember where the boat had been in the accident, but she remembers the beach where she was rescued. It took a long time to stand by the canal and look at it before she recognized the location. Because it was covered with a layer of snow, the surrounding area was white, and even the size of the trees was different, and she had to carefully identify it to recognize it.

Gao Zhen seemed to feel the same way as her, pacing over unhurriedly, holding a horsewhip and pointing to the distance: "That's the river beach where our family's carriage stopped to rest, right?" I remember that before dark, my mother allowed me to play by the river for a while, but the smoke clouds stopped me from going into the water, so I picked up some interesting stones and went back. It's a pity that I don't know where I lost it now. ”

Zhao Xiu also recognized it, and said with a smile: "This is the place where our ancestors and grandchildren were rescued." Seeing that Zhang seemed a little sad, he pulled her to see. Zhang glanced at it a few times and recognized it. A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth: "That's right, that's it." ”

The place where Zhao Zhuo and his wife were killed have to go a little further upstream. Zhang refused to get into the car. Walking in the snow step by step, looking at the sunken part of the river from afar, tears came down.

There is already a simple grass hut built by the servants of the Nanhou Mansion by the river, which can shelter from the wind and rain and be used for people to worship and incense. As early as when the fleet passed through this section of the river, a boat accompanying the Hou Mansion was ordered by the chief steward to dock and come over in advance to make preparations. At this time, the incense, candles, paper and money are all ready. Three animal blessings, four-colored fruits and vegetarian wine were also offered. The two mothers-in-law put the cotton mat of the sheepskin surface on the surface that had already been cleaned, and asked the master to come forward and bow down.

Zhang stood in the sacrificial tent, holding three sticks of incense and praying silently. So that the son and daughter-in-law don't have to worry about the child, now the grandson has attacked the Hou Ye, and he has been admitted to the exam, and he has begun to enter the office on errands. The future is bright. Next, as long as she marries another good wife for her grandson and spreads her branches, she can rest assured. As for her granddaughter Zhao Xiu, now that she has been determined by a nobleman, she naturally doesn't have to worry about marriage in the future, I just hope that she and her husband can raise their eyebrows, and they will be harmonious and beautiful for a lifetime.

Zhao Wei and Zhao Xiu knelt down in unison and kowtowed to the river. Incense was poured and wine was sprinkled. After the ceremony. was supposed to pack up his things and leave, but he didn't expect Gao Zhen to squeeze in, and solemnly offered three sticks of incense to Zhao Zhuo and his wife, with a very solemn attitude. Zhao Wei looked at it and felt that he was much more pleasing to the eye than before.

The matter was over, and the servants of the Hou Mansion hurriedly packed up their things. Zhang remembered Zhuangzi on the side of Gaotang, but unfortunately he didn't have the opportunity to call Zhuangtou to see him. Zhao Xiu said: "Wang Fulai has already sent someone over to ask, if there is anything wrong, he will definitely report it." Now I am in a hurry, and the weather is cold, so there are many inconveniences. When I return to Beijing after the beginning of spring next year, I think I will be able to be much more leisurely, and when the time comes, I just send a letter in advance and call Zhuang Tou to ask questions. Zhang nodded happily.

The group got on the horse and boarded the car again and returned to Linqing. When I returned to the ship, it was still dark, and Zeng Shilang and the others had not yet returned. King Guangping already knew about this matter, and invited the three ancestors and grandsons of the Zhang family to comfort him, but he was worried that the Zhang family was caught in the wind on the road, so he ordered the imperial doctor to check her pulse. Zhang was grateful, and after returning to the cabin upstairs, he said to Zhao Wei and Zhao Xiu: "Today's events, thanks to the prince and the prince, you must remember the kindness of the two." Zhao Wei smiled and said, "Look at what grandmother said, when did we forget it?" ”

When he got out of the cabin, Zhao Wei said to Zhao Xiu: "This matter today is the idea of the prince." It's hard for him to think thoughtfully, not only not to alarm others, but also to fulfill his grandmother's wishes. He is indeed a man with a heart. ”

Zhao Xiu smiled and said: "He has always been thoughtful and thoughtful. From then on, it was just his brother who had an awkward relationship with him, so he had to pick a bone in the egg. Grandmother just said, let's treat others better in the future, brother, don't keep a straight face in front of others. ”

Zhao Wei glared and said, "When did I have an awkward encounter with him?" Nonsense! He turned his head and walked away, but the roots of his ears were red.

Nothing happened overnight. Zeng Shilang didn't delay his business, and when he returned to the boat, he just had a faint smell of wine, but he didn't get drunk. He also took the opportunity to consult with local officials about water conservancy, and gained a lot and was very satisfied. The entourage was entertained by the feast, and they were in a good mood. Everyone has a good night's sleep with the spirit of wine. On the second day, some people had headaches, some people had hangovers, and some people were in poor spirits as if they were seriously ill. Fortunately, King Guangping didn't care at all, and only told the shipwright to set off on the ship, and everyone was secretly relieved.

The fleet had a smooth journey and soon arrived at another large port, Dongchang Province. Dongchang, formerly known as Liaocheng, is also a prosperous place, with several scenic spots and several families.

But for Zhao Xiu's ancestors and grandchildren, Dongchang Mansion has another important meaning for them.

The king of Guangping passed through Shandong, and the high-ranking officials of this province had to go to pay a visit. They were originally stationed in Jinan, and Dongchang Mansion was only two hundred miles away from Jinan. Therefore, the provincial high-ranking officials in Jinan decided to meet the king of Guangping in Dongchang. Among them, there is a new Shandong political envoy Si Zuo who participated in politics last year, surnamed Xu Chonglun, who is the husband of Zhao Yuanniang, the wife of the Zhao family.

Aunt Xu had already sent a letter in advance, and he would visit Queen Guangping with his boss and colleagues, and then bring his grandson to visit the ancestors and grandchildren of the Zhang family. (To be continued......)