Unconsciously, it has entered the Gu Moon.

After the first snowfall, the temperature in the western part of the sea dropped sharply and became even colder. The land was frozen hard, and people walked on it, and it felt very sane.

Cao Ying's battle in Wancheng went smoothly, not only quickly captured Pheasant County, Wuyin and other places, but also approached the city of Wancheng.

Originally, Wancheng also had a natural barrier, that is, Yushui. Zhang Xiu ordered people to demolish the bridge, but he didn't expect Cao Ying to attack in the middle of winter. As a result, the frozen Yushui on the river could no longer resist the advance of Cao Ying's iron cavalry...... Zhang Xiu immediately sent someone to Xiangyang Liu Biao for help.

While holding on to Wancheng, he also sent envoys with the intention of making peace with Cao Ying.

But this time, Cao Ying was very resolute. Dian Wei and Xu Chu were the vanguard army and took turns to launch a ferocious attack on Wancheng.

Zhang Xiu resisted for only five days, then had to abandon the city to break through and flee to the city to continue to resist.

As soon as Wancheng was broken, the gateway of Nanyang County was opened.

———————————————————————————— Nanyang County is in full swing.

Haixi County, however, seems tepid, as if there are no measures.

Deng Ji invited Dai Qian, a native of Danyang, to be the Fa Cao, and with the addition of the main bookkeeper Buqi, the county Cheng Puyang Min, the county lieutenant Zhou Cang Xiahou Lan and the soldier Cao Cao Peng, his team has begun to take shape. However, after Deng Ji returned from Huailing, all his attention seemed to be focused on the transformation of the North Market in Haixi County. For other things, he seems indifferent, and even the military affairs, he doesn't care too much.

It stands to reason that Deng Ji is not interested in military affairs, which is understandable.

But the two county lieutenants in Haixi, one soldier Cao, don't pay much attention to military affairs.

One was to bring fifty patrols to urge Chen Sheng's villagers to repair the city walls and build roads at the same time; The other accompanied Cao Peng, busy counting the goods in Chen Sheng's Grange all day long, and seemed to be a little indifferent to other things. Facao Dai Qian ordered people to build prisons and set up torture halls. In his spare time, he will also go to the Cao Peng Office in the North Market to inspect the public security situation.

gives the Haixi people the feeling that Deng Ji and these people seem to be a little unprofessional.

But in this way, it made the Haixi people feel relieved.

Seeing that the Chinese New Year is approaching, what they are most afraid of is that the government will suddenly levy some conscription. If this is not appropriate, it is likely to lead to a conflict with the pirates. The Haixi people, who had finally stopped, did not seem to be interested in this kind of war.

The inaction of Deng Ji and others also made the Haixi people recognize him more.

I'm not afraid that you won't act, I'm afraid that you'll be foolish.

Even if Deng Ji eliminated a Chen Sheng, if he wanted to make the Haixi people completely surrender, Deng Ji had not done enough, and he still needed to continue to work hard!

However, there are still many people who feel a trace of treachery from this calm.

This is so abnormal!

Whether it is Deng Ji or Cao Peng.

None of the means and determination they had shown so far should have been so silent.

The more silent they are, the more it shows that Deng Ji and others are brewing big actions. But what exactly is this big operation? No one knew for a while.

The nine leaders of the North Bazaar came to visit.

But the news I got was all the same: the county magistrate was unwell and could not see visitors for the time being.

Or rather: Childe is busy with official business now, I'm afraid I won't have time to see you...... If there is anything, you can tell it through Cao Peng's signature.

And then, it's a big closed door.

What the hell is this Deng Ji brother doing?

So, in desperation, the leaders of the nine major lines thought of Wang Cheng again. In any case, Wang Cheng can be regarded as a big think tank in Haixi County, and he seemed to be very close to Deng Ji before, so the leaders of the nine major banks came to Wang Cheng's house together, but Wang Cheng was not there.

According to the family, Wang Cheng went out!

But no one knows exactly where to go.

At this moment, the leaders of the nine major lines were really anxious......————————————————————————————- "Ah Fu, this is so good, why did you come to visit Dr. Mai." ”

Deng Ji sat in the car and asked with a smile: "I remember that you used to be the most disgusted with this kind of thing, and never cared. ”

"I heard that Dr. Mai's health has improved in the past two days.

The last time you visited, you didn't see him and listened to the elders' teachings. In terms of etiquette, there are still some deficiencies. Dr. Mai is Haixi's most cautious person, and you're Haixi's parent, so it's a good thing to visit him often, right? ”

Deng Ji scratched his head and looked at Cao Peng.

He suddenly smiled, "Ah Fu, do you have any other ideas?" ”

Cao Peng showed an innocent face, shook his head and said, "What can I think?" It's just that I have some respect for Dr. Mai. ”

"Respect?"

Cao Peng nodded vigorously, "Brother-in-law, you think, Mai Gong was also a member of the imperial court at the beginning. After returning home, you can do good deeds and accumulate virtues, and when you encounter a pirate attack, you can still resist bravely, which in itself is very worthy of admiration. You can also ask Mai Gong about the status of the pirates by the way. ”

"Hmm...... That's not bad. ”

Deng Ji couldn't find anything wrong, and he didn't ask about the surname anymore.

Regarding the assumptions made by Cao Peng and Puyang Min before, neither Cao Peng nor Puyang Min discussed it with Deng Ji...... This kind of thing, it's better not to tell anyone until you have evidence.

Cao Peng followed Jin Rensan's example and kept silent, and Puyang Min was even more unlikely to discuss this matter with Deng Ji.

As for Wang Mai?

Every day in the North Market, I was busy in the dark, and I took turns on duty with Deng Fan, and I didn't even have time to go back to the Yamen, how to ask?

"Brother-in-law!"

"Huh?"

"Brother Tiger Head should almost do the crown salute."

If according to the "Weekly Rites", the men will bow twenty crowns.

However, in the Han Dynasty, this age limit was not particularly strict. For example, Liu Xiang in the Western Han Dynasty got the table character and Zizheng at the age of twelve, and performed the crown ceremony; Another example is Princess Guantao's face-to-face teaching Dong Yan, who only got the crown gift at the age of eighteen. During the reign of Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty, Liu Xiu patrolled Runan, and when he saw Zhou Fang's intelligence, he performed a crown salute for him, and became an official in the county at the age of sixteen. The list goes on.

Including the table words, some are given by the elders, and some are taken by themselves.

It seems that Cao Peng gave himself the word 'Youxue', which is not right in terms of etiquette, but no one blames him.

Deng Ji was stunned for a moment, and after thinking about it, Wang Mai and Deng Fan have already started to do things now, as if it was time to hold a crown ceremony for them.

If you have done the crown ceremony, you are an adult!

In the future, Deng Ji can also give them more tasks.

"Well...... I have to discuss it with Aunt Hong and Uncle Juye. ”

"Of course we have to discuss, but can you give them words?"

"Are you in such a hurry?"

Cao Peng nodded again and again, "Of course it's urgent...... Nowadays, it can be regarded as a stand-alone person, if there is no table, it will be looked down upon after all. Besides, give them a table and they will be happier. Even if you are their brother and a Shangguan, you should be like this. ”

"Well, let me think about it."

Deng Ji pondered for a long time, and said softly: "The name of the tiger is bought, and the purchase has the meaning of winning, so call him Bosheng, how about it?" ”

"Wang Mai, Wang Bosheng?"

It sounds like a good thing, and it makes a lot of sense.

Gain fame, ...... Cao Peng applauded again and again, "What about the big bear?" ”

"Fan is the law, and the law should be strict. Why don't you call him strict? ”

Sure enough, it is a criminal name, and the three sentences do not leave the bank.

Cao Peng suddenly asked, "Brother-in-law, how to explain the word love?" ”

"Love?" After Deng Ji asked which 'love' it was, he said with a smile: "There are many explanations of this word love, such as benevolence, such as ......."

"Charity?"

Deng Ji nodded, "What's wrong?" ”

"Brother-in-law, what is Mai Ren Mai Gong's expression?"

After returning to Haixi, Cao Peng also inquired about some people's names.

Most of these people are characters with heads and faces. But there is no one named Ziai.

According to his inference, the status of this 'Ziai' in Haixi County should not be too low. But the problem is that Cao Peng can't blatantly ask: Who is called Ziai!

Wouldn't that be a surprise to the snake?

Zi Ai, Benevolent ...... Deng Ji smiled: "Mai Ren's expression? Hehe, what do you ask about? ”

"I'm curious."

"Oh, this table has always been associated with a person's name, and the word is the interpretation of the name.

For example, Mai Gong's name is Xiong, and the bear is a strong and majestic creature, so Mai Gong's name is Juwei, which means very majestic; Mai Ren is called Ren, and Ren is benevolence. Therefore, his expression is called Zi Ai. It's a pity that Mai Ren is greedy for a cup of good wine and has failed Mai Gong's love. ”

Deng Ji talked eloquently, but Cao Peng didn't listen to a word behind him.

Zi love, Mai Ren is Zi love!

No wonder, no wonder...... Cao Peng suddenly laughed.

It is no wonder that in the cases left by the successive county magistrates, there is no clue about the sale of private salt.

It's not that they don't want to check, it's that they don't know where to start. If I hadn't found it by chance in Xiapi, I'm afraid I wouldn't have suspected that drunkard.

In terms of family background, Mai Ren is the son of an official eunuch.

Why do you sell illicit salt?

On the one hand, it is because of its huge interests, and on the other hand, it ...... "Brother-in-law, why did Mai Gong become a business?" ”

Deng Ji was stunned, lowered his voice and said: "There are many reasons for Mai Gongzhishi, but to put it bluntly, he still has no money. ”

"Oh?"

"I have heard people say that when the first emperor was alive, he bought and sold officials. An official position like Dr. Taizhong also costs at least one million dollars, tens of millions of dollars. Mai Gong seemed to have been a doctor in Taizhong for a short time because he didn't pay the money, and he was driven home. ”

No money - Zhishi - wheat kernel smuggling salt!

In an instant, Cao Peng seemed to have figured out the main reason why Mai Ren was involved in the sale of illicit salt.

It's just that he has a good background and a good family background. Most of the people who sell illicit salt are outlaws, so it is impossible to associate him with illicit salt. In addition, Mai Ren did not come out on his own, but secretly controlled a huge network of private salt, so he was even more secretive.

Cao Peng couldn't help frowning, a vein that had never appeared before gradually became clear in his mind...... "Maybe, I was wrong again?" ”

"What's wrong?"

"Ah, nothing, I just thought of something."

"What's the matter?"

"This ...... We'll talk about it when we get back. ”

Deng Ji didn't ask any further, with his understanding of Cao Peng, even if he asked, it wouldn't be of any use.

—————————————————————— car fight and stopped outside the gate of Maijia Grange.

Mai Ren stood outside the gate of the grange early, with a bright smile on his face.

"Deng County Order, why are you here?"

"I heard that Mai Gong is in good health, so I came to pay a visit. Mai Gong is an old man in Haixi, and as a county magistrate, I have not yet received Mai Gong's teachings. ”

Mai Ren hurriedly said: "Deng County Ling is polite. ”

His gaze, inadvertently, swept over Cao Peng's body.

Cao Peng arched his hand, "Haixi soldier Cao Cao Peng, I have seen Rengong." ”

"Why does Cao Gongzi need to be polite? I have heard for a long time that the dragon and phoenix are among the people, and now I see it, and it is really a talent. ”

It's really strange to say that Cao Peng has been in Haixi for more than a month, and he hasn't met Mai Ren. They had heard of each other, but Mai Ren rarely showed his head, and the only time he came to the door was on the night when Deng Ji eradicated Chen Sheng. And that day, Cao Peng happened to be in charge of ambushing Chen Sheng on Long Street. Therefore, Mai Ren had only seen Cao Peng from a distance, but he didn't see his appearance clearly.

Cao Peng smiled slightly and retreated behind Deng Ji.

At this time, he is not the host or guest.

"Mai Gong can meet customers now?"

Mai Ren hurriedly said: "My father is admiring the plum blossoms in the backyard, and he can sit, but it is a little inconvenient to speak, and even I have some difficulty listening." ”

"Oh, then please be kind."

"No, no, Deng County, please come with me."

Cao Peng followed behind Deng Ji and walked into the courtyard of the Mai family.

In terms of area alone, the Mai family's farm is not even half the size of Chen Sheng's farm. But when you walk in, you can feel the difference between the two. One is solemn, although there is no luxurious carving, but it can make people feel awe.

And the other, magnificent, is magnificent.

But no matter how you look at it, it's the temperament of the nouveau riche!

Cao Peng and Deng Ji were personally led by Mai Ren through the corridor.

After the second into the courtyard, into the backyard. In a small secluded courtyard, plum blossoms are planted. A small loft with low curtains.

The wind blows, the red plum rises and falls, and the dark fragrance floats.

The curtain was rolled up, fluttering, like white clouds floating in the air, in a sea of red plums, it looked particularly moving.

"Mai Gong, it's really elegant."

"Yes, my father used to be bad at plum blossoms, but over the years, somehow, I liked this red plum.

I also told my father that the red color was too vulgar and glamorous, so it was better to plant some precious flowers. But my father disagreed, saying that he only loved Hongmei. ”

Cao Peng was on the side, listening quietly, but not saying a word.

After Mai Ren finished speaking, Cao Peng suddenly said: "Red plums are vulgar and beautiful, and they can be seen everywhere...... But once it is in full bloom, the scenery is also a sight to behold. ”

Mai Ren was stunned for a moment, and then laughed.

But there was a hint of disdain in his eyes, as if he was quite dissatisfied with Cao Peng's statement.

After Cao Peng said this, he never spoke again. He and Deng Ji walked across the flower path and stopped under the porch of the attic.

Deng Ji said loudly: "Haixi ordered Deng Ji to come to meet Mai Gong. ”

In the attic, there was silence...... After a while, there was a chaotic sound from inside, but it was very vague, and Cao Peng couldn't understand it anyway.

Mai Ren frowned, then smiled bitterly, stepped forward and said softly: "My father said that he is not feeling well, and he is afraid that he will not be able to meet with Deng County's order." ”

"I see!"

Deng Ji didn't show any unhappiness, and said with a smile: "Deng Ji's presumptuousness has disturbed Mai Gong's rest. Since Mai Gong is unwell, how about Deng Ji change his name and come back? ”

In the attic, there was no answer.

Mai Ren and Deng Jifu came out again, apologizing again and again along the way.

Deng Ji showed a great appearance, as if it didn't matter. And Cao Peng followed closely behind Deng Ji, and suddenly felt a chill rise from his spine and rush to the top of his head.

He shuddered and turned abruptly.

After the sea of flowers, the window screen on the attic floats, but there is no one to be seen......————————————————————————————

(To be continued)