The Canglang Pavilion in the south of the city adjacent to the non-mansion covers a wide area, and the layered and tortuous garden arrangement makes the Hanfu like a paradise living in the downtown area, just like the attitude of the Hanfu today.

The so-called family gate valve, they are naturally not like the Fang family in the capital, they are just a pure merchant for the purpose of making money. Their tentacles penetrate into all aspects of civil officialdom and even the court, and they do everything possible to develop and continue the relationship between all parties. Their power is not only reflected in the shopping mall, but more importantly, they have a very large influence in the civil and officialdom, and this influence can even affect the dynamics and situation of officialdom, so the family gate valve has often been feared and guarded against by those in power.

As the first family in Jiangnan, in addition to having deep-rooted forces in the local area, you must also learn to keep a low profile in everything. Strive to develop and expand the family smoothly and effectively under the premise of not being famous.

The reason why it became a family in the rich land of Jiangnan is, of course, for a reason. The Maison is not an upstart. The people of the family do not act arrogantly and domineering outside by relying on the name of the family.1 On the contrary, no matter where the children of the family are, what occasions, or what things they encounter, they are always polite and extraordinary, and the Confucian etiquette of the millennium can always be perfectly reflected in them. The children of the family have been educated since childhood, is to be proud of the family, how to fight for every benefit of the family, they understand a truth, the arrogant and domineering family will never live long, for thousands of years, the rolling torrent of history, under the big waves and sand, the arrogant and domineering family, has long been annihilated by the torrent, leaving the world with only a legend that once existed.

Bypassing the lush forest corridor, the front hall of the Fu Mansion is located behind a rockery with strange stone scales, the front hall is slightly old, but it does not lose the atmosphere of the family, there is a wooden plaque hanging high above the front hall, the plaque is written three, and the black characters of the bucket are big: "Do not fight for the hall." ”

"Indisputable. It is the ancestors of the Han family, the ancestors of the Han family were in the foundation of the Mo Ding family, and the word "indisputable" was listed as the golden rule, and the ancestors all understood that when the family developed and grew to the point where it could affect the court and even the situation in the world, it was necessary to keep the light and keep quiet, do not do anything for yourself, and do not have too sharp contradictions with the rulers of the dynasty, so as not to bring ruin to the family.

And "indisputable" is the best way to keep the light and obscurity.

The non-family has been passed down from generation to generation and developed to today's first family in Jiangnan, in which the word "indisputable" has played a great role. "There are thousands of walls, and there is no desire." Although it is said that without desire, it is impossible to fully achieve the awe-inspiring realm of righteousness, but if there is no greed and hatred in everything, but act with one's own heart, God will definitely treat you kindly.

In the front hall, Han Zhu, the head of the Han family, picked up the delicate cloisonne porcelain teacup, gently drank a sip of the pre-rain Longjing picked and baked before the rain, and then put down the teacup and looked at the spring rain quietly falling outside the hall. I sighed.

Han Zhu's daughter Han Yizhen sat quietly on the side and pursed her lips without saying a word, with a pair of delicate eyebrows frowning. seems to be thinking about something, and the poignant appearance of the sad brow is prohibitive.

The father and daughter sat opposite each other like this, and did not say a word for a long time.

Faintly. There was a dull spring thunder in the sky, the thunder was not loud, but it shook the two people in the front hall. Then he woke up like a dream, looked at each other, and couldn't help but smile a little bitterly.

Clearing his throat, Han Zhu said in a low voice: "Zhen'er, your Uncle Yan is really in trouble this time, you have always been smart and wise, can you save him?" ”

Han Yizhen bit his lip and shook his head slowly: "Dad, Uncle Li Shi is deep in the quagmire, it is difficult to pull out his feet, if my Han family helps, the consequences are unpredictable, maybe not only can not rescue Uncle Li Shi, but the whole family will be pulled into the quagmire by him by mistake, Dad, the Han family has been operating in Jiangnan for a hundred years, and finally has the current situation." I can't take that risk.

Han Zhu looked at the spring rain outside the hall in a daze, and sighed faintly: "Why don't I understand this truth? It's just that I have been friends with Bo Yan for decades, when I was a teenager, we were close friends, thinking back to the time, we talked at night, each word life ambition, at that time, we were so frivolous and happy, why decades later, Bo Yan but, alas! ”

Han Yizhen said in a low voice: "Dad, how did Uncle Li get involved in this quagmire?" My daughter hasn't been able to tell the truth,"

Han Zhu sighed: "It's all the words power and profit that hurt people!" Your Uncle Li Shi's career has been quite smooth, except that my Han family has helped him some small favors either explicitly or secretly, and more importantly, he has always pursued the golden mean in officialdom, so he has won the appreciation of all the adults in Beijing. About five years ago. Your Uncle Li Shi was transferred to the prefect of Suzhou, and at that time, he was released and had great ambitions in his heart. Suzhou has been an official for less than a year, and everything was going smoothly, but he never thought that a master under his government had an arsenic leak for him

"Who? Is it the one who caused Uncle Li Shishu to fall into the predicament he is in today? ”

Han Zhu nodded and sighed, "Fortune and misfortune are based on the will of heaven, as usual." Every year, the household department of the imperial court should send people down to the prefectures to check the tax and silver, household registration, population, merchants, and so on. This is the annual routine of official business, Bo Yan did not pay attention to it at the time, that year, the people sent by the household department after checking the tax account of Suzhou Prefecture, but suddenly found him, saying that the tax and silver income and expenditure in the account book is seriously inconsistent with the local farmland and business situation registered in the case, Bo Yan checked, and found that as he said, the difference between the top and bottom is tens of thousands of taels of silver,"

Bo Yan realized the seriousness of this matter, and hurriedly summoned the chief secretary of the government and the master to inquire, and after asking, he found that several major expenditures in the account book were approved by him, and they were also stamped with his official seal and private seal.

"There was such a serious problem in the account books, and there was such a big deficit in taxes and silver, Bo Yan also panicked at that time, this is a big crime that can be a loss of office, and a big crime of cutting off his head at worst, and in a panic, he made a very confused decision. On the one hand, he tried his best to appease the officials sent by the household department in Beijing, and on the other hand, he summoned the lord Bo and the master overnight. Privately tampered with the local household register, the number of businesses and farmland, so that it was on par with the tax and bank account books, and temporarily survived the crisis of this audit."

Han Yizhen blinked, thought for a while, and said softly: "The major expenditures are all stamped with Uncle Li's official seal and private seal. But he had no impression, it was clearly someone who embezzled it. And tampering with the household registration without permission in order to seek peace, this move is also to drink to quench thirst, I am afraid that this matter will not be good, small.

Han Zhu sighed: "Yes, if he had told the truth to the household officials at that time, Xiao... And try to investigate this promise that he will be demoted and dismissed, but it is not thick1 and to this day, in the final analysis. Bo Yan cared too much about his position as the prefect, he thought it would be okay to cover up the past, but things were not as simple as he thought,"

Less than a month after this incident, a master in Suzhou Mansion disappeared, and a few days later, an unknown person found Bo Yan, took out evidence that he had tampered with the account books and embezzled the imperial court's tax money, and threatened to sue the capital. Bo Yan panicked, and hurriedly begged him to cover up the matter, just because if this matter is publicized, Xiao Boyan's crime will be big, and it is certain that he will be beheaded by raiding his house, Bo Yan's officialdom has climbed for many years, how can he want to be ruined and ruined because of this incident? ”

The man then put forward a condition, asking Bo Yan to follow the cat's example, tamper with the household registration account book every year, and give him all the tax money he had swallowed, and ask him to find a way to crowd out all the master books, masters and other small officials in the palace. Change the person he trusts, that is, the entire Suzhou Pain Ya will completely fall into the hands of that person from now on. Bo Yan was very scared at that time, not only afraid of losing his office, but also afraid of losing his life, so he didn't want to think about it, so he agreed to that person. From now on. And he sighed."

Han Zhu said this. sighed bitterly: "Confused! Knowing that it is a trap, he still jumps in, all because of the word right, harming others and himself, how stupid! ”

Han Yizhen also sighed: "Throughout the ages, whether it is an important minister of the court or a pawn of a peddler, who does not bend his waist for the word right?" Uncle Li Shishu is just one of the insignificant ones. Dad, did Uncle Li later know who was behind the abduction and persecution of him? ”

Han Zhu shook his head and said: "That person is very deeply hidden, and he has never met, but according to Bo Yan, the prefects of six of the seven prefectures in Jiangnan have been controlled by him, and the process and means of his hijacking are exactly the same as those of Bo Yan, it seems that this person's intentions are not small, I am worried, alas, I am afraid that there will be a huge turmoil in Jiangnan in the near future, and it may be a disaster for the world."

Han Yizhen frowned and thought for a long time, and suddenly said: "I heard that the new emperor has been on the throne for less than a month, so he sent the minister of the Qin mission to inspect the south of the Yangtze River. Father. Could it be that the imperial court knows about this? The minister of the Imperial Mission is

"The imperial court knows more or less, how can such a big case be covered up? As for that minister," Han Zhu said, a little strange look appeared on his face: "That person's surname is Fang Zheng." He was born in business, his father was the richest man in my Chinese Dynasty, Fang Cunyi, our Han family and the Fang family have a deep relationship, and there are still many business contacts. When you and Fang Zheng were both young, I once laughed and said that I wanted to settle a relationship with the two of you, but later because of the opposition of my Han family's clan, I didn't want to be too close to the Shangjia family, so I gave up on this matter, hehe."

When Han Yizhen heard this, his beautiful face, which had always been as calm as water, suddenly had a touch of shame and hatred, and he glared at Han Zhu with some annoyance, and hung his head silently.

Looking at my daughter who is getting older. Han Zhu's eyes were a little more pity and doting, and he said warmly: "Zhen'er, for the Han family." Over the years, I have suffered you, you are now twenty-nine years old, the daughters of ordinary families have already married each other, and you have not been a good match, those who propose relatives are either rich or expensive, but you don't look at it, you have been extremely smart since you were a child, and family affairs are always decided by you, and my Han family has grown and developed in recent years. Your role in it is the most important, but you are a daughter's family after all, and you are going to marry after all, and you can't be a father because of the family to bind your life."

Han Yizhen's face blushed. After a while, she shook her head slowly and chuckled: "Dad, my daughter is getting older, and her vision is getting higher. How can the children of ordinary rich and noble families get into my eyes? If you can't find the person you really admire in this life, your daughter is willing to die alone, and she doesn't want to end up with her family and a depressed and desolate life. Small.

Han Zhu shook his head helplessly, pointed at Han Yizhen, and saw that she spoke softly, but her pretty face was very persistent, and Xiao Han Zhu knew that his daughter had always been quite assertive, so he opened his mouth. But he couldn't say a word, so he had to sigh and be silent.

Han Yizhen didn't seem to want to mention this matter again, so he hurriedly picked up the original topic and said, "In this way, my Han family and that Fang Zheng are actually world friends?" Dad, this time Fang Zheng is a messenger, I wonder if I can investigate this big case clearly? ”

Han Zhu frowned and said: "It's hard to say, I heard that Fang Zheng is deeply valued by two generations of emperors, and he has repeatedly rescued and made meritorious contributions in front of the emperor, not only that." This person behaves strangely, and his words and deeds are like pitiful sheep hanging horns, and there is no trace to be found, so he is already a second-class member of the DPRK and China in the year of the weak crown, and he is even more expensive as a national prince. This is unique in the more than 100 years since the founding of the Chinese Dynasty, and this person can not only ascend to a high position, but also have some ability.

Han Yizhen was silent, his beautiful eyes like autumn water looked at the continuous spring rain outside the hall in a daze, and muttered Fang Zheng's name in his heart. The corners of his mouth suddenly appeared with a somewhat playful smile, the land of Jiangnan seems to be calm, but in fact, the dark tide is surging, I wonder how this young Lord Qincha will clear this mess in Jiangnan? It's really exciting, small,

At this time, a subordinate suddenly hurriedly walked into the front hall, and Shi Liyu said: "Master, miss, there is news from Xuzhou Mansion that a batch of precious medicinal materials, gold, silver and silk that my Han family shipped from the capital, was "robbed by thieves" at the foot of Qinglong Mountain near Xuzhou Mansion.

"What? Where can a thief dare to be so bold? Even my Han family's goods dare to rob? . Han Zhu was furious and took the case.

"Where's my eldest brother? He traveled with the convoy, but did he make a mistake? Han Yizhen said with a solemn face.

"The eldest prince didn't make a mistake, and now he is about to return home

Fang Zheng finally robbed the goods of the Jiangnan Han family.

Don't rob, don't rob, don't rob, don't rob, sorry for your conscience. That batch of goods was too tempting, precious medicinal materials worth tens of thousands of taels of silver, gold, silver and silk, had already been delivered to his mouth, with the temper of Young Master Fang, how could he not swallow it in one gulp? He has always been a person with little willpower, and he can't stand the temptation of others.

So Fang Zheng was at ease, God gave him a windfall, if he was afraid of the power of the Han family in Jiangnan again, and retreated it, wouldn't he live up to God's good intentions? It will be a day.

As for what the Han family's reaction would be when they found out, Young Master Fang couldn't control it, anyway, as long as he didn't admit it, the Han family couldn't do anything about him. Lao Tzu is a dignified minister, I look up to you by taking something from you, and your Han family should feel honored.

Wen Sen regretted Fang Zheng's decision, Fang Zheng was not afraid, but Wen Sen was brittle and much weaker than him. Watching a car of 1 lead to the river being moved to the ten nests of Qinglong Mountain, watching the dart master who escorted the car and the polite young man being driven to ashes by the officers and soldiers, Wen Sen's fragile and sensitive middle-aged man's heart couldn't help but mention Lao Gao.

"Too human" You went to Jiangnan this time, is it to investigate or commit a crime? Vinson took a handful of tears and snot. The consequences of offending the family gate valve, isn't this Lord Fang not clear?

Fang Zheng opened his innocent eyes. He stared blankly at Vinson and didn't say a word for a long time.

He was confused.

Luo Yueniang is no longer in the way, and it is not a matter for thousands of soldiers to be stationed on Qinglong Mountain, although the soldiers are willing to live like this, but Fang Zheng feels that it is better to be a better person, at least the errands that should be done have to be done.

So, after thousands of soldiers were stationed on the mountain for four or five days, Lord Qincha lazily gave the order and set off for Jiangnan on the same day.

However, he has some children and wants to take Luo Yueniang with him, but Luo Yueniang is pregnant and is not good at walking, so he thinks about her body. Fang Zheng had no choice but to leave her on the mountain, and sent a master in the shadow to secretly protect her, this time Yang Shunde attacked the mountain, reminding Fang Zheng that his women are all in his heart, and there can be no mistakes, and safety is the top priority.

The night before leaving, Xiao Fang Zheng touched Luo Yueniang's boudoir in the middle of the night, with the spirit of dedication, planning to be abused by her again. Who knew that Luo Yueniang didn't agree, and kicked him out of the door, which made Fang Zheng quite gloomy.

After Yiyi's farewell, Lord Xiaoqin Chafang led 5,000 soldiers down the mountain and went to Suzhou, the first stop in the south of the Yangtze River.

From north to west, it passes through Taihu Lake. After three days of unhurried marching, the honor guard of the Qin Cha finally arrived outside the city of Suzhou.

Seeing the ancient and thick city wall of Suzhou from a distance, Fang Zheng sighed in his heart. Wu Dugusu, how did you look like a child a thousand years ago? The beautiful landscape and elegant garden are as small as the memories of his previous life, as small as smoke and a moment, as if they were in another world.

The gong opened the way, the small banner was unfurled, the Huang Luo umbrella and the scepter flag given by the Son of Heaven walked in front of the procession, and the honor guard of the Qin Cha was mighty. Its majestic and solemn momentum made countless pedestrians and people outside the city look sideways and avoid it, and they were in awe.

"My lord, Li Boyan, the prefect of Suzhou, led the officials of all sizes in the city to greet you at the city gate." Vinson said respectfully.

"It's so polite, how can this make this official embarrassed?" Fang Zheng said that he was embarrassed, but there was no embarrassed expression on his face, and after looking at it for a while, he saw that there was really a crowd outside the city, and he couldn't help frowning: "There are so many people, what can I do later?" ”

Vincent was puzzled, "My lord, what should I do?" ”

"Later, if those officials stuff me with red envelopes in front of so many people, I will be really embarrassed

"To receive, or not to receive? That's a question," Fang Zheng rode on his horse. It's struggling.

Before the guard of honor marched to the city gate and Xiao Fang Zheng dismounted, a group of officials from Suzhou Prefecture lined up according to their official rank and saluted Fang Zheng together.

"Li Boyan, the prefect of Suzhou, will meet Lord Qincha." Li Boyan took a step forward and saluted Fang Zheng.

"Haha, Lord Li is polite, too polite" Fang Zheng hurriedly dismounted, helped Li Boyan up, and smiled very kindly, giving people a feeling like a spring breeze.

After Li Boyan got up. He glanced at Fang Zheng without a trace, and was secretly a little surprised in his heart.

I knew that Fang Zheng was a young courtier with a weak crown, and he was quite valued by two generations of emperors, but he never thought that this person would be so young. This "is obviously a hairy boy, what kind of ability does he have to make Pan Shangshu, who was in power in the government and the opposition, and the prince of a country planted in his hands?

Fang Zheng was also secretly looking at Li Boyan, this time the prefects of the six prefectures in the south of the Yangtze River secretly colluded and swallowed the tax silver, and the prefect of Suzhou was naturally involved in the case, but this Li Boyan looked straight and clear-eyed, and looked upright and righteous. No matter how you look at it, it doesn't look like a person who will swallow the treasury tax money, so people can't look good, and people who are traitors often have a good face, and vice versa.

In this way, Young Master Ben is actually a very kind, good person? This conclusion made Fang Zheng very unwilling.

With doubts, Xiao Li Boyan's face did not change, and he began to introduce the officials of Suzhou Mansion to Fang Zheng.

Fang Zheng smiled and saluted one by one, seeing that the officials were just courteous and courteous, but the expected sneaking of red envelopes and secretly bribing was not seen at all, and Lord Fang, who had the idea of making a fortune, suddenly felt a little unhappy in his heart.

How did these guys become officials? It's not funny at all, it's so rude! Lao Tzu has to stir up the Suzhou officialdom!

Next, Fang Zheng introduced the King of Thailand and Xiao Huaiyuan to the officials, and everyone was hypocritical and polite.

After the officials saluted. The noble families in Suzhou City came forward to salute, and when Fang Zheng and Wen Sen heard that even the head of the family had come to greet them, the two couldn't help but glance at each other. There was a little emptiness in his expression.

Is this Li Boyan too polite? Why did you call the family well?

Things have to come when they come, and you can't hide from them.

When Li Boyan smiled. When he was introduced to the Han family in Jiangnan, Fang Zheng's face finally changed.

"This is the head of the Jiangnan Fu family, Han Zhu, the young son behind him is Han Zhu's eldest son, Xiao Han Yi, hehe, coming back from the capital. I have long admired the majesty of the Lord, and I have come to meet the Lord. ”

"Zi has seen Qin Chada" Huh? Han Yi was saluted, and after seeing Fang Zheng's appearance clearly, he couldn't help but be shocked.

Turning his head to look at Wen Sen beside Fang Zheng again, Han Yi couldn't help but let out another "huh", his expression becoming more and more shocked.

"It's you!"

"Not us!" Fang Zheng and Wen Sen's faces turned pale, and they denied it in unison with a very tacit understanding.

"Hiss-sama is so familiar," Han Yi touched his chin and fell into memory.

"Handsome faces all look the same." Fang Zheng laughed dryly.

"A few days ago

"A few days ago, I was on the road, well, non-stop" Fang Zheng hurriedly stopped him, his forehead sweating slightly.

"These officers and soldiers

"Good people, great good people, never participate in robbery!" Fang Zheng is categorical.

"Exactly!" Vinson nodded in agreement.