Ye Xun casually flipped through the latest Di newspaper, and suddenly he saw a piece of news, the whole person stayed there, his face turned white, and tears suddenly filled his eyes, and they flowed down unconsciously......

Wen Du noticed that something was not quite right with him, and asked nervously, "What's wrong?" ”

Ye Xun's hands trembled, his eyes stared at him with sadness and disbelief, and he said a few words with difficulty, "My eldest brother...... Died in the line of duty?! ”

"Big brother? Is it Brother Du Qian? Wen Du took the newspaper from Ye Xun and read it quickly. The newspaper said that Brother Du's body had not been found. Maybe there is a chance of survival. He knew Du Qian's position in Ye Xun's heart, and gave him a reassurance.

Ye Xun shook his head painfully, "I know that place, the water is turbulent and the mountains are steep. The eldest brother is already weak and not accustomed to water, so there is no possibility of survival! Ye Xun closed his eyes, pounded his already breathless chest and said, "I have long had a premonition that there will be such a day!" He is bookish, stubborn and stubborn, he is full of enthusiasm for the country's social affairs, but he does not know how to be flexible and out of place! He can't adapt to the courtesy of officialdom at all! Maybe...... This is the best place for him! ”

Wen Du muttered, "Brother Du Qian has a noble character, and he can work hard for the country and his own ideals. This spirit is truly admirable. ”

"That's how he doesn't care! Did he think about his mother? Think about the people who care about him? I was distressed when I thought that he was so passionate about doing something practical while clumsily and upright dealing with the inactive officials and superiors...... I can't sleep all night. Ye Xun said that his emotions were out of control again, and tears flowed down uncontrollably. He wiped away a handful of tears, "What the hell do you think he's trying to do?" ”

"Figure what? Maybe it's the openness in Tu's heart. ”

Ye Xun was stunned for a moment and whispered, "One day, I will be like him." After a moment of silence, Ye Xun suddenly said to Wen Du, "Wen Du, you ask Tao'er to pack a few clothes for me, and I will go and talk to my father and wife." ”

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to help find my eldest brother's body and bury him in the ground, and that's all I can do for him now."

"It's so late, let's leave tomorrow." Wen Du looked at the sky outside.

"Can't wait. I'll be back as soon as I'm done there. The family will leave it to you and Xiaohu. ”

Wen Du nodded, "Don't worry, at home." ”

Five days later, Ye Xun returned. He went straight to the study, only to see that he looked tired, his eyes were bloodshot, his whole person was thin and out of shape, his clothes were dirty and torn, and his hands were full of blood and blisters......

Wen Du looked at it and said with some distress, "Go change your clothes and take a rest." ”

Ye Xun shook his head and sat down in front of the bookcase, "Help me lay out the paper and grind the ink, I want to write a recital for the emperor." ”

"What are you going to write? Come on, look at you and haven't slept in a few days, right? Let's go back to our room and sleep for a while! ”

"No, I'll do it myself." Ye Xun said with a resolute expression with red eyes.

The paper and ink were ready, Ye Xun thought for a while, and then began to write. Because of the feeling, the thousands of words of Ye Xun are almost in one go. When it comes to emotion, tears can't help but drip down and wet the paper. In the recital, Ye Xun first talked about what he saw and heard when he went, and how his big brother Du sacrificed his life to fight against natural disasters and inaction officials in a difficult environment. He wrote on the recital: "Du Qian's spirit can be sung and praised, and even if he does not build temples and shrines, his deeds should be vigorously commended, and all officials should set an example." A person like him who is loyal, filial, righteous and sincere, if he is not like this, it will chill the hearts of people with lofty ideals in the world. ’

After the recital was written, Ye Xun's mind still couldn't calm down for a long time. He read through the sheet again, and his heart was even more excited. He is inspired to follow his eldest brother and shed blood for throwing his head. Just when he was full of ambition, Ruolian came violently.

Seeing that Ruolian was not good, Wen Du immediately stepped forward to stop her, "Madam, my lord just came back, and I had been on the road for a few days, and before I had time to wash and rest, I rushed into the study to write official documents. If Madame is not in a hurry, let's talk about it tomorrow, and I will help the Lord go back to rest. ”

Ruolian glared at Wen Du, "Shen Wen Du, what do you mean?" Don't let me talk anymore? Still holding back to the room to rest? Is he so delicate as a big man! I'll just ask a few words! She turned to Ye Xun again, "You can return the rest of the money to me, and I will lose it again if I leave it there for you." ”

Ye Xun muttered in a low voice, "Where do I still have money?" Usually, the hair is no more than my hand, and it will be delivered directly to you. ”

"What are you pretending to be with me here? I'm talking about the tael I'll give you when you're gone! How much is left? Take it! Ruolian stretched out her hand to Ye Xun.

Ye Xun snorted, "Although I don't live in a hotel, I ...... You have to eat on the way. ”

"Just five days! Can you eat a tael of silver? Didn't you bring dry food? Ruolian questioned.

Ye Xun said in a heart, "I... I erected a tombstone for Brother Du. ”

"What?" Ruolian raised her eyebrows, "Didn't he die in the line of duty?" What can you do! Do you have money to spend? There are more than a dozen mouths waiting to eat at home! ”

"Isn't it a tael missing? You won't be unable to eat, will you? Ye Xun said weakly.

"Every month the money is worth a lot. If you don't eat or I don't eat if you don't eat a tael of silver? ”

"You don't have to be mine for dinner this month and next. I'm not eating! Ye Xun said.

"You! I didn't eat dinner for more than a month, I was hungry, I had to see a doctor, and I had to spend money! If you don't eat dinner, you will be exempted, and you will go to your father's house in the evening to receive the punishment. Ruolian said angrily.

Ye Xun thought to himself that it hadn't been almost seven days, so he nodded.

Wen Du interjected, "Madam, can you change the day?" You see that the adults are already very tired, and their eyes are red. Let him get some rest tonight. ”

Ruolian glanced at Ye Xun, and sure enough, her eyes were full of red bloodshots, and the whole person looked very haggard, so she also felt a little compassion, "Then tomorrow night, it's not bad for this day." Ruolian saw Ye Xun's dirty and torn clothes, frowned and complained, "Look at what you are wearing this dress?" Take it off at night and let Peach wash and replenish it for you. It's a pity to wear any clothes on you! In the end, Ruolian glared at him with disgust before leaving......

Ye Xun sat down on the chair in a dejected manner, after this toss, Ye Xun's pride was like being poured down by a basin of cold water, and it was poured so that his heart was cold.

The emperor carefully read Ye Xun's recital over and over again, and he could even imagine his anger and grief when he wrote this recital from the trembling words of a certain stroke and the traces of dried water stains. The emperor threw the recital to the big eunuch next to him, Xingwang said, "Have you seen Ye Xun's recital?" ”

"Back to the emperor, the slave didn't look at it. This recital is presented directly to the Emperor. ”

"Look at it."

"The minions obey." Xingwang carefully picked up the piece and looked.

The emperor teased on the side, "Usually ask him to write an article about the evils of the times, but he repeatedly shirks." Now, for the sake of a deceased water control official, thousands of words are sprinkled here. If it weren't for that, I wouldn't have known he was good at writing! Forbid! Isn't he and Du Qian brothers? I'm not allowed, see what he can do? ”

Xingwang smiled, "It seems that this Lord Du is very important to Lord Ye. Lord Du died in office for water control, which is indeed regrettable. ”

The emperor leaned at him and snorted lightly, "Even if Du Qian dies in the line of duty, will it be his turn to be commended by the prefect of Hangzhou?" He's called Yue Yan Dai! Originally, Du Qian's matter was also between the two, but because of him, I didn't agree! ”

Ye Xun and Qiu Tong stood in the pavilion in the wind. Qiu Tong looked at Ye Xun with a sad expression and said, "I heard that you went out for a few days, but I didn't expect it to be because of this." Lord Du died in office at such a young age, which is really embarrassing. ”

"Qiu Tong, you don't know what Brother Du means to me. He is like a light in my life, it is he who makes me believe that there is justice, ideals, and light in this world...... It was he who told me that people should live without a sense of guilt, and that they should do something so that they will not come to the world in vain......"

Qiu Tong listened very carefully and nodded. Suddenly, she asked softly, "Do you want to be an official like him?" ”

Ye Xun nodded, then shook his head again, "I want to be like him." Sheer! Clean! Indomitable! Like nobody's business! Not afraid of hardships! With the world in mind! ”

"Lord Du's character is absolutely impeccable, but being an official ......"

Ye Xun turned his face to look at her and defended, "That's because the officialdom is too dark, and an upright and proud person like Brother Du is unwilling to be in the company of those corrupt officials. ”

"If you can't adapt to officialdom, how can you realize your political ambitions?"

"You...... Don't agree with Brother Du? ”

"I can't say it either, but I'm sure there is someone who can discuss these things with you in officialdom. I think he's the best guy at being an official. ”

Qiu Tong actually brought Ye Xun to her house. Ye Xun walked to the gate and said angrily, "Why didn't you say you were coming to your house earlier?" Should I bring some gifts to your father? ”

Qiu Tong said shyly, "I haven't told my father about us yet." This time I didn't count as seeing my parents. At most, it's a movement among colleagues. As soon as I ask someone to go to your house to report the news, I will say that you have come to the governor's house tonight to talk about business, and you will not go home for dinner. ”

Ye Xun's arrival surprised Wu Zhonghe slightly, but it was quickly replaced by a greeting and politeness. The three of them had dinner together, and the atmosphere at the table was relatively harmonious, Ye Xun was a little restrained, and peeked at Qiu Tong from time to time. Lord Wu is still as enthusiastic as ever. kept giving Ye Xun vegetables. "Lord Ye, eat more. You're welcome. ”

After the meal, the three of them came to the living room, and the next person served tea. Qiu Tong spoke first, setting the tone of the conversation here. "Father, do you know? The newspaper said that Lord Du who died in Anhui was the hair of Lord Ye. Lord Ye has admired him since he was a child and regarded him as a benchmark in life. His departure this time made Lord Ye very sad. ”

"Lord Du's death in the line of duty is really heart-wrenching." Wu Zhonghe also said with regret.

"My eldest brother is honest and dedicated, and he is a rare good official!"

Lord Wu twisted his beard with his hand, shook his head and smiled, and after thinking about it, he said, "In terms of character, Lord Du is noble and upright, impeccable. But when it comes to being an official, the old man doesn't dare to agree. ”

"What Lord Wu means is that my eldest brother is not a good official? This...... How can it be? Ye Xun was a little surprised.

"That depends on how a good officer is defined. According to the old man, Master Du is a 'Qingliu' with noble character, integrity and loyalty, and he is not a capable minister. Wu Zhonghe still said calmly.

"Why isn't Brother Du a capable minister? His statecraft strategy and theory of helping the world are very insightful and practical. It's just not useful. Ye Xun argued.

"Why does Lord Ye think he can be regarded as a capable minister?"

"Able to serve as a servant?" Ye Xun thought for a moment, "It should be an official who is adept at officials, brave in doing things, cares about the court, does not avoid dangers and obstacles, and has outstanding political achievements, right?" ”

Wu Zhonghe nodded, "What Lord Ye said is very good. The old man can also add. Able officials are generally very good at solving difficult problems and good at reforming and advancing. Officials who can accomplish their mission well, but will have some flaws in their means and personal character in order to achieve their goals. And 'Qingliu' refers to those officials who are upright and loyal, have a good temperament, are first-class in learning, and are morally first-class, but they are not good at solving practical problems, and they cannot solve the worries of the king at the top and work for the welfare of the people at the bottom. The old man believes that the most fundamental difference between the two is that the followers are able to do things, and Qingliu is focused on being a man. Lord Du Qian just cherishes his reputation and integrity too much. ”

"Lord Wu means that my eldest brother is 'Qingliu', and I can't agree with it. He is of noble character, but he is not empty talk, is he not using his knowledge in the field of water control? We can't classify him as a clear stream or a capable servant because he has an upright temperament. I don't think the definition of the two is so clear, it's not black and white. He is a good official who wants to do something for the court and the people! Ye Xun argued with some excitement.

"Did he do it? He failed to relieve the worries of the king and the welfare of the people, how can he be regarded as a good official? He wanted to cure Anhui's long-standing water conservancy problem, but he could not establish good relations with his superiors and subordinates, and he not only lost his life by stationing himself on the dam alone, but also did not solve the problem. Is this what a good officer should do? Why can't he put aside his pride and build a good relationship with the top and bottom in order to achieve his goals and ambitions, and make good use of this relationship to let them complete the water control with him? Wu Zhonghe also refused to give up an inch of land.

"That'...... Isn't it possible to join them in the same stream? ”

"Complicity? In order to achieve the goal, unite the people you don't like for your own use, even if you are in the same stream? The old man didn't think so, but felt that he was a husband who knew the times, knew how to be flexible, and could bend and stretch. So what do you say can be done on your own in officialdom? Which one must not rely on the concerted efforts of the top and bottom and sincere cooperation? The more Lord Wu spoke, the more excited he became, "Not only that, but the old man also thinks that Du Qian is not only not a good official, but also a disloyal and unfilial person!" ”

Ye Xun found it difficult to accept others saying this about the eldest brother he admired, but because he was Qiu Tong's father, he tried to restrain his emotions from exploding. "Lord Wu, you are serious! Maybe my eldest brother is not the kind of good official you call him, but you actually say that he is disloyal and unfilial? In the eyes of the lower officials, he is a person of great loyalty, filial piety and righteousness! ”

"As a courtier, he failed to fulfill the mission given to him by the Holy Father, and failed to benefit the people; On being a child, he took his mother to sleep on the dam, and died at a young age, ashamed of the grace of his parents! How can such a person be regarded as a person of great loyalty and filial piety! Wu Zhonghe said impassionedly.

Ye Xun blushed and stood up, but immediately realized the faux pas, so he said with a cold face, "It's not too early, it's time to say goodbye after a long time." ”

"Tianyu..."Qiu Tong, who had been silent, looked at him tenderly, soothing his emotions with his eyes. Then he turned to Master Wu, "Father, Lord Ye has had feelings for his eldest brother since he was a child, and it will be very uncomfortable for you to say this." ”

Wu Zhonghe smiled heartily, "The old man said a little too much today. The old man carefully studied several cases that Lord Ye had interrogated recently. The old man felt that Master Ye was bold, smart and open-minded, and with a little experience, he could be reused. Everyone has to go through the process of fighting against the things they hold on to in their hearts, and the old man is just out of love, as a person who has come over, to mention Lord Ye, so that he can take fewer detours and see through the knowledge of each middle school as soon as possible. ”

Ye Xun's face softened slightly, and he nodded respectfully, "Thank you Lord Wu for your suggestion." ”

"What does Lord Ye want to do? An official who is loyal to the king and loves the people? Or do you want to be an official who pays attention to inner integrity? ”

Ye Xun was stunned for a moment, and then said slowly, "Maybe you can't be a 'clear stream' in the next place, and you can't be a minister." I will only do my best to do my job well, and try to be fair, just and impartial. But no matter what, it won't shake what you hold on to in your heart. ”

Wu Zhonghe nodded with a smile, "Well, the outer circle and the inner square are the real way to be a person and an official!" ”

Ruolian came to the study to find Wen Du in the evening, Wen Du was a little apprehensive, and quickly got up, "Madam, do you have something to do with me?" ”

Ruolian's expression was a little elusive, "I'm here to ask Ye Xun about not coming home for dinner." In the evening, someone sent a letter saying that he had dinner at the house of Governor Wu? ”

"Exactly. I went to Lord Wu's house. ”

"Do you know that Ye Xun recently met a girl?" Ruolian returned to the right word.

"Huh?" Wendu pretended not to know.

"Don't pretend. He's mentioned it to us. He also said that he wanted to marry someone. Where did that girl come from? Have you seen it? ”

"Oh." Wen Du breathed a sigh of relief, "That girl is the daughter of Governor Wu. ”

"Huh?" Ruolian's mouth opened wide in shock.

Wen Du smiled, "Isn't it also a good match?" The important thing is that the two of them are talented and beautiful, and they are like a pair of beautiful people, and they are very compatible. ”

"Is this meeting your parents?" Wakaren muttered a little distractedly.

"It won't develop so fast, it should still be a business matter." Wendu didn't notice Wakaren's abnormality.

"Why didn't I take you there on business? Ye Xun didn't come back in the afternoon, he must have dated that daughter, and he was abducted and taken home in the evening. Is it a bit of a show? Ruolian shook her head and left worriedly.

After sending Ye Xun away, Wu Zhonghe looked at his daughter with a spring breeze on his face and asked, "Qiu Tong, what do you mean by bringing Lord Ye home tonight?" You... Are you tempted by him? ”

"I want you to get to know him better, and let him know how to be an official, so that he can be considered a good official in the true sense. Let him better understand your struggle to do that in the future...... As for whether you are tempted or not? Qiu Tong thought for a while, "I can't say it right now." He's a really innocent person, and sometimes even a little silly, but he's stupid... It's pretty cute......" Qiu Tong said, the corners of his mouth unconsciously raised, and his eyes flashed with a little starlight......

Wu Zhonghe looked at her, and there was a faint uneasiness in his heart......

Ye Xun came back at night when Xiaohu opened the door, and Xiaohu said mysteriously, "Young master, Madam said that no matter how late you come back, you have to go to the master's room." ”

"Oh." Ye Xun casually agreed.

Xiaohu was surprised, "Young Master, you don't seem to be afraid at all?" ”

Ye Xun smiled bitterly, "What's the use of being afraid?" This is what I owe them, and it's time to pay it back. ”

Before Ye Xun entered the room, Ruolian and her father were studying something intensely, when they heard the door knocking, they were silent when they saw Ye Xun coming in. Ye Xun bowed to them and said hello, "Father, madam." I am back. Ye Xun caught a glimpse of the thin soft whip on the table, and knew that this was what he was going to 'serve' tonight.

Ruolian sneered, "Went to visit your father-in-law?" ”

"Huh? What father-in-law? Ye Xun's eyes widened, with an innocent look, "No, Miss Wu and I haven't reached that point yet." I went to Mr. Wu's house for dinner, and it was really a business trip. ”

"What business do you have to talk about at night? You're going to meet Miss Wu this afternoon, aren't you? Didn't you say that you should see each other less? Ignore our words! "Wakaren is aggressive.

"What Master Wu and I are talking about is indeed business. I started talking about Brother Du Qian, because Master Wu knew that I had been friends with Brother Du for many years. Then he talked about the water conservancy problems in Zhejiang and Hangzhou. This is not about to come to the rainy season, so let's discuss how to better control the water and avoid flooding in our local area......" Ye Xun said neither humbly nor arrogantly. Now he has practiced the ability to make up reasons, make excuses, and come without blushing and heartbeat.

Ruolian sneered, "It's not that we have to control you and not let you associate with Miss Wu." Mainly because she is also a daughter no matter how she says, and everyone is beautiful. It's not that I'm afraid that you are young and can't hold back and do something that is not easy to clean up. Even if there is nothing, it is not good to be gossiped by others! If you fall in love with someone, you should protect her name well. ”

Ye Xun nodded, "It's still thoughtful Madame." ”

Ruolian glanced at him, "As for your relatives, don't be in a hurry!" It's not something you should be anxious about, your father and I have our own arrangements. When the time comes, your father and I will ask a matchmaker to come to your house to propose marriage on your behalf. Also, about the monument to Brother Du, we all know that you have a deep friendship with Du Qian, and you have to go all the way to help find his body and let him be buried in peace, didn't we stop you? As a friend, you've done your best. But you have to do what you can! Du Qian died for the imperial court, and the imperial court will take care of his funeral! How much money do you have? What can you do? ”

Ye Xun just nodded.

"Erecting a monument for Du Qian without authorization and socializing with the girl in private, are these two enough to be whipped?"

"That's enough." Ye Xun nodded expressionlessly.

"Good! I'll go and call them stones. ”

Ruolian was about to get up, but Ye Xun hurriedly said, "Madam! Don't bother the two big brothers at such a late hour. Father or wife. That whip doesn't sink and doesn't require a lot of effort. ”

Ruolian and Ye Shiqing looked at each other, and Ye Shiqing nodded at her.

Ruoren understood, "Okay, I'll come." ”

Ye Xun knelt on the ground and began to take off his shirt.

Ruolian was startled, "What are you going to do?" ”

"Take off your shirt and collar and punish it! The whip is just one whip, and after the whip is finished, you can't make up for it one by one, and you can't make up for it. Ye Xun said as he took off his shirt and lowered it to his waist.

"You know how to save money at this time?" As Ruolian spoke, Ye Xun's bare upper body appeared in front of her, a strong, strong and young man's body, with smooth lines and a healthy complexion...... Ruolian suddenly felt that her mouth was dry, she swallowed her saliva, calmed down her emotions, and picked up the whip and walked over to Ye Xun.

Ruolian raised her whip and whipped it towards Ye Xun's back. Ye Xun only felt that his back was tight, he felt that his back was like being cut by a knife, and it was like being licked by a tongue of fire, it was that kind of sharp pain, he didn't make a sound, this was for his beloved eldest brother and beloved to be beaten, it should be happy and beautiful.

"Ahh Suddenly, Ruolian screamed, "It's bleeding!" Ruolian couldn't help but touch the bleeding place, and suddenly touched his elastic skin, and suddenly her arm was **, and her face was red and her ears were red.

Ye Xun looked back and saw that she seemed to be overly frightened, and comforted her, "Madam, it's okay, the whip is so thin and easy to bleed, but it doesn't hurt very much." Don't be afraid. Go ahead. ”

Ruolian threw the whip and covered her face and went back to the inner room.

Ye Xun and his father looked at each other, Ye Xun smiled awkwardly, "I didn't expect Madam to be afraid of this?" Ye Shiqing never spoke, just looked at himself, Ye Xun didn't know what to do next.

Fortunately, Ruolian came out after a while, there were still unwiped water droplets on her face, obviously she had just washed her face, she just glanced at Ye Xun, and then stopped her gaze, "Ye Xun, you put on your clothes!" Go to the hall plaque and kneel down for a stick of incense, and then you can go back to sleep. ”

"Huh? Did my father soak his feet? ”

"Soot! Bubbled! Don't those useless hearts! Go for it. Wakaren urged impatiently.

"Yes, thank you, ma'am! Father, I'm gone. ”

There was silence all around, and Ye Xun knelt in the hall alone and looked up at the plaque on his head, "The sea is tolerant of all rivers". Thinking of what Lord Wu said to him tonight, he didn't think what he said was unreasonable, and even thought that to be an official with a smooth career, maybe it really had to be like what he said. But no matter what happens, he can't change his admiration for Brother Du. Brother Du's proud and noble personality, upright temperament, and fearless determination for his ideals...... It is the goal he has pursued all his life......