It is a typical small inn in the Northland. In fact, the word inn is used here a little aggrieved. The low roof, made of thick straw and yellow mud felt, is good for keeping warm. But it greatly affects the lighting. The whole room was dark even in broad daylight. The walls on all four sides are made of rammed loess. Needless to say, sturdy. But it has nothing to do with aesthetics. The rows of wide horses were larger than the wine in front and the inn in the back combined. Because the side of the horse shares a wall with the liquor store. Therefore, there is always a strange smell peculiar to the livestock shed in the whole wine shop.

This is a roadside shop with a front-shop and back-store structure. Although there is a sign of the inn. But it is no different from the big car shops that were popular in the northern land in later generations. It is within forty miles of Longmen County. This is the largest place where pedestrians can rest and rest.

It's noon. But the white sun in the sky doesn't make people feel a little warmth. It's cold in winter. Plus, it's time to eat again. Business in the liquor shop with hot cow dung fire is surprisingly good. Drivers of the car. The mountain people who enter and leave the county town crowd the entire wine shop warmly. The slightly fermented aroma of the pressed wine mixes with the haggis soup and the smell of the livestock shed behind the wall. It creates a unique and noisy warmth in the market.

When the guests come in, they will first order a bowl of hot wine on the cow dung fire. Even the women are no exception. A few sips of cloudy hot wine poured into his stomach to warm his body. The guests reached out and wiped their drunken mouths and stilted their legs on a stool made of thick wooden nails. He began to bake cold and thick cakes like bricks on the cow dung fire. While waiting for the haggis soup, he talked about the all-encompassing idle articles.

This moment. The most talked about thing in the restaurant is the weather. This year's weather is just too wicked. Since the ninth in. Except for a light rain like hairy pee at the end of September. In fact, this kind of rain can't even wet the ground. It's been more than a month, and I haven't even seen a single rain. It's nothing if it's raining. The point is that there is no snow either. In previous years, it was time of season. At the end of the day, there was already a three-foot-deep quilt covered in the wheat field.

There is no flat land in Longmen County. Pointing to the slope of the people who eat, who is not looking up at the sky with their necks up. If he's not happy. No one can do it.

"Damn. The old men who lived near us began to sew old clothes together as if they had discussed it. Look at this year's drought. Lord Yama is going to collect a lot of people."

"It's not like that." The one who took over the conversation was a man with a whip in his arms. He took a small sip of the wine bowl. "When I passed by the Sun family's shop in the city these two days. Look at the three-inch boards piled up inside, all of them have been lifted. The guy is desperately trying to catch the thin-skinned coffin. The sound of planing wood listens to people. The elders have seen a lot of things in the world. I'm afraid I know that I won't survive until the next spring."

Look at the love in the ground now. Or the elders? ”。

It's a heavy topic. After hearing the answers of these people. There was a moment of silence in the originally noisy liquor shop.

At this time. The thick curtain at the entrance of the liquor store was lifted. A group of six or seven mermaids walked in. The people inside turned their heads and just took a look. I know that these newcomers are definitely not the same as them. Walking in the dang is clearly a long follower. Just look at this long suite, all of them are wearing good ayako noodle robes. The young couple in the back is from a large family. Look at their mannerisms. Perhaps these people are still from Huairong Prefecture City. But it's a pity that the hat worn by the big lady is too annoying. A circle of scarves covers the whole face. Otherwise, I really want to see what it looks like to marry such a handsome daughter-in-law.

A long follow. A small couple of two. Plus three guards with knives and a team of pretty girls rushed in. The liquor shop, which had suddenly quieted down, became quieter. Until Xiao Er, who greeted them, led them to settle down on the two pairs of seats by the window. After the other people's heads were twisted back. The noisy chatter in the wine shop resumed.

"It's all dry like this. Why didn't anyone invite the dragon? ”。

"No. As early as the beginning of the month, hundreds of villagers in Tutai jointly contributed money to burn incense and invite dragons. Not a single snowflake fell. Now preparations are being made everywhere. Just wait. It doesn't take much time to keep up with the trend." When the man said this, he deliberately looked around the liquor store. After seeing that there was no ridicule inside, he said again: "Don't talk about us." Even the barbarians on the grassland couldn't stand it. I heard that people were sent to the tent of King Rao Le Xi to ask the divine drum to ask for rain and snow."

These words. Tang Cheng, who had just sat down, moved...... "The smell here is not good." If you don't want to eat anything, don't force it. When the wine we brought is hot, we will eat a few glasses and rest before leaving." After holding Zheng Lingyi's hand and saying a few words with a smile. He turned his head and listened attentively to the discussion in the liquor store.

After the man finished speaking. A younger farmer next to him said hatefully: "Since those barbarians have also suffered from drought." If you want me to say that there is no rain, it is fine. Let's lean against the mountain, so we can find something to support for a few days. And they lived by the sheep and oxen. When the weather is dry, the grass does not grow. Even cattle and sheep and people starved to death. God simply opened his eyes. Wait until they all starve to death before it rains and snows. It can be regarded as helping us clean up this scourge."

As soon as the young farmer who rushed to the city said this. There was a chorus in the wine shop. A few people applauded with a slight hint of wine. It is said that those who invite dragons from all over the country should be late. It's better to wait until the barbarians are starving to death. It will also let them get stained with the light of our dragon lord.

Hear the words of the young farmer. After that, you can feel the atmosphere of the sake brewery. Tang Cheng, who listened attentively, couldn't help frowning tightly. Look at this stance. After years of accumulation, the contradictions between the Tang people and the Xi people in Longmen County have deepened to the point of not sharing the sky.

"Snort. It's a good idea. It's a pity that we're all starving to death, and it's okay for the barbarians." It was the one who said this

Some of the middle aged. "The drought has become such a grain release that the yamen is allowed to protect. Are you enough all these years? When the grain was released, it was not to rush the Xi people first. Their little barbarians, who are still tall with horse whips, have the same amount of food as our Ding Nanling. Starve them? Starve them to death, and we'll die three! Who can resist who goes? So. This rain should come early."

The middle-aged man's words caused a sigh in the wine shop. Oh, yes. They can't resist ridicule. If it doesn't rain all the time. The king of Hades collected more and returned it to the Tang people.

"Hey. I heard that there is a new county order in the yamen. It's a jinshi who has read a big book. Maybe he's different from the other masters, and I can't say." The young farmer was unwilling to accept that his statement was denied. Luckily.

". The yamen is reliable. The cattle and sheep of the barbarian can go up to the tree." The middle-aged man sneered even louder. "These old men are afraid that Xi Barbarian will make trouble. As long as the barbarians don't make a fuss. Let them be grandchildren! There are so many Ren masters, who are not Tang people. And which one is really towards the Tang people? The world's old people are generally black."

"yes. Unreliable! It's the same as this old man said. The new county order is also a black old. As soon as he took office, he began to renovate the county government before he sat in the court. A loser alive! It's not. As soon as the incident of Xi Manzi beating people came out. He ran faster than anyone else. Put the county lieutenant who doesn't do any in front of the tank. You say. Such a loser who has no burden at all still dares to point fingers? ”。

Although the atmosphere in the wine shop was already a little gloomy. But the middle-aged man's words of scolding the yamen still caused everyone to laugh. Such a scene is normal all over Longmen County. Ren is the one who can't talk about it anymore, as long as he starts scolding the group of rubbish in the yamen. It can always be taken quickly and consistently.

Tang Cheng's gaze swept over Laifu and Zheng Wu and the others who were sitting on the table on the other side. Signal them not to act rashly. Fu patted Zheng Lingyi's hand again. Drink the wine cup in front of you.

Hot wine should be drunk in small sips. Pour it down like this. The slightly hot liquor burned from the throat to the stomach like fire. Tang Cheng's whole body trembled suddenly. His face immediately turned red. His uncle's. It's really a wreck to be an official at this step.

The talk continues. "Channeling. Where are you going? The Du family who was beaten this time is not a good stubble. Three of the four sons of the Lao Du family are dry butchers. On weekdays, if they don't mess with others, they just burn high incense. In the past, when this happened, the yamen spent money to appease the matter. Can a small family carry it all the time? This time it's good. The Du family has already spoken. Don't think about how much money you give in the Yamen. It is only when the perpetrator of the murder is he who he succeeds. Now they are waiting for the new county order to return. If only there was no more explanation. The four brothers will carry people to Huairong. Huai Rong does not achieve the upper Dao City. Big guy voila. This time there is a good show."

"Yes. I've heard about it too. The butchers of the Du family can all sharpen their knives and take pictures. And he fastened the basin to the door. Hu Lianghai was so scared that he didn't dare to come to the door."

"Hard. Good man". For a while, the echo was loud. Those people praised the butcher brothers of the Du family while pouring wine into their mouths. The atmosphere in the liquor shop, which was still a little dull just now, suddenly became popular.

Hear here. Tang Cheng drank the wine in front of him again and stood up suddenly. "Go".

Get out of the liquor store. Laifu leaned over to Tang Cheng's side and pointed his finger back and ordered a little wine. "Great officials. If you want to stay first. Let's make the details of the strange things just now."

As soon as I heard the words of Blessing. Don's face became more gloomy because he was not good. "There are few Tang people in Longmen County who have never scolded me. Can tens of thousands of people be arrested? What is the ability to compete with them? You still don't think I've been scolded enough? ”。

Rifle, who had hit a gray nose, shrank his neck and stepped back. Immediately, the carriage set off and headed straight for Longmen County.

Tang Cheng didn't speak again along the way. The carriage never stopped. Just in time to get back to the county seat just before dark.

After entering the city, go straight to the Dragon Gate Inn. Tang Cheng helped Zheng Lingyi get out of the carriage. He turned his head and commanded Laifu, "Go." Tell the cabinet on. The Accord closest to the lobby is the official bag."

"Oh". Laifu learned wisely this time. After saying yes, he ran inside without asking.

After the command, he came to the blessing. Tang Cheng turned around and called Zheng Wu to his side again. "You go to the county office. Let Hu Lianghai and those tolerances come over." Zheng Wu was about to leave after answering the order. Tang Cheng stopped him and explained a few words.

"Husband, you are ......."

"I want a treat." Although Tang Chengchao's face was no different from usual when he spoke to her. But Zheng Lingyi suddenly felt a chill.

Didn't wait for her to say anything more. Tang Cheng had already walked towards the inn. As he walked, he said, "It's all a bunch of rough people." Don't go in the evening. I took a break and tidied up my things by the way. When I come back from my busy work, we will move to the county government overnight."

He had just finished saying that. I happened to meet the shopkeeper who came out with Laifu. There are still a few steps away. The fat shopkeeper who called Pingchao had already bent down and smiled with his hands: "My lord, forgive me." The Sun family in the east of the city has a new kid. Set for a banquet tonight. The Accord in the wine shop was decided yesterday. The villain is ......".

Evil nature. I used to be in Xi County. Don't say that Zhang County ordered the banquet guests to use Accord. Only one judge came forward to say something. Ren didn't dare to say a word. Even if there are already people sitting inside. The shopkeeper tried his best to vacate it. Think about the past and look at the present. This Longmen County Order is really home.

Tang Cheng is not a person who bullies the weak and fears the hard. In the past, whether it was in Xi County or Jinzhou Prefecture. He really hasn't done a single thing to oppress good. That's not to say how good he is. I really don't bother to do that. Pinched those scolds and didn't dare to return the mouth. What's the point of ordinary people who don't dare to fight back? Lose face!

But this time he wasn't as talkative as he used to be. "The person who has been invited to the banquet will arrive later. Get ready". Passing by the shopkeeper's side, he lightly put down this sentence. Tang Cheng didn't stop and went directly to the main room in the back.

A few days ago, the second child in the running hall was very kind. Tang Cheng, who is very easy to speak, said. The fat shopkeeper was stunned and looked at Laifu. "Come on. Look at this ......".

To say that the psychology of Laifu is really a bit dark. Seeing that the shopkeeper was also deflated, he was sincerely happy. "Don't say anything. Hurry. Go prepare". He waved his hand. Rifles followed him to the backyard.

"Gray grandson. has the ability to rush at people". smacked at the backs of Tang Cheng and Laifu. The fat shopkeeper walked helplessly to the stove room.

………………………………

At this time, he was in the errand room in the Ya of Longmen County. The tolerance men were busy changing the soap clothes on their bodies into regular clothes.

"Damn it. It's still a padded jacket made by a mother-in-law, and it's warm to wear." Qian Sanscar buttoned the cloth button on his clothes while buttoning it. He turned his head and said in his throat, "Jia Tou'er." As soon as Tang Bihan came back, he invited us to dinner. Don't let you wear bad clothes. What the hell does this mean? ”。

"You ask Lao Tzu. Lao Tzu asked who to go". The tolerance leader Jia Lao Er changed his good temper in the past. With a gloomy face, he said, "Three scars." I've told you how many times. That's the Tang County Order! If you can't change your mouth. When you suffer a loss in the future, don't blame Lao Tzu for being reminded."

His sudden cold face made everyone inexplicable. Jia Lao Er also ignored it. When he saw that everyone had changed their clothes, he roared. "It's not been peaceful in the city these days. The waist knife was brought to Lao Tzu. go".

After meeting with Hulianghai, who is also in regular clothes, at the yamen. Let's go to the Dragon Gate Inn together. It's almost at the door. Zheng Wu, who led the way in front of his head, limped. led everyone to the Accord inside through the small side door next to it.

See this formation. Those who are more awake in the tolerance have secretly said that something is wrong in their hearts. But no one spoke at this time. You squeeze me. I leaned on you for an exchange of glances.

"There is Lord Lao Huliang." I saw Hu Lianghai walking in. Tang Cheng, who was already waiting in the Accord, arched his hand with a smile. Then he greeted the crowd who came in. "Everyone's worked hard."

Hu Lianghai was already angry. These days are haggard again. After seeing Tang Cheng, he just replied with a cold face. Didn't say anything.

"After the two Japanese officials have settled down in the yamen. and set up a banquet for Lord Huliang to see him off." After saying this sentence that made Hu Lianghai feel relieved. Tang Cheng turned his head to the waiting Xiao Er and said, "Serve the wine."

Drinks and fish are served. Tang Cheng didn't say a word of superfluity. I drank three bowls in a row between my necks.

The county lords all did it first as a respect. What else can the public say besides holding up the bowl and drinking? Tang Cheng's banquet was really efficient. Almost in the blink of an eye, the procedure of passing three rounds of drinking was completed.

After drinking these three bowls. The prefectural magistrate was still speechless. Strangely and strangely, he opened the windows in the Accord with his long-fitting entourage. This is the closest Accord to the outside seats. The window opened. The commotion outside came in.

Tang Cheng's strange behavior confused everyone. The atmosphere in the Accord was extremely oppressive. The county lord did not speak. They also just eat and drink in silence. It's just that the feeling of being wrong in my heart is getting stronger and stronger.

As the largest liquor store and inn in Longmen County. The people eating in the lobby outside are really young and old. These people gossip while eating and drinking. There is no doubt that the most eye-catching thing in the county town today is the matter of the Du family. And that's what is being discussed outside.

Because the living habits of the Xi people are different from those of the Tang people. In addition, the Xi people in this city and the Tang people look down on each other. It is because there are no ridicule drinkers in this wine shop, which is full of Tang people. Therefore, there is no scruple about the discussion outside. What could be good to say about their arguments? It's the same as the people who gathered in the big car shop outside the city at noon. It's nothing more than scolding the barbarians. The Kwadu family has a backbone. In addition, it is indispensable to scold these people in the county government.

Longmen County has been weak for many years. The officials who seem to be changing in exchange and the tolerance who like to gamble have long become a public laughing stock. Authoritarianism is long gone. Of course, everyone in the Accord should be clear about this. It's one thing to just know. It's one thing to listen to it in private. It's another thing to get together like this and listen to it.

As long as it is a person, there is no shame. Listen to the scolding from outside pointing at their waste. The faces of the people in the Accord are a little unbearable, no matter how thick they are. You look at me. I'll look at you. They were all embarrassed. It's just that the most ruthless county lord who was scolded didn't say anything. They are really not easy to move.

After all, I can't help it. "Your Excellency. If you go down, you will come." The tolerance leader, Jia Laoer, stood up with a black and red face. See him like this. The other tolerances were almost unanimously relieved.

"They said it wrong?". Tang Cheng pressed his hand calmly. "Sit down".

Jia Lao Er sat down helplessly. Seeing this, the crowd gritted their teeth and said nothing. But he bowed his head and drank violently like the county magistrate.

Who knows that the more you scold outside, the worse it will become. In particular, two of them sounded rather young and vicious. When he scolded the tolerances, he went straight to the next three ways to say hello. in their mouths. There is no real man with a handle in Longmen County.

"It's all eggless. They're men too? I heard that the girls in Lihong Courtyard were reluctant to take their guests. I'm afraid of getting bad luck. Even if I was forced to take it reluctantly. Let's take a shower." As soon as this statement came out. Outside, there was another burst of applause and laughter.

The more the two scolded. The louder the laughter from the outside. The words and laughter slashed in like knives. The person in the Accord had sores and blood dripping on his face. Even if you can hold a turtle, you can't hold it anymore.

There was a "bang" sound. Qian Sanscar, who was the most anxious in the tolerance, couldn't help but shoot the case anymore. "Fuck it. Lao Zifei tore their mouths alive".