Chen Ping's affairs, Montenegro knows everything about it. Taocheng is less than 300 miles away from Yangwu County, and it can be reached in half a day by horseback. On the morning of the third day of the fifth month, Montenegro led a group of men to Yangwu County, accompanied by a wealthy businessman. The only purpose of everyone's trip is to give the down-and-out Chen Ping a long face.

Everyone stayed at the Yangwu County Inn. Under the instruction of Montenegro, the shopkeeper came to Chen Ping's house. Chen Ping's thatched hut has been simply repaired, new furniture has been bought, and the neighbors have also come to help put up the lights. was busy when he suddenly saw a big fat man dressed gorgeously at the door, and eight strong men behind him, carrying four heavy red lacquer boxes.

"Is Brother Chen Ping here? Bajun Bashit is here to congratulate! Seeing that everyone was looking at him blankly, the shopkeeper hurriedly saluted everyone and asked.

"Chen Ping, a distinguished guest is here!" The villagers shouted into the house.

Chen Ping was decorating a new house in the house, and when he heard the shouting, he hurriedly went out to greet him, and saw that the shopkeeper was dressed gorgeously, but he didn't know him. also bowed and said: "Under Chen Ping, I don't know why Brother Tai knows Chen Ping!" ”

"In Ba Shi, a businessman, I have heard of Brother Chen's talent for a long time, and I have been friends for a long time. Now I know that Brother Chen urgently needs 10,000 gold as a dowry, and his brother has no long things, only money. I specially sent 10,000 gold to solve Brother Chen's urgent need! Brother Wangtai smiled, and Ba Shi also wished. After Ba Shi finished speaking, he asked the eight strong men to carry the box into the courtyard. When I opened the box, it was full of golden cakes. It was so bright and shiny that everyone couldn't open their eyes.

"Chen and Brother Ba don't know each other, how dare they accept this gift when they meet for the first time! Brother Sheba is good, and he doesn't dare to stand it! Chen Ping said.

"Brother Chen rest assured, the people of Taocheng Jishui and the Bashi brocade in Yangwu County are all Ba family industries. This money should be borrowed from Brother Chen's emergency, he Brother Chen has plenty of money in the future, and it is not too late, and the money is free! Bashi said.

Chen Pingzheng couldn't borrow money everywhere, but when he saw that Ba Shi was willing to borrow, he didn't refuse, wrote down an IOU on the spot, set the interest, and asked Li Zheng to testify. I signed two IOUs and handed them to Ba Shi. Puzzled in his heart, he asked Ba Shi and said, "Why did Brother Ba help me?" Can you tell us the truth? ”

Ba Shi said with a smile: "Wanjin is for Ba Shi, a little Qian'er, Brother Chen has a great talent for Zaifu, and he will definitely be a pillar of the country one day." To get to know Brother Chen with a small amount of money, it is difficult to find a dream for Ba Shi. On the day of Brother Chen's wedding, Ba Mou came to the door again to ask for a glass of wine! After speaking, Ba Shi tore the IOU in his hand to shreds and took his subordinates to leave!

Everyone was stunned when they saw Ba Shi seeing Wanjin like dung, and when they reacted, Ba Shi had already gone away!

In this era, when marrying a daughter-in-law, the dowry should be sent to the woman's house one day in advance, and the woman's relatives and friends should be invited to a banquet at the woman's house. The next day, the bride can be brought home and married! On the fourth day of the first month of May, Chen Ping dressed up in a new way, came to welcome the team, took the dowry gift, and blew and beat the Zhang family to pick up the relatives.

The Zhang family must be a prominent family. At this time, it is also full of lights, crowds of people, and congratulatory guests. Many scholars were also invited by the Zhang family to come to drink the wedding wine. Like the Zhang brothers, they had already decided to see Chen Ping make a fool of himself.

Outside the gate of Zhang's mansion, it was the Yangwu County Commander who came to He with a group of officials. Zhang Cheng, the patriarch of the Zhang clan, his hair and beard were all white, but his waist was straight and his face was ruddy, and he also brought more than ten family members to the gate to greet him, and the gate was very lively for a while. The Zhang family compound was bustling, and people were talking about this mythical marriage! There were even a few who secretly bet on whether Chen Ping, the sixth old, could survive to the cave room.

After a while, the drum music outside was announced, and the groom official came! I saw Chen Ping dressed in a brand-new cotton robe and wearing a big red flower, and was welcomed into the lobby. A group of people in the back carried three animals, wine, meat, rice and noodles, as well as four very heavy boxes. The master of ceremonies holds the gift slip and reports the name of the bride price. When he shouted out the bride price of 10,000 gold, everyone froze. Those who don't know are wondering why the bride price is so heavy as 10,000 gold, and those who know are wondering where Chen Ping got the money. Zhang Cheng is in a good mood today, he doesn't know about his two sons greeting the merchants, and he is bent on marrying his beloved granddaughter smoothly! Seeing that Chen Ping's heavenly court was full at this time, his forehead was shining, and he was full of nobility, he was overjoyed, so he ordered: "Accept the bride price and prepare for the banquet!" ”

"Wait!" The boss of the Zhang family shouted, "Chen Ping, your family has always been poor, where did you get the money for the dowry?" ”

Chen Ping had long expected that someone in the Zhang family would make such a fuss, so he said to Zhang Cheng in a hurry: "Dissatisfied with grandpa, Chen Ping really can't take out the 10,000 gold bride price, this 10,000 gold was lent to Chen Ping by a friend!" ”

Zhang Ying was a little angry at his eldest son's question, but his face did not change, and said: "From now on, everyone is a family, why do you care so much?" ”

"Father, we don't care whether Chen Ping's bride price is borrowed or not, but I suspect that this box is not gold at all, with Chen Ping's family background, let alone ten thousand gold, he can't borrow ten gold." The third child of the Zhang family said.

When Zhang Cheng heard this, he knew that his two sons were because he felt sorry for the rich dowry he had prepared for his granddaughter. I'm looking for Chen Ping's stubble! couldn't hold back any longer, and scolded: "Are you saying that in the name of my grandson-in-law, I can't borrow a dowry of ten thousand gold?" Zhang Ying's eyes looked around like a knife, and the wealthy merchants and magnates of the whole city were invited to attend the wedding. One of the fur dealers saw Zhang Cheng pull down his face, thinking that Zhang Cheng was blaming everyone for lending gold to Chen Ping, and hurriedly said: "We have all received a notice from the uncle and the third master that we are not allowed to lend money to Chen Ping, and this gold is definitely not lent out by us!" ”

As soon as this remark came out, everyone was in an uproar and discussed one after another. This Zhang family asked for a sky-high bride price, and at the same time used their power to prevent people from lending money to Chen Ping, which one is this singing?

At this time, Zhang Ying understood, but the two sons felt sorry for the dowry they prepared for their granddaughters, so they made it bad behind their backs, and eighty percent of the four boxes were not real gold. Looking at Chen Ping in a blink of an eye, Chen Ping was very calm and calm, so calm that it was unpredictable.

"The Zhang family's achievements today are all fought by the second child in the business sea, at that time, you two brothers only knew how to eat, drink, prostitute and gamble, fight cocks and lackeys. It's a pity that the second child died young, and now he leaves a dowry for his daughter, what are you two distressed about? Regardless of whether these four boxes are real gold or not, Chen Ping is the husband recognized by Ruojiang, and he is my grandson-in-law. The wedding continues and opens! Zhang Cheng shouted loudly, no matter what today, I will finish the happy event first and then take care of it.

All the guests talked about it, and they were all saying that the Zhang brothers had gone too far!

Boss Zhang and Boss Zhang are in a hurry! Seeing that the plan was about to fail, he also lost a bad reputation. In a hurry, as long as Chen Ping's bride price money fraud is exposed in public, they can unite with others to oppose it, and at least they can save most of the dowry. Then he winked at a few of the soldiers. These scholars are usually the most jealous of Chen Ping's talent, and the rumor that Chen Ping stole his sister-in-law was made up by them a year ago. Ten days ago, he accepted the benefits of the Zhang brothers, and ruthlessly publicized Chen Ping's theft of his sister-in-law in the city. Seeing that the Zhang brothers hinted at themselves, they knew that they had made money again, and they were jealous of Chen Ping in their hearts. He stood up and said loudly: "Who would lend money to a poor scholar who stole his sister-in-law? I think these four boxes look beautiful, and they must be filled with stones! As soon as this remark came out, everyone was in an uproar, some people scolded this scholar for being excessive, and more people were happy to see jokes. How could a poor man who stole his sister-in-law come up with a dowry of 10,000 gold? If there is real gold in this box, I will immediately kneel down and kowtow to Chen Ping, it must be fake! The other gentlemen shouted again.

At this time, even if Chen Ping was cultivated, his face was pale with anger, and his back molars were clucking. When the scholars saw it, they thought he was weak-hearted! shouted in unison to see the dowry.

Chen Ping held back the anger in his heart, and saluted Zhang Ying: "Grandson-in-law, thank you grandfather for your love, since they all think that the dowry is fake, it is better to open it in public and let them die!" ”

Zhang Ying was also trembling with anger, opening the box in public to show off the dowry and dowry is also something that the rich and noble must do, originally he had the intention to block it for Chen Ping, but seeing that Chen Ping seemed to be confident, he no longer hesitated, and ordered: "Unpack, let everyone see the dowry of ten thousand gold!" ”

Several juniors of the Zhang family quickly picked the big red silk flowers on the box and untied the ropes. Before it could be opened, many sharp-eyed merchants had already seen the "Bawich" mark on the box. This is the largest business in the world, and it is already expected that there must be real gold in this box. I thought to myself: "Chen Ping can get the support of Ba Huaiqing Trading Company, if we go against him, wouldn't we be looking for death?" ”

The four chests were opened at the same time, and they were all filled with yellow gold cakes, emitting a blinding yellow light......

Montenegro and the others sat in a nearby tavern, listening to the silk shopkeeper's report on the farce in Zhang's mansion. "These gentlemen are so unspeakable! We have to let them taste the harm of Qin Fa's rumors! Montenegro said fiercely, and explained to a few of his subordinates, and a few went with the shopkeeper of the silk shop!

After watching the dowry, many of the questioners kept their mouths shut. The wedding went on. Seeing that Chen Ping had the support of the Ba Huai clan behind him, many businessmen changed their initial attitude and deliberately curried favor with Chen Ping, for fear that Chen Ping would remember their revenge for not lending him money. The uninformed Zhang family also wondered why the businessmen had changed so much.

In the afternoon, the banquet ended and the guests gradually dispersed. Several scholars were depressed because they couldn't make Chen Ping make a fool of himself in public. When he walked out of Zhang's mansion, he also used the strength of wine to scold Chen Ping, a poor scholar who stole his sister-in-law, for taking shit luck! They are used to bullying Chen Ping, and they don't want to see Chen Ping's net worth and talent surpass them. A few were not far from Zhang's mansion, and they were immediately pressed to the ground by more than a dozen big men. You can't play with your hands on your back.

"Who are you? Do you dare to arrest me, do you know who my father is? The scholars were overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, and one of them shouted.

A few big men were silent, escorted four scholars to the county office, and let them struggle and abuse. At this time, people came and went on the street, and many people didn't know what was going on, so they came to see the excitement. The big man who led the "Dong Dong Dong" sounded the drum at the entrance of the yamen.

The county had just drunk a few glasses of water and wine in Zhang's mansion, and as soon as he returned to the back hall, he heard someone beating a drum. hurriedly changed into official uniforms and went to the court to ask questions. The Qin State required the officials to complete the official duties on the same day! Ascending to church in the middle of the night is commonplace.

The county clerk sat in the hall, and the scribe had already prepared pen and ink and sat on the side, preparing the book. The officials brought the people into the hall. The county saw a group of strange strong men holding four scholars, all of whom he knew, and one of them was the son of a colleague. According to the process, the county first asked the identities of the people and checked their tests and biographies. The more I look at it, the more depressed I become, the lowest title of these Han people is also the eldest doctor, and the leader is still Zuo Shuchang, who is several levels higher than his own title.

The county didn't dare to slack off, and asked: "A few adults, I don't know what these scholars and scholars have committed?" ”

The leader was Dong Jian, who said: "We are ordered by the general to inspect the security of this county. Chen Ping's theft of his sister-in-law has been investigated in detail and determined to be a rumor. These four people not only publicly slandered Chen Ping's stealing sister-in-law at Chen Ping's wedding banquet, but also publicly publicized it on the street, and we were caught by us.

The county leader broke out in a cold sweat, and a few people said in Zhang's Mansion that they had heard it with their own ears, and the rumors were obvious, and the people who were sent were not something they could offend. If you cover it up, you have to fold it yourself. decided to clear himself first, so he shouted: "The four of you, at Chen Ping's wedding, openly slandered Chen Ping with rumors that he had disappeared, and the official and the county magistrate had heard it with their own ears, and they wanted to ask you for their crimes. ”

The four had no choice but to plead guilty. The county magistrate asked the four people to draw the prisoner, and sentenced them to parade through the streets with black faces and show them on the spot, and they were sentenced to hard labor for half a year.

The next morning, the street was bustling, Chen Ping rode a tall horse, dressed in red and hung colors, and beside him was a gorgeously decorated carriage, in which the bride was sitting happily. Drummers and trumpeters blew and beat, and ten carts loaded with rich dowries passed through the streets. Four soldiers, with the word "prisoner" tattooed on their faces, shackles and shackles, were being escorted by several officials and were ready to be sent to the army for hard labor. They looked at the luxurious send-off procession passing in front of them, and their hearts were full of regret.

Chen Ping's home was filled with countless dowries. The neighbors came to help set up the wedding wine, and the merchants prepared new gifts to Chen Ping's house to congratulate!

Montenegro also brought everyone to Chen Ping's house.

The master of ceremonies at the gate registered the identity and gift money of the guests, and shouted loudly: "Bajun Bashi congratulates ten thousand dollars!" ”

When the merchants heard that Ba Shi's Ba Shi was also coming, they came out to greet them. However, the emcee's subsequent shout surprised them even more.

"Zuo Shu Chang Dong Jian congratulates ten thousand dollars!"

"Daliang made Montenegro to congratulate ten thousand dollars!"

There are not a few Zuoshu Changjue in the entire Hedong County, and there are not a few in the entire Daqin.

Chen Ping and his wife hurriedly went out to greet each other. I saw that Black Mountain was wearing a red brocade robe, wearing a jade crown made by Daliang, and the sword of King Qin was hanging from his waist, which was majestic. His guards were also all dressed in official robes, with plate crowns and silver crowns on their heads. This is a person who he can't see in every possible way to Taojun, but he didn't expect to suddenly appear in front of him today, the husband and wife hurriedly stepped forward and saluted, saying: "A few adults came to the cold house, it is already a bright wall, how dare you accept a gift of ten thousand dollars?" ”

Montenegro laughed and said: "We were just passing by, I heard that Chen Ping, a talented man in Yangwu, was happy today, and he came to ask for a cup of wine, join in the fun, and be happy!" I hope Brother Chen won't be surprised. ”

"Adults, please come to the house first!" But the bride spoke first! When Montenegro saw this woman, she was very beautiful, her eyes flashed with wisdom and cleverness, and her fiery lips seemed to carry the demonic aura of a fascinated person.

Everyone followed Chen Ping and his wife into the lobby. The main hall is not big, and some villagers who watched the excitement retreated, so that it was not so crowded.

"It's auspicious, it's time to worship!" A matchmaker shouted. Chen Ping's parents died early, and someone invited his parents' spiritual seats from the service hall to put them on the hall and prepare to worship the church.

Chen Ping insisted on inviting his brother and sister-in-law to stand in front of the hall. My brother was black and strong, tired all year round, his back was already a little hunched, and he looked a little funny in a brand new cotton robe. With a heartfelt smile on his face, at this time, he was happier than he was married! Standing in front of the hall, his face showed a simple shyness, and a pair of calloused hands rubbed together at a loss. The sister-in-law is short, slightly fat, with yellow hair, but she is meticulously combed, with a hairpin of unknown material, her complexion is also a little black but a little red, and she is wearing a new dark red cloth robe, and she said embarrassedly: "Uncle, sister-in-law is sorry for you, you are not worthy of standing in front of the hall." ”

"No, you're still qualified than Ping's own mother! Pingzi's clothes are torn, it is his sister-in-law who sews and repairs, and when he is hungry, he eats the rations saved by his brother and sister-in-law! My sister-in-law complained about Ping some time ago, just like a mother who hates her son for not doing his job when he grows up, if he really hates Ping, Ping would have starved to death and froze to death. Ping got married today, and his brother and sister-in-law are Ping's reborn parents. Please ask my brother and sister-in-law to worship my father and mother on behalf of my father and mother. Chen Ping said gratefully, revealing his true feelings. The sister-in-law was already crying, and the grievances she had suffered for more than ten years turned into tears of happiness at this moment, gushing out. Some of the neighbors in the church also secretly wiped away tears.

"What are you crying about? On the day of great joy, let you stand and receive the gift, there are distinguished guests! Let the guests smile! The eldest brother said loudly.

Only then did the matchmaker shout: "The newcomer worships heaven and earth......"

After worshipping the church, Hei took a seat in the courtyard under the arrangement of the villagers, and was about to open the banquet. The commander of Yangwu County brought all the officials to meet Montenegro and said: "I don't know that the general of Montenegro is Xiema County, there is a loss of welcome, rudeness!" ”

"General Ben is not here to stop by, but to patrol, you know?" Montenegro said.

"We only know that the general is also the county guard of Tao County, but we don't know when the general will be transferred to Hedong County, forgive the sin!" When the county magistrate heard that Montenegro was coming to inspect, he was startled and asked.

"This general guards Tao County, defends Qi in the east, and expands the territory to Chu in the south. And deter Wei Di! Could it be that the National Governor's Mansion did not issue a letter to order you to wait, but there is a civil unrest in Yangwu County, which needs to be notified to the general as soon as possible, and the general will send troops to deal with it? Montenegro asked rhetorically.

The county commander suddenly realized that with this, Montenegro was also his own top boss, and he naturally came here to inspect, not to pass by for no reason. had to apologize: "It's the negligence of the lower officials!" Please move to the county hall and guide the work! ”

"No, you guys do your part! General Ben asked Brother Chen for a glass of wine, drank it and went back! Montenegro said, his tone very impatient.

The county magistrate didn't know how to be good, or the county was clever, and said: "Brother Chen Ping is not only good at farming, but also has excellent moral character, and the county government decided to promote him to the post of Tiandian of the county's household, and today we are here to ask for Brother Chen's opinion." I don't know what Brother Chen thinks? The county magistrate said, glancing at the county order. The county order was enlightened, and immediately complied: "Please Brother Chen don't shirk." ”

Chen Ping could see it clearly, and when he saw that his brother was stunned, he hurriedly agreed: "If you can serve the people of the government, my brother naturally can't ask for it, thank you, adults!" It's better to come early than to come at the right time, please take a seat and drink a glass of water and wine? ”

The officials didn't dare to answer, at this time, it was rude to leave, and it was not okay to stay, they all looked at Montenegro.

Black Mountain's black face showed a hint of a smile and said: "Since the master is invited, what is the defense of having fun with the people, it is not too late to sit down and have a glass of wine." ”

The officials were relieved. Today's level is over! Otherwise, Montenegro asked them to condone the crime of slandering Chen Ping in Zhangfu, which would be enough for them.

The gentry and heroes in the county heard about it, and they also came to Chen Ping's house to congratulate them! There are so many people that there is no place to sit, and congratulatory gifts are piled up. Everyone said that this wedding was the simplest and most lively wedding in Yangwu County for decades!

Before leaving, Montenegro said to Chen Ping: "Montenegro has long admired Brother Chen's talent for dominating the world, and wants to ask Brother Chen to succumb to the position of military advisor of the shogunate first, and I hope that Brother Chen will not shirk and take his wife to Tao County as soon as possible." Said and took out a token and handed it to Chen Ping.

Chen Ping was overjoyed, his eyes lit up, and he took the token with both hands. said: "Shi died for his confidant, the wish of this life!" Chen Ping is the only general in this life! ”

Montenegro bowed his hand to the crowd and led them to gallop away.

The military division of the army on one side is already a member of Qianshi, which is 400 stone higher than the Yangwu County Order. The county magistrate on the side had mixed feelings, and he had struggled for decades, but he was not as good as a poor scholar who had nothing a few days ago.