1

"Brother, I have heard you say that you have been wronged in Hehe Village, and I have not asked in detail, today you and I have gone to take revenge, you can tell me in detail, big brother is not talented, you will definitely let you out of this evil breath." Liujia and Zhangchuan went all the way south, passed Shucheng County, and sat on the ferry boat of Longshushui, Liujia asked while enjoying the scenery. Zhang Chuan said indignantly: "If you don't mention this matter, it's annoying when you mention it." Liu Jia smiled: "Don't be angry, it's not too late for a gentleman to take revenge for ten years, besides, it's only been five years since this matter, so let's hear it." ”

Originally, Zhang Chuancheng was a native of Tongcheng Township, Anhui Province, and the village happened to have the confluence of the Luwang River, Shuanglong River and Xingdian River, so it was named Hehe Village. Zhang Chuan's parents died when he was a child, and he made a living by collecting firewood for the rich man, and when he grew up, because the cattle were tall and the horses were big, the physique was strong, and he was aggressive and fierce, he was cunning, and he was also unreasonable, and no one in the village was afraid. Zhang Chuan often gathered the scoundrels in his village and the surrounding Weizhuang, Xudian and other villages, and did nothing all day long, wandering around and around, harming the township, and the people dared to be angry but did not dare to speak.

One day, Wei Quanyou in the village had a dispute with Wei Zhen over land problems, Wei Zhen ridiculed Wei Quanyou's name "Quanyou", but in fact he had nothing, he was a poor bastard, Wei Quanyou was furious, and he was dancing with a hoe to fight with Wei Zhen, but Wei Zhen was agile, not only snatched Wei Quanyou's hoe, but also beat him to a blue nose and swollen face. Wei Quan's skills were not as good as others, so he had to cry and cry to Zhang Chuan for help.

Zhang Zhou was furious, and without saying a word, Wei Quanyou led the way, and carried the four little brothers of the fat, thin, tall, and short people, and marched towards Wei Zhen's house in a majestic manner. Wei Zhen heard the news and fled, Zhang Chuan couldn't find anyone, so he had to take Wei Zhen's things out of anger, and smashed them indiscriminately, alarming the neighbors, and some bold ones came out to persuade them, but they were also scolded by Zhang Chuan and shrank back.

There were a lot of things smashed, and my arms were so tired and sore. Zhang Zhou and the others were angry, and when they were about to bring the fat, thin, tall, and short brothers to victory, they only heard the noise outside, and when they raised their eyes, they couldn't help but be shocked, Wei Zhen, the bastard, came with seven or eight catchers and knives. Zhang Chuan was furious, he has been a blessing and a prestige for many years, and no one dares to report to the official, today Wei Zhen ate leopard gall, and he actually came to arrest me with a catcher.

Although Zhang Chuan was annoyed, he didn't dare to openly confront the government, so he had to suppress his temperament and shout: "Run." Before the words were finished, the person was gone, and the fat, thin, tall, and short brothers saw that the situation was not good, and they were so shocked that they fled everywhere, leaving the honest man Wei Quanyou at the door of Wei Zhen's house, and he was arrested and arrested.

Although the five people of Zhang Boat ran wildly all the way, but then rushed to catch the fast chase, and there were a few Yacha horizontal knives at the entrance of the village to block the way out, the fat, thin, tall, and short four people were captured, Zhang Zhou was in a hurry, and had to jump into the river and dive underwater, so he fled to the outside of the village to escape a catastrophe.

Zhang Zhou did not dare to return to the village, so he hid in the house of Zhang Zhi, a villager from a neighboring village, and hid. Zhang Zhi was afraid of Zhang Chuan's obscenity, not only did he not dare to speak out, but also hurriedly asked his wife to prepare good wine and good food to entertain him, and after Zhang Zhou was full of wine and food, he ordered Zhang Zhi to go to Hehe Village to inquire about the situation, and learned that the fat man and others were escorted to the county government, and they were each put back with fifty boards.

Zhang Chuan is secretly happy, this matter has finally been avoided, and let's see how I clean up Wei Zhen's house.

When he came to the fat man's house, the fat man cried and said: "Brother Chuan, this time we stabbed the hornet's nest, and we were caught in the county government to know that Wei Zhen's uncle was a scribe in the county government." Zhang Chuan was taken aback and said: "No wonder this guy is so bold that he dares to do it against me!" The fat man said again: "His uncle asked us to bring you a message, and we must compensate Wei Zhen for ten taels of silver, otherwise, we will be arrested and brought to justice, and we will be beaten with a hundred rods and confiscated to Liaodong." ”

"Damn, those broken things in the Wei Zhen family are worth three or four taels of silver at most, but you want the master to compensate him for ten taels?" The chapter boat was greatly enraged. The fat man said timidly: "Brother Boat, the one who knows the times is Junjie." Zhang Zhou clenched his fists, listened to the fat man's words, and saw that the skin of his buttocks was open, and his clenched fists slowly loosened, alas! I really didn't expect Wei Zhen to have someone in the county office, if I go to seek revenge again and injure him, I will definitely not be able to escape prison, let's just bear with it, and quickly raise money to avoid the disaster.

Zhang Chuan borrowed left and right to raise money everywhere, and finally borrowed ten taels of silver, and reluctantly came to Li Changzhang Yuandong, asking Zhang Yuandong to bring the silver to match this matter. Zhang Yuandong, who is in his sixties, shook his head and sighed: "You, you have encountered a stone this time, they are all from the villagers, don't be too arrogant in the future, the people can't do anything about you honestly, and the government can't cure you?" Zhang Chuan said: "Yes, yes, yes." Zhang Yuandong saw that Zhang Chuan's attitude was sincere, so he took Yin Liang to find Wei Zhen, and Wei Zhen also knew that Zhang Chuanchuan was a scoundrel, so he stopped in moderation, collected the money, and promised to go to the county government to cancel the case the next day, so Zhang Chuanzhou finally escaped a catastrophe.

This hatred and hatred have been remembered by Zhang Chuan for five years.

2

Hehe Village three rivers confluence, more than 10 ferries, several villagers are relying on the river to ferry the passers-by from the south to the north to make a living, among which the Wei Zhen boat ferrying on the Shuanglong River is the latest, the best technology, the charge is reasonable, so the business is booming, the whole family lives on this boat every month, and the life is beautiful.

Wei Zhen is loyal and honest, keeps to himself, and has a good reputation in the village.

On this day, the sky was clear, Wei Zhen held the boat on the north bank of the Shuanglong River, and saw that no one crossed the river on both sides, so he parked the boat on the shore and squatted on the bow of the boat to smoke. Wei Zhen is the first time to play this thing, it is said that it was transported from distant overseas barbarians, and it is the patent of the high-ranking officials and nobles in the city, and ordinary people are not qualified to enjoy it. Wei Zhen has been rich in recent years, and he is happy today, and he also spent five cents to buy a small packet to try it. Wei Zhen took a puff, the smoke entered his stomach, and he choked and coughed.

Although it was uncomfortable, Wei Zhen was still full of joy and said with a smile: "What people in the city enjoy is different, and the farmers in our township are really not used to it, hehe!" ”

Suddenly, there was a sound of talking from behind, Wei Zhen thought that there was a guest who had crossed the river, and when he looked back, there was a man and a woman walking on the ridge not far from the bank. Wei Zhen is so strange, the boss of Zhang Boat is a single, four years ago, because he failed to blackmail others, he injured people and disappeared without a trace, why did he come back with a fancy girl today? Alas, whose girl is really blind to fall in love with such a villain!

Wei Zhen wondered for a while, and when he looked up again, Zhang Zhou and the girl were far away.

After three days, Wei Zhen was about to ferry five or six guests to the south bank, when he suddenly heard Zhang Zhou shouting loudly: "Brother Wei Zhen, wait a minute." Wei Zhen was shocked, what did Zhang Chuan want? Don't you still remember the hatred of five years ago, and now you are looking for right and wrong?

Zhang Zhou came over with a person and greeted him warmly: "Brother Wei Zhen, I haven't seen you for many years, I heard that you have made a fortune by supporting the boat." ”

Seeing Zhang Chuan's enthusiastic appearance, it didn't look like he was here to find fault, Wei Zhen's hanging heart finally fell, and he forced a smile and said: "Brother Zhang Chuan's joke, I will earn some porridge and steamed buns by supporting the boat, and mix half food and half full." ”

Zhang Zhou said: "My relative Brother Liujia wants to cross the river, please cross him," said and took out five cents and stuffed it into Wei Zhen's hand, Wei Zhen was shocked, and hurriedly returned the money and said: "Since it is Brother Zhangchuan's relative and eldest brother, I will cross him over and collect any money." ”

Zhang Chuan said: "In this case, I will invite Brother Wei Zhen to dinner another day." Then Fu Liujia got on the boat and said, "Brother has a safe journey, and he will come often in the future." With that, he jumped off the boat and returned to the shore, and waited until Wei Zhen's boat was far away before turning and leaving.

"This brother, what kind of relative are you Zhang Chuan?" Zhang Chuan is a single, I haven't seen him for a few years, where did he come from, Wei Zhen saw that Liu Jia was dressed decently and the clothes were bright, and he didn't expect it to be a crop man, so he couldn't help but ask tentatively.

Liu Jia stood on the side of the boat, pretending to enjoy the scenery, but was actually waiting for Wei Zhen to talk, and when he saw that he really took the bait, he replied: "It's not a relative, by the way, the boatman, how is Zhang Chuan?" Wei Zhen wanted to tell the truth, but he thought that if this word spread and provoked this splash, it would be troublesome, so he said hesitantly: "Oh, oh, very good, very good." Liu Jia listened and said, "Well, then I'll rest assured." ”

3

Wei Zhen, his wife Song Qianying, and son Wei Jun were enjoying the shade in the garden after dinner, when they suddenly heard someone knocking on the door outside the courtyard, and their seven-year-old son Wei Jun hurriedly ran to open the door. Wei Zhen asked loudly, "Baby, who is it?" Wei Jun did not reply, but ran into the arms of his mother Song Qianying in a panic. Wei Zhen was quite surprised, looked towards the door, and saw Zhang Zhou coming in with a smile carrying two jars of wine, a box of pastries, a white shirt, a coat and a neat robe.

Wei Zhen was frightened, stood up in a panic and gave up his seat, Song Qianying hurriedly pushed his son into the room, and he looked at this villain with a strange look, wondering in his heart Zhang Chuan's intention: "What's going on today, isn't this villain afraid of the heat in a robe on a hot day?" Five years ago, the old hatred has not disappeared, what is the intention of bringing gifts to the door today? ”

Zhang Zhou sat down happily, and Wei Zhen asked nervously, "Brother, who are you?" ”

Zhang Zhou looked at Wei Zhen and his wife left and right, and said with a smile: "Brother Wei, sister-in-law, what are you doing, sit down, my brother has something to ask for today, you have to help my younger brother." ”

Wei Zhen and his wife glanced at each other, no one could figure out the meaning of this villain, although they were restless in their stomachs, they had to force a smile on their faces and sit down with Zhang Chuan.

Song Qianying said with a smile: "Your brother Wei is an honest and well-behaved person, and he has no ability other than supporting the boat, what can he help you?" Wei Zhen also said: "Yes, brother, I am the most nesty in this village, what can I help you?" ”

Zhang Chuan smiled: "Big brother, sister-in-law, I won't turn around, just tell you, brother, I've been lucky with peach blossoms recently." ”

Zhang Chuan said this, with a villainous look on his face, he moved the stool again, closer to Wei Zhen, and said mysteriously: "I got acquainted with a little girl in the county, who is very beautiful, hehe, at that time, in order to coax this little girl, I lied to her that I had a boat in our Hehe Village, and I had an income of two or three taels of silver every month just by ferry, which was no worse than the officials and lords in the city." ”

Speaking of successfully seducing the little girl, Zhang Chuan couldn't help himself, covered his mouth and laughed.

Wei Zhen and his wife had a grudge against Zhang Chuan and couldn't believe him, but they believed it, because this villain was born to do such immoral things.

"But, Brother Liu, do you know, where did I get the ship? A few days ago, his brother suddenly came to the village to look for me, but I was frightened, but fortunately I was clever and lied to him that my boat was rented to the second uncle who was doing business in the village, and the second uncle drove the boat to Luting Town to load the goods, and it would take three or five days to come back. Although I deceived him for a while, I still can't rest assured, in case Brother Liujia comes to visit secretly in a few days, and he sees that I don't have a ferry, won't this good thing be over? ”

Wei Zhen and his wife finally understood that the woman who walked with Zhang Chuan last time was what he called "little girl", and the man who got on the ferry and said goodbye to Zhang Chuan was his future brother-in-law Liu Jia.

"That'...... How can I help you? Wei Zhen asked.

"You rent the boat to me for a month, let me deceive Brother Liujia first, and wait for him to marry my sister to me, and make raw rice and mature rice, hehe, I'm not afraid that they will regret it." Speaking of this, Zhang Chuan laughed happily. When Wei Zhen and his wife were thinking about how to refuse Zhang Chuan, Zhang Chuan said: "I have raised 800 Wen now, and I want to use this 800 Wen to rent the boat of my eldest brother and sister-in-law, and I will marry the little girl into the family within a month, and then I will naturally return the boat to Zhao." As he spoke, Zhang Chuan took out eight hundred copper coins and was about to stuff them into Wei Zhen's hand.

Where did Wei Zhen dare to take it, his hand shrank back like an electric shock, and hurriedly pushed: "Don't, don't do this." ”

Zhang Zhou smiled and said with a little complaint: "Big brother, my brothers are all thirty years old, and they have achieved nothing so far, so I finally have such a chance to start a family, you won't help me, right?" You have to take this money today, and you have to help as a big brother with this help, and this 800 wen is enough for your monthly ferry income, right? I'm so sincere, big brother, if you don't help me, isn't it too much? ”

Alas, a flower was stuck in cow dung! Wei Zhen and his wife secretly thought that if they didn't agree to Zhang Boat today, it would be difficult to have a stable life in the village in the future, so it would be better to rent the boat to him as a favor, anyway, it was not themselves who deceived people.

Wei Zhen said: "Brother Zhangchuan, my boat only earns four or five hundred wen a month, and you rent it to me for four hundred wen a month, how can you use so much?" ”

Zhang Chuan laughed and said: "Brother Wei Zhen is really a real person, of course I know that it doesn't take so much to rent a boat, but Big Brother you rented the boat to me, that is a great help to me, if you don't help me today, I will have to fight a bachelor for the rest of my life, is this something that money can solve?" Speaking of this, Zhang Chuan looked back at the door, and was sure that no outsiders had come in, so he leaned forward and approached Wei Zhen, and said in a low voice: "Besides, I have to ask the eldest brother to keep this matter a secret for me, and you must not tell outsiders that I rent your boat, if you want the villagers to ask, you will say that the boat was sold to Zhang Chuan, otherwise the people in our village will be chattery, in case this news leaks out, my life's affairs will be over." ”

Wei Zhen hurriedly said: "Don't worry about this, I promise not to say it, I will charge you 400 wen for the money." ”

"No, even if the extra money is my thank you fee to my eldest brother, it will cost 800 yuan to buy a city girl to be a lady, it's worth it! Hahaha. ”

Wei Zhen was about to excuse himself, but Song Qianying interjected: "Brother Zhangchuan really has the ability, marry this girl from the city into the village, and our whole village will be stained." He glanced at Wei Zhen again, Wei Zhen got the mother's instructions, and he no longer shirked, when Zhang Chuan stuffed the money again, Wei Zhenhan took the money with a smile and said: "It's really embarrassing to collect so much money from Brother Zhang Chuan." ”

Zhang Chuan smiled: "Where is this, eldest brother, you have helped my brother so much, I have to thank you and my sister-in-law in the future." ”

When everything was negotiated, Zhang Chuan was overjoyed, got up and said goodbye: "Brother Liu, I will go to support the boat for you tomorrow, you can enjoy the happiness at home, and I will leave." Walking to the door, Zhang Zhou came back as if he thought of something and said, "Big brother, let's write a note." Wei Zhen and his wife asked in unison, "What note?" ”

Zhang Zhou didn't answer, took out a white paper and pen, polished the ink, wrote a few columns of crooked words on it and handed it to Wei Zhendao: "Big brother, I don't read any books, I don't know how to write, can you look at writing like this?" ”

Song Qianying grabbed it and looked at it, and Wei Zhen also leaned over to take a look, only to see three columns of words written on it, the first column read: "charter document". The second column is far away from the first column, and it is written from top to bottom: "Zhang Chuan paid 800 Wen for the boat fare to Wei Zhen and his wife, and the boat was returned to Zhang Chuan for one month." The third column is next to the second column, also from the top of the paper: "All supporting equipment will be handed over with the ship, and both parties shall not regret it." The couple looked at each other and nodded cautiously.

Seeing that they nodded, Zhang Chuan took the paper, signed his name on the back, and handed the pen to Wei Zhen, Wei Zhen also signed his name on the back, and Zhang Chuan asked Song Qianying to sign it as well, and the three of them each pressed their handprints, Zhang Chuan folded the paper, collected the brush, and said with a smile: "It's too cold, I have to go home and add clothes." Oh, by the way, one of these two jars of wine is for the eldest brother, the other is for the nephew, and the pastries are specially for the sister-in-law. Then he pulled out his legs and ran away.

Zhang Chuan left, Wei Zhen and his wife wondered for a long time, what happened to Zhang Chuan, in such a hot weather, he was actually wearing a robe, not only was it not hot, but it was too cold? It's not surprising that you give wine to adults, but it's inexplicable why you should give your seven-year-old son a jar too.

But no matter what, I can be regarded as trying my best to help him, and whether he can deceive the city girl in the future is his own business, and I didn't suffer anyway.

4

The next day, Zhang Chuan swaggered to the ferry, propped up Wei Zhen's boat and began to collect money to ferry people, according to the usual practice, each person to collect a penny, Zhang Chuan said to people: "I bought this boat, and I will cross the river for everyone in the future." Many people asked Wei Zhen, who was afraid of Zhang Chuan, afraid of revealing his secrets, and also secretly admitted that he had sold the boat to Zhang Chuan. For a while, the whole village thought that the boat was sold by the chapter boat, and the chapter boat became the new ferryman.

Unknowingly, more than 20 days passed, but they didn't see Zhang Chuan marry the girl in the city into the house, plus Zhang Chuan advertised everywhere that he had bought his own boat, Wei Zhen and his wife were upset and upset. Finally got to the end of the month, Wei Zhen hurriedly came to the ferry to ask for a boat.

When he arrived at the river, he saw Zhang Chuan sitting on the bow of the boat eating watermelon, Wei Zhen quickly approached and shouted: "Brother Zhang Chuan!" ”

Zhang Zhou saw that it was Wei Zhen and said with a smile: "Yo, big brother, come, eat a piece of watermelon." He enthusiastically handed over a piece.

Wei Zhen took the watermelon, and after eating a few bites, asked, "Brother, it's been a month, this boat?" ”

Zhang Chuan smiled bitterly: "Big brother, you give me another ten days, I will be in ten days, the little obedient brother has come to see, but his father and mother are not completely relieved, in a few days the two old things will come, at this critical moment, you must help me again, and the rent I give to the eldest brother is not low, even if it is delayed for another ten days, you will not lose money." ”

Wei Zhen had no choice but to go back.

After another ten days, Wei Zhen came back and saw Liu Jia sitting on the boat drinking with Zhang Chuan, knowing that it was the little obedient brother and Zhang Chuan's future brother-in-law, it was not easy to expose it in person, so he had to return empty-handed.

Two days later, I came to ask for a boat again, Zhang Chuan pushed and said: "My father-in-law and mother-in-law have come to see me, and I am very relieved to see that I am so diligent, I am busy looking for a matchmaker to propose marriage these days, as long as my father-in-law and mother-in-law accept the dowry, this matter will be completed, and I will immediately return the ship to the eldest brother." ”

Seven or eight days later, Zhang Chuan still shirked and said: "The younger brother will get married in three days, as long as the bride crosses the ferry and enters my house, the eldest brother will come to the ferry by himself, and the younger brother and I will worship in the cave room, haha, I will hold the lady at home every day and have fun, and I will no longer suffer from the sun and rain." ”

But after three days, no bride came into the village, Wei Zhen was in a hurry, Song Qianying scolded: "You are really a wretch, how can you still delay the time by him, and if you go again today, you will definitely get the boat back, otherwise, you will die outside and don't come back!" ”

Seeing that the lady was angry, Wei Zhen was in a dilemma, one was a bully, the other was a fierce wife, sandwiching an honest man in the middle, only to sigh bitterly, I don't know what to do.

Song Qianying saw that her husband didn't dare to go to urge, so she said: "Okay, if you don't go, you can't live this day, I will die for you today." Song Qianying was about to hit his head against the wall as he spoke, so frightened that Wei Zhen hurriedly hugged him and begged for mercy: "Lady is angry, I'm going to ask for a boat, no matter how he quibbles this time, I will not allow him, I have to get the ferry back." ”

Stabilizing the lady, Wei Zhen drank a few sips of wine to strengthen his courage, and hurried towards the river, and when he arrived at the ferry, he saw that Zhang Chuan was still sleeping in the cabin, and knocked the wooden plank of the cabin hard. Zhang Zhou woke up, and when he opened his eyes, he saw that it was Wei Zhen, lying there motionless, and said lazily: "Today, Lao Tzu is sleepy and does not cross people." ”

Wei Zhen smiled: "Brother, it's me, Brother Wei Zhen." ”

Zhang Zhou closed his eyes and said impatiently: "The emperor will not cross when he comes." ”

Wei Zhen smiled and said: "Brother is sleepy, if you don't want to cross someone, go home and sleep, or I'll do it myself." ”

Zhang Zhou sat up suddenly, and saw that there was half a piece of watermelon that he had opened yesterday and had not eaten it next to him, so he picked it up casually, moved a small piece to Wei Zhen with his hands, and walked to the bow of the boat with another piece and ate it. Wei Zhen took the watermelon but had no intention of enjoying it, and followed the boat to the bow of the boat, and said with a smile: "This boat? ”

Zhang Chuan's face was gloomy, he just ate watermelon and didn't pay attention to him. Wei Zhen asked again, but Zhang Zhou still pretended not to hear, and said coldly to Wei Zhen: "Big brother, eat, you're welcome." ”

Wei Zhen was anxious and asked again, "Brother, this matter of renting a boat?" It's been two months, and it's time to return it to me. ”

Zhang Zhou threw the leftover watermelon peel into the river and sneered: "Big brother, look at what you said, this boat has already been sold to me, how can it be returned to you?" ”

Wei Zhen was shocked: "Brother, you personally said that you would rent it for a month, you can't be unreasonable." ”

Zhang Zhou was furious, pointed at Wei Zhen and scolded: "Wei Zhen, don't be overbearing, you won't admit it after accepting my money, get out of my way, now this boat is mine, don't blame me for being unkind if you don't leave." ”

Wei Zhen panicked and said, "Brother, the charter you said in person is clearly written in black and white, you can't deceive me for being kind!" ”

Zhang Zhou was furious, pointing at Wei Zhen and insulting: "Wei Zhen, I see you honest on weekdays, I can't imagine that you are so domineering, tell you, Wang Fa hangs above his head, deceives people and is destroyed by the sky, Hugh depends on someone in your county government can come nonsense, believe it or not, Lao Tzu will do the way for the sky today, and throw your body into a hundred pieces into the river to feed the fish?" ”

Zhang Chuan's face was angry, his eyes were fierce, Wei Zhen was both shocked and frightened, and he jumped off the boat in a panic. Wei Zhen realized at this time that Zhang Chuan just wanted to forcibly occupy his ship and repay the hatred of five years ago. Wei Zhen thought, how can I beat him, it is better to go to the chief and the pavilion chief to reason about this matter, I have spent money to hire a carpenter to build this ship for five years, and the villagers all know that no matter how arrogant your boat is, you can't occupy it. Thinking of this, Wei Zhen endured the anger in his heart and left the Shuanglong River in a gloomy manner.

Wei Zhen didn't dare to go home, so he came directly to Li Changzhang's distant owner's house, explained his reason, and begged after vomiting some bitterness: "Please make sure that the eldest brother is fair for the younger brother." ”

Some time ago, it was rumored that Zhang Chuan had changed his ways and bought Wei Zhen's boat to be a ferryman, Zhang Yuandong really couldn't believe it. Besides, such a ferry boat costs twenty or thirty taels of silver, and it is impossible to imagine that Zhang Boat can get such a large sum of money. But the owner of the ship, Wei Zhen and his wife, did not come forward to deny the sale of the ship, so it was inconvenient for Zhang Yuandong to ask more.

Although Zhang Yuandong is the head of a village, he is also a little afraid of Zhang Chuan, and when he saw Wei Zhen letting himself uphold justice, he couldn't help but groan.

Zhang Yuandong thought for a while, and gave Wei Zhen an idea: "Zhang Chuan is arrogant and domineering, and he will repay him, even if I get the ferry back for you today, he will not be convinced." I think this matter has to be brought forward by the pavilion chief, the pavilion chief is righteous, so he can fight grievances, and win the hearts of the people, if he comes forward, he will definitely be able to suppress the chapter boat, and he will not dare to retaliate against you in the future. ”

Wei Zhen thought about it for a while, and said happily: "This method is very good, but I, a common man, how can I get the blessing door of the pavilion chief, and I hope that the chief will introduce me." ”

Zhang Yuandong said: "This is natural, you and I will go to the town to find the pavilion chief now." ”

The two said that they would leave, and when they arrived at the house of the pavilion chief Wu Ming, after explaining the reason, Wei Zhen knelt down and begged: "The pavilion master is the master of the house for me." Wu Ming said angrily: "This prankster has always been rampant and domineering, I have long wanted to treat him, today he has no way, it is his own way to die, you can rest assured to go back, tomorrow I should gather the old man, the head of the first, and the chief of the lieutenant to seek justice for you in the Shenming Pavilion, and severely punish this thief." ”

5

The next day, Wu Ming, the pavilion chief, Zhang Yuandong, the old man, Wei Changyi, Song Huai, the first head, the plaintiff Wei Zhen, Song Qianying and his wife, the defendant Zhang Chuan, and more than 100 villagers gathered in the Shenming Pavilion. After Zhang Yuandong's allocation, Wei Zhen and his wife also invited carpenters Kong Jian and Ling He to prove that the ship was built by Wei Zhen and his wife for half a year after spending 20 taels of silver to hire two masters.

Wu Ming was determined to punish the Zhang boat today, and specially arranged for more than 10 brave villagers to arrest them after they had committed the crime of sitting on the Zhang boat, and first beat them with 30 bamboo grates, and then send them to the county government for conviction.

Wu Ming stood up, looked left and right, and raised his voice: "Folks, the ferry on the Shuanglong River, villagers Wei Zhen and Zhang Zhou all said that they were their own, I am here to investigate this matter, I hope everyone will testify truthfully, and Hugh will have to hide it." This boat is worth twenty or thirty taels of silver, it is not easy for our crops and people to earn some money, if the chief of this pavilion finds out who violates the conscience of heaven and earth and wants to forcibly occupy other people's property, I Wu Ming will definitely beat him with thirty bamboo grates first, and then send him to the county government to bring him to justice, and he will not be soft. ”

After that, Wu Ming squinted at Zhang Chuan and asked coldly, "Zhang Chuan, did you hear clearly?" ”

Zhang Chuan sneered: "Although Zhang Chuan is vulgar, he is also a reasonable person, the sage said that a gentleman loves money and takes it in a good way, Zhang Chuan will never take ill-gotten gains, the pavilion chief should ask him if he heard clearly, don't wait for a while Things will come to light, fall into prison, and regret it too late!" ”

As soon as Zhang Chuan's voice fell, Song Qianying's scolding voice came from the opposite side: "Yes, if the villain is found today, he will be sent to the official, and ask the county master to sentence him to the crime of killing his head, so as not to stay in the world and harm people." ”

Wu Ming waved his hands on both sides, raised his voice and said: "Don't make any noise, calm me down, no one is allowed to speak again without my permission." Wei Zhen, stand up. ”

Wu Ming was five big and three coarse, his voice was very loud, and when he said a word, the audience was silent.

Hearing his name, Wei Zhen stood up and replied, "Yes," just like a general's parade and a soldier's report.

Wu Ming asked, "You said that the ship is yours, what are the credentials?" ”

Wei Zhen knew that the pavilion chief and the lieutenant chief were secretly facing him, so he was not afraid of the Zhang boat, and said loudly: "This boat was built by the villain five years ago by spending twenty taels of silver to ask Kong Jian, Ling and the two carpenter masters, and it has been ferrying on the Shuanglong River for more than four years, and the past guests and villagers of this village can testify for the villain. ”

Wu Ming Dynasty shouted to everyone: "Which two are the carpenter master Kong Jian and Linghe?" ”

Two tall and thin and handsome men stood up and responded, Wu Ming said: "You two have excellent craftsmanship, you are respected people in ten miles and eight townships in this county, what you say must be credible, the pavilion chief asks you two, what Wei Zhen said is true?" ”

Kong Jian replied: "Five years ago, Master Ling and I built a ferry for Wei Zhen, and it cost about twenty taels of silver at that time. Ling He also said: "It took us five or six months to build this boat, and after it was built, we carried the boat to the Shuanglong River with the villagers to test the water, and then the villain had something to cross the river and also took this boat, and specially asked Wei Zhen if the boat was good or not, Wei Zhen said that the boat was light and stable, and praised the villain and Master Kong's exquisite skills." ”

Wu Ming turned around and looked at Zhang Chuan coldly: "Zhang Chuan, you said that this ship is yours, what are your credentials?" ”

Zhang Chuan got up lazily and replied: "It's true that the boat was made by Wei Zhen, but he sold the boat to the villain." ”

"Sold to you? What do you mean by that? Wu Ming asked.

Zhang Chuan pretended to be aggrieved: "The villain has been pulling a car for people in Hefei in recent years, and returned to his hometown two months ago, seeing that the ferry business in the village is good, he is envious, and he also wants to build a boat to live by ferryman, but he has no capital, so he is sad." After hearing about it, he said that he had been doing it for four or five years, and he was tired of this work, and wanted to take his wife and son to the city to do some business, which was easy and profitable, and he was willing to sell the boat to me at a low price. After negotiations, he and his wife agreed to resell the ferry boat for 800 yuan, and everyone in the village knew about it. But I didn't expect that I paid the money and bought the boat, just after less than two months, Wei Zhen repented, saying that the boat was too cheap to buy, and asked me to give him another five or six taels of silver, I didn't agree, he actually accused me of the crime of hegemony, Brother Pavilion Chief, you have to uphold justice! ”

When Wu Ming heard this, he asked the villagers: "Let's tell me whether this boat belongs to Wei Zhen or Zhang's?" ”

The villagers said: This boat was originally Wei Zhen, and it has always been Wei Zhen's boat ferrying past guests, but two months ago somehow it was changed to a Zhang boat, Zhang Boat said that Wei Zhen sold the boat to him, we asked Wei Zhen, Wei Zhen also nodded in approval, what is going on, the villains don't know. ”

Wu Ming was puzzled, and asked Wei Zhen again: "Wei Zhen, what Zhang Chuan said is true?" Is what the villagers said true? ”

Wei Zhen replied: "Brother Hui Tingchang, two months ago Zhang Chuan came to my house to rent a boat, saying that he wanted to propose to a girl in the city, because he boasted to the girl that his family was rich, and there was a ferry boat in the village, and the ferryman earned two or three taels of silver per month, in order to deceive his relatives, Zhang Chuan was willing to spend 800 Wen to rent a boat for a month, and let me keep it secret, if anyone asked, he said that the boat was sold to him, so it was misunderstood by the neighbors." Alas! Blame me for being confused! ”

Zhang Chuan shouted wronged: "Where have I ever been to your house, you tell me in front of everyone, when am I?" When? How to dress up? Who are you coming to? ”

Before Wei Zhen could speak, Song Qianying hurriedly replied: "I want to deny it, but I remember it clearly, you came alone on the third night of the fifth month, wearing a robe, bringing two jars of wine and a box of pastries, saying that you were going to rent a boat for a month, and the rent was 800 Wen, after the matter was negotiated, you asked us to sign the charter note, and then said that it was too cold, and hurriedly went home to add clothes." ”

Zhang Chuanfu asked: "I'm just going to rent a boat, what do I do with wine and pastries?" ”

Song Qianying said: "You said that a jar of wine was given to Wei Zhen, a jar of wine was given to my son, and the pastries were given to me, these are all what you said personally, don't deny it." ”

"Brother Wei, everyone says that you husband and wife are kind, who wants to be for a boat, you are also pretentious, although Zhang Chuan loved to cause trouble in the past, but he was never hypocritical," Zhang Chuan said angrily: "On such a hot day, it is still too hot to be naked, how can I wear a robe to your house?" Besides, how much money can the ferry make in a month, how can I rent your boat for 800 yuan. Also, since it's a month lease, why did you come to ask for a boat yesterday? ”

As soon as Zhang Chuan's words were finished, Wu Ming, Zhang Yuandong, Zhang Yuandong, Song Huai, Wei Changyi and the villagers all discussed, yes, what Wei Zhen and Song Qianying said was too unreasonable, who still wears robes on such a hot day? Spending 800 yuan to charter a ship for a month, this is not clear whether it is a loss-making transaction? How could he do what he was going to do? What's even more ridiculous is that Wei Zhen's son is only seven years old, how could Zhang Chuan send a jar of wine to such a little baby?

At this time, Zhang Zhou took out a note from his sleeve and held it high, and said to everyone indignantly: "This is the note that Wei Zhen and his wife sold the boat to me, in black and white, how can I regret it casually?" If anyone tells a lie today, he will be trampled on by ten thousand people and die. ”

When everyone saw that Zhang Chuan had a written note in his hand, and gambled on such a poisonous oath, they couldn't help but whisper.

Wu Ming took the note handed by Zhang Chuan, and then brought it to Zhang Yuandong, Song Huai, and Wei Changyi, and the four of them checked it, only to see that it was written: "The purchase of the ship, Zhang Chuan's payment of 800 wen to Wei Zhen and his wife, the ship belongs to Zhang Chuan, and the supporting equipment is handed over with the ship, and the two parties must not regret it." Zhang Chuan, Wei Zhen, Song Qianying. ”

After the five of them looked at it, they all looked at Wei Zhen and his wife angrily, and Wu Ming asked sharply: "Wei Zhen, you can take a look at this note yourself." Wei Zhen strode in front of Wu Ming and took a look, and couldn't help but be dumbfounded, and Song Qianying also hurriedly walked over, and was also confused by the words on the note. The husband and wife wanted to plead very much, but they didn't know where to start, and their stumbling appearance made people look like they had ghosts in their hearts.

Zhang Yuandong scolded angrily: "Your husband and wife are also loyal people, how can you be embarrassed by this? ”

Zhang Chuan snatched the note from Wei Zhen's hand, and said to Wu Ming in a strange manner: "Just now, the eldest brother of the pavilion chief said, whoever wants to do things against the conscience of heaven and earth will be punished and will not be spared, and some people say that it is better to sentence the crime of killing the head, so as not to harm others again, and now it is clear who is who is not at a glance, and the eldest brother of the pavilion chief will decide." ”

Fat, thin, tall, short and other gangsters also shouted: "Yes, arrest them and their husbands, beat them with thirty bamboo grates first, and then send them to the county government for investigation." ”

The husband and wife panicked, not knowing what to do, Wu Ming was furious: "Come on, tie up Wei Zhen and his wife, each beat thirty bamboo grates, and then send them to the county government for decision." Five or six strong men pushed Wei Zhen and Song Qianying to the ground, and despite their hard pleading, they raised the bamboo grate and beat them.

After the fight, Wu Ming wanted to take Wei Zhen and his wife to the county seat, and everyone begged together: "Pavilion chief, Wei Zhen and his wife are kind and honest on weekdays, and today they have bad intentions, and I hope to forgive!" ”

Wu Ming looked at everyone, looked at Zhang Chuan again, and hesitated. Zhang Yuandong hurriedly pulled Zhang Chuan into the back room, and whispered: "Zhang Chuan, this matter is Wei Zhen and his wife, don't worry about them, raise your noble hand and let them go." You go back and ferry them well, and I promise not to let them come to your ship to mess around. ”

Zhang Chuan was secretly happy in his heart, but he pretended to be very wronged: "Brother Song, Zhang Chuan finally made up his mind to change his evil and return to the right, and wanted to do something serious, but he didn't expect ......."

Zhang Yuandong said: "They are all neighbors, they will meet sooner or later, and their husband and wife will be confused for a while, so you will forgive them once, how about it?" ”

Zhang Chuan had already received Liu Jia's secret order, and when he saw it, he accepted it, spread his hands, looked extremely aggrieved, and said helplessly: "Okay, since Brother Zhang said so, no matter how accommodating it is, it seems that my Zhang Chuan is not close to people." ”

Zhang Yuandong was overjoyed, pulled Zhang Chuan back to the Shenming Pavilion and said to Wu Ming: "Pavilion Chief, there are a lot of Zhang Chuan, and he doesn't care about Wei Zhen and his wife's faults, please look at the neighbors of the township and spare Wei Zhen and his wife." ”

Wu Ming knew that Wei Zhen's uncle was a county scrivener, and it was inappropriate for him to do things too much, so he waved his hand when he got off the donkey, and several strong men let Wei Zhen and his wife go, Wu Ming said: "You and your wife are so self-sufficient." After Wu Ming finished speaking, he slammed the door and left, and hurriedly left the place of right and wrong. Song Huai and Wei Changyi also left indignantly, Zhang Yuandong was extremely embarrassed, glared at Wei Zhen and his wife angrily, and said to everyone: "Folks, go back." ”

After everyone left, Zhang Zhou happily circled around Wei Zhen and his wife, laughed loudly, and walked away with the four brothers of fat, thin, tall, and short.

It was a charter document when it was signed, but how can it become a ship purchase document today? Wei Zhen and his wife thought about it and couldn't figure it out.

It turned out that the "charter paper" was long on paper, and twenty words were written in the second column, namely: "Zhangchuan pays 800 to Wei Zhen and his wife, and the ship belongs to Zhangchuan for one month." The third column is written with 16 words, namely: "All supporting facilities will be handed over with the ship, and both parties shall not repent." Therefore, the second column has four more words than the third column, and Liu Jia and Zhang Chuan cut out the extra four words in the second column, "use January", which becomes "Zhang Chuan pays 300 to Wei Zhen and his wife, and the ship returns to Zhang Chuan", plus 16 words in the third line, and at the same time, after the word "all" in the third column of "all supporting facilities are handed over with the ship", the whole sentence becomes "Zhang Chuan pays 300 boat fare to Wei Zhen and his wife, the ship belongs to Zhang Chuan, and the supporting facilities are handed over with the ship, and both parties must not repent." The two of them then cut out the words "charter documents" in the first column, and wrote "ship purchase documents" in the blank space at the back. Wei Zhen and his wife don't have much knowledge, they only know a few bold characters, how can they see through the traps carefully set by Liujia and Zhang Chuan?