Lying on the reclining chair in the pavilion on the top of Qianling Mountain, listening to the flattering words of officials of all sizes in Guizhou, and looking at the beautiful scenery of Guiyang City under Qianling Mountain, the new governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, Gan Wenkun, the governor of Gan Wenkun, couldn't help but recall in his mind the scene when he was preparing to rush to Guiyang from the capital.

Xiao Mazi was on the fourth day of the first month of March to decide by Gan Wenkun to serve as the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, although the previous governor of Yunnan and Guizhou Bian Sanyuan listened to Wu Sangui's words very much, but in the past few years, the various events between the court and Wu Sangui have frightened this old fox, and took the initiative to ask for a return to the flag for retirement, escaping from the huge whirlpool of struggle between the court and Wu Sangui, and the little Mazi who had long seen Bian Sanyuan's displeasure was of course unpleasant, and agreed.

Wu Sangui hopes that his old friend Zhao Yanchen will serve as the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou again, and Ao Bai hopes to transfer his henchman in other provinces, Liu Qingtai, the governor of Henan, to Yungui, and Xiao Mazi has long been optimistic about Gan Wenkun, who has an enmity with Wu Sangui. - At the same time, it is natural that Gan Wenkun, who has long hated Wu Sangui and hates it so much, of course hates Wu Sangui to the bone marrow.

And when it was time to enter the Palace of Cultivation and Thanksgiving, Emperor Mazi not only said a nonsense about being honest, diligent and loving the people, but also hinted that Gan Wenkun was going to keep an eye on Wu Sangui and to let go boldly to fight with Wu Sangui. Just when Gan Wenkun thought that the matter was over, Emperor Mazi suddenly changed his tone and mentioned a sesame mung bean-level character to Gan Wenkun - this sesame mung bean, of course, is our fat man Lu Sanhao.

As the newly retired governor of Zhili, Gan Wenkun has of course heard of Lu Sanhao's fame, and has also heard of the Qujing miracle created by Lu Fatzi in Qujing, and originally planned to pay attention to this fat rooster who is good at laying golden eggs after Yungui takes office, so when Xiao Mazi asked Gan Wenkun to treat Lu Fatzi well and to unite with Lu Fatzi to fight against Wu Sangui, Gan Wenkun was even more surprised and happy, only then did he know that Lu Fatzi was originally a member of the Imperial Party, but the Imperial Party had underestimated Lu Fatzi's amazing talent before, put Lu Fatzi in Qujing to use as an ordinary eyeliner, which made his rival Wu Sangui cheaper in vain.

Naturally, at that time, Gan Wenkun was so happy that he wanted to kiss this fat man Lu who had never met before, and he was thinking about it, that is, after arriving in Yungui, how to please the emperor with Wu Sangui on the one hand, and how to reuse the fat golden rooster of Lu Fatzi in civil affairs and finances, not only to make money and take revenge, but also to please the emperor, killing three birds with one stone, the best of all three.

The joy was short-lived, after leaving the Heart Cultivation Palace, the famous Kong Sizhen Sigege and the emperor's henchman Xiong Cixu suddenly came to the door together, and said an earth-shattering word to Gan Wenkun, warning Gan Wenkun that if Gan Wenkun did not maintain a very high vigilance against the loyal Lu Fat Man, then Gan Wenkun would not only mislead the country and the people, but also lose his head in Yungui! In order to make Gan Wenkun believe his words, the beautiful and moving Sigege took the initiative to throw himself into his arms, not to mention, and also listed to Gan Wenkun all kinds of doubts about Lu Fatzi one by one, preconceived ideas affected Gan Wenkun's impression of Lu Fatman, especially warned Gan Wenkun that he must keep an eye on Lu Fatzi, otherwise the consequences will definitely be unimaginable!

On the one hand, the emperor's trust in Lu Fatzi, and on the other hand, the emperor's confidant and old friend and new lover questioned Lu Fatzi, Gan Wenkun was completely confused, and he really didn't know whether to believe that side, let alone that after Yungui took office, what should he do to treat Lu Fatzi, a low-ranking but famous subordinate, as the emperor's orders, as a confidant and right-hand man? Or should you listen to Sigege, be careful against this fat man Lu, and try to find out the evidence of his betrayal of the imperial court and defection to Wu Sangui, and put him to death?

Of course, the emperor's words can't be ignored, but the words of Sigege and Xiong Daxue are also very reasonable-Gan Wenkun went to Yungui to take office, and he originally went deep into Longtan Tiger's Den to Wu Sangui's territory to cross the river with a dragon, and he was cautious and fearful, in case he was really betrayed by his henchmen and assistants again, then Governor Gan's old life, if it was not good, he would really have to be explained in the poor mountains and bad waters of Yungui.

Under the contradiction, Governor Gan had no choice but to adopt a conservative attitude, neither in a hurry to confide in Lu Fatzi, nor rashly turn his face with him, first observe the temptation and then talk carefully, this time skipping the Qujing prefect's order to skip the level, let Lu Fatzi, the seven-pinzhi county with a sesame mung bean, go to Guiyang to participate in his inauguration ceremony, which is one of Gan Wenkun's temptation methods, and I want to take this opportunity to familiarize myself with it in advance to see what kind of person this Lu Fatzi, whose reputation far exceeds the grade.

"My lord, I just received the news that Lu Yifeng of Qujing County has arrived in Guiyang City." Gan Wenkun's younger brother Gan Wenjiong's words interrupted Gan Wenkun's memories, and said respectfully: "According to your orders, the Guiyang City Gate official has already informed Lord Lu of your whereabouts, and Lord Lu is also rushing to the side of Qianling Mountain. ”

"Yes, it came quite quickly, let him arrive in Guiyang on June 18, and he will arrive at 17 today." Gan Wenkun nodded, quite satisfied with the swiftness of Lu Fatzi's movements, and ordered: "When he arrives at the foot of Qianling Mountain in a while, he doesn't need to be reported, just bring him here." ”

"Pierce." Gan Wenjiong respectfully agreed, turned around and ordered. Tong Fengcai, the current governor of Guizhou, Yang Qilie, the envoy of Guizhou, and Xu Wei, the political envoy of Guizhou, looked at each other, all of whom were extremely shocked that the new governor attached so much importance to a Qipinzhi County.

"Ladies and gentlemen, have any of you ever had contact with this Lu Yifeng?" Gan Wenkun suddenly remembered to ask the Guizhou officials about their impression of Lu Fatzi for reference, so he casually asked the Guizhou officials present.

"Back to the Governor, the lower officials have been in contact with him." Xu Wei, the political envoy of the cloth, came out of the queue and said respectfully: "Last year, after Lord Lu was successful in trying to plant the Eight Banners Fushou Paste in Qujing, the lower officials were in charge of Guizhou money and grain, and he once personally visited Qujing to inspect and see if he could also introduce the Eight Banners Fushou Paste to Guizhou for the benefit of the people of Guizhou, and I talked with him twice in Qujing. ”

"Oh, and what happened after you talked to him twice? How does he feel like a person? Gan Wenkun sat up straight and asked.

"Back to the Governor, the lower officials believe that Lord Lu is indeed a rare talent of the country and a model of loyal and capable courtiers." Xu Wei said honestly: "Lord Lu was very polite to Xiaguan, not only led Xiaguan to visit the planting and boiling of the Eight Banners Fushou Paste, but also told the Xiaguan that the soil and climate of Guizhou are also extremely suitable for planting the Eight Banners Fushou Paste, but Qujing planted too little last year, and the seeds were all collected by the prince of Pingxi, and priority was given to planting in Yunnan, and Guizhou did not succeed in introducing seeds this year. ”

"However, when Xiaguan failed to seek seeds from the prince and passed through Qujing on the way back, Lord Lu took the initiative to find Xiaguan again." Xu Wei continued: "Master Lu told Xiaguan that according to his research, he believes that the soil climate in Guizhou is not only suitable for planting Baqi Fushou paste, but also especially suitable for the introduction of Western food crops such as bud grain, artichoke and sweet potato, and the yield is far higher than that of traditional crops such as rice and wheat. In addition, in view of the lack of salt among the people of Yunnan and Guizhou, Lord Lu suggested that the lower officials introduce chili peppers instead of salt to improve the livelihood of the people in Guizhou. ”

"Oh, how did that turn out?" Gan Wenkun asked curiously, "Have you followed Lord Lu's advice?" ”

"Lord Lu's Eight Banners Fushou Paste was a great success, and he took the initiative to help Guizhou improve people's livelihood, how could the lower officials not pay attention to his suggestions?" Xu Wei replied with a smile: "Xiaguan followed his advice, introduced Western grains such as sweet potatoes and artichokes in many places in Guizhou, and tried to plant some peppers, which surprised us all over Guizhou Province. Especially in Weining Prefecture, one acre of artichoke can even produce more than 2,000 catties! The lower officials and the common people all beat their chests and paused, and all regretted that there were no kinds, otherwise, Guizhou might be able to be self-sufficient in grain this year, and it is not impossible. ”

"And chili peppers." Xu Wei gushed endlessly: "The climate in Guizhou is humid and cold, and the chili pepper surname is warm and spicy, and the people use it to accompany the rice and pickles, which not only does play a role in replacing salt, but also drives away dampness and cold, and is also welcomed by many people." Xiaguan has been prepared, even if the introduction of Eight Banners Fushou Paste is successful next year, Xiaguan will make every effort to promote several new crops pointed out by Lord Lu, if Xiaguan can achieve Guizhou's grain self-sufficiency before he leaves office, then Xiaguan will be ......blind even if he dies. ”

"Good character, not in his position, he is still so enthusiastic to help Guizhou, why are Sigege and Xiong Cixu so disgusted with Lu Yifeng?" Gan Wenkun was a little puzzled, then turned to the others and asked, "What about you?" What do you think of Lu Yifeng? ”

"Lord Lu is as incorruptible as water, which is well known to us." Seeing that Gan Wenkun seemed to be very satisfied with Xu Wei's praise of Lu Fatzi, Lu Shaoxian, the prefect of Guiyang, hurriedly voted for him, "I heard that Lord Lu is on Qujing's side, and he only received two points for fire consumption, and the people of Qujing all praised him, and he is really a model for local officials such as us." ”

"I've heard that it's also good in terms of criminal names." According to the inspector Yang Qilie, he said: "I heard that Lord Lu is very good at judging cases, and after Qujing took office, he rehabilitated dozens of civil unjust cases one after another, and it has only been more than a year since he took office, and the plaques sent by the people have piled up in most of the room. ”

"Master Lu is also very supportive of our mission in terms of academic politics." Guizhou Xuezheng interjected: "I heard that Master Lu plans to carry out compulsory education in Qujing, and the county government will fund the hiring of professors and lecturers, so that all school-age students can go to the school to receive enlightenment, and let them cultivate the doctrine of sages from an early age, so that they can serve the court and benefit the people in the future." ”

"Lord Lu is simply the reincarnation of the God of Wealth, and he can earn money for the people and the government in anything, which makes us Guizhou people rush to Qujing, just to think of Qujing to find a way to live."

Seeing that the new governor attaches so much importance to Lu Fatzi, in order to vote for the new governor, the officials in Guizhou naturally praise Lu Fatzi for pleasing the new governor, but in this way, Gan Wenkun will inevitably become more confused and curious the more he listens, and he really can't understand what kind of person Lu Fatzi is, let alone why Kong Sizhen and Xiong Cixu are so hostile to such capable ministers. At this time, Guizhou Governor Tong Fengcai's words resonated in Gan Wenkun's heart, "If Lord Lu had gone to Guiyang to serve as the magistrate, then it would have been much easier for the lower officials now." ”

"Yes, with a capable person like Lu Yifeng under his rule, it is much easier to be the boss." Gan Wenkun sighed in his heart, "Why am I not like this? If Lu Yifeng is really loyal to the emperor, and can work together with me to deal with Wu Sangui, the king of annihilation, then I don't know how much effort I should save and how much heart I need to lose. ”

sighed, Gan Wenkun reminded himself in his heart, "It's better to be careful, just like Xiong Cixu said, if a capable minister like Lu Yifeng can really be loyal to the court wholeheartedly and loyal to me, it will certainly be the blessing of the court and my luck." But if this Lu Yifeng is a great annihilation and is actually on Wu Sangui's side, then he will be more harmful to me than he will help me. ”

"Your Excellency Governor, Lu Yifeng is here, and he has already reached the mountainside." At this time, Gan Wenjiong came to report again, Gan Wenkun looked over, and sure enough, he saw that halfway up the mountain, there was a big fat man leading a few entourage, who was struggling to climb the mountain along the steps uphill. Gan Wenkun nodded, and waited patiently again.

After another moment, Lu Fatzi finally came to Gan Wenkun with a sweaty head, and honestly saluted a thousand times, and said: "Lu Yifeng, the lowly Qujing Zhi County, was ordered to meet Lord Gan, the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, and meet the lords in various positions. ”

"Lord Lu is exempt, you don't have to be polite." Gan Wenkun waved his hand to let Fat Man Lu get up, and took the opportunity to carefully look at Fat Man's appearance and demeanor. Slightly different from the legend, Fat Lu is not as obsessed and fat as Gan Wenkun imagined, but he is a little fatter than ordinary people, and his facial features are quite upright, far less deer-headed than Kong Sizhen and Xiong Cizhi and others described, obscene, that is, his eyes are a little smaller, and he likes to squint from time to time, making it difficult for people to see what he thinks clearly.

"It must be very hard for Lord Lu to walk more than 600 miles in four days, right?" Gan Wenkun said with a fake greeting.

"It's really hard to go back to the Governor." Fat Lu replied honestly: "Xiaguan changed horses all the way without changing people, hurry up and hurry, so that the time stipulated by the adults was not delayed." ”

"Hard work." Gan Wenkun smiled and said: "Don't mind, Lord Lu, this governor has also heard your name for a long time, and knows that you are a capable and loyal minister known to the government and the opposition, so on the way to Guiyang to take office, I ordered you to come to Guiyang to attend the inauguration ceremony of this governor, and by the way, I will discuss with you and ask you about your future plans." ”

"Then if the Governor has something, please ask directly, and the lower officials know everything, and they will say everything." Lu Fatzi's hard answer made all the officials present dumbfounded, "Also, I heard that the inauguration ceremony of the Governor was in the morning of the day after tomorrow, and after the participation of the lower officials, I plan to rush back to Qujing in the afternoon of the day after tomorrow, and ask the Governor for forgiveness." ”

"This kid is crazy!" All the Guizhou officials present widened their eyes, and said in their hearts, "You Lu Fat Man is too crazy, right? The new governor wants you to attend his inauguration, what a favor is this, and you still hold him up like this?

Gan Wenkun frowned slightly, and was also a little dissatisfied with the arrogance of the fat man. But fortunately, Gan Wenkun's cultivation is not bad, he just smiled and said, "What are you doing in such a hurry?" Can't stay in Guiyang for a few more days? Wouldn't it be nice to wait for the governor to go to Kunming to meet the prince together? ”

"Back to the Governor, I really can't afford to delay." Lu Fatzi said very seriously: "Xiaguan is the county magistrate of Qujing, he should be the pastor of the Son of Heaven, diligent and loving the people, and now today is June 17, the autumn harvest is imminent, and there is too much rain in Qujing this year, if Xiaguan does not rush back to Qujing in time to organize the people to harvest the autumn grain, a heavy rain will fall, the grain will rot in the ground, and the people's hard work for a year will be wasted." ”

"In that case, the Governor has been inconsiderate." Contrary to the expectations of everyone present, in the face of Lu Fatzi's subtle accusation, Gan Wenkun did not get angry, but smiled and said: "Then whatever you want, you can leave the afternoon after tomorrow, and when the governor returns to Guiyang from Kunming after meeting the prince, he will stay in Qujing for a period of time and talk carefully with Lord Lu." ”

"Thank you, Governor, for your understanding." Fat Lu finally slowed down a bit, and couldn't wait to ask, "Dare to ask Your Excellency the Governor, how long do you plan to stay in Qujing at that time?" If the Governor intends to stay for a long time, then after returning to Qujing, he will immediately take the time to make arrangements for the Governor to use. ”

"What's the hurry? We'll talk about that then. Gan Wenkun laughed and said: "Besides, the yamen of the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou was originally in Qujing, and the old yamen has been empty. ”

"What about the Governor's garrison camp? Do you want to make arrangements for the Governor in advance? Lu Fatzi was shocked, and asked very eagerly: "The original Governor of Yunnan and Guizhou directly governed the Green Camp Station, which has been requisitioned by the garrison of the right town of the prince, does the Governor want to make arrangements in advance?" ”

"What do you mean by this kid? Is it tempting me? Or do you want my Yunnan-Guizhou Governor Yamen to relocate to Qujing as soon as possible? Gan Wenkun was shocked. When I looked at the expressions of the officials present, I saw that the Guizhou officials present either pricked up their ears or quickly twisted their faces away, as if they hadn't heard these words.

In front of so many people, of course Gan Wenkun would not easily reveal his attitude towards the relocation of the Yamen of the Governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, and he was even more afraid that Lu Fatzi was deliberately tempting Wu Sangui, so after a little muttering, Gan Wenkun quickly put on a straight face and said: "This kind of thing will not make you worry about Lu County, if the governor needs it, he will naturally officially give it to the Yamen of Qujing Mansion." ”

"The lower official is presumptuous." Lu Fatzi was very disappointed, retreated, and stood next to Li Benshen, the governor of Guizhou. And Guizhou Governor Li Benshen, as Wu Sangui's confidant, saw that Lu Fatzi betrayed his lord to seek glory and hinted that Gan Wenkun moved to the governor's yamen, he inevitably felt a little angry in his heart, glared at Lu Fatzi with his eyes, and shouted angrily: "Stay away from me." ”

Fat Lu twisted his head and turned his head to look in other directions, as if he hadn't heard Li Benshen's words. Li Benshen was even more furious, strode out of the ranks, and clenched his fists to Gan Wenkun and said: "Your Excellency, the last general will be in this Qujing Zhi County Lu Yifeng!" Please do justice to the last general! ”

"Are you Lu Yifeng? Why? Gan Wenkun asked suspiciously. At the same time, Gan Wenkun suddenly remembered that when the civil officials in Guizhou praised Lu Fatzi just now, none of the Guizhou military generals led by Li Benshen echoed him.

"I participated in his private purchase of war horses." Li Benshen said aggressively: "More than a month ago, a new batch of good Guizhou horses came to the Anshun horse market, and my Guizhou Green Battalion was ready to buy all these war horses into the army in order to supplement the horses. He is a small Qujing green battalion, what do you want so many war horses for? ”

"What do you mean by that? The Qujing Green Camp doesn't seem to be under the control of Lord Lu, right? Gan Wenkun asked pretending to be confused.

"Your Excellency Governor, I don't know that the capital of Qujing Green Camp is Lu Yifeng's cousin Qin Yong!" Li Benshen said fiercely: "And as far as the last general knows, the Qujing Green Battalion has no military funds for the purchase of war horses this year, and the money to buy these war horses is all out of Lu Yifeng's own pocket!" What does he mean by this, and what is he going to do? ”

"And such a thing?" Gan Wenkun turned to Fat Lu and asked, "Lord Lu, is there such a thing?" ”

"Back to the Governor, there is such a thing." Lu Fatzi admitted it calmly, and said: "But the lower officials don't seem to violate the laws of the Qing Dynasty, right?" In the Qing Dynasty, there is no provision prohibiting local officials from buying weapons and horses for the local green camp out of their own pockets, right? ”

"You have a local green camp, what do you want so many war horses for?" Li Benshen roared.

"The green battalion is stationed in the place, and its duty is to protect the territory and the people, and of course the war horses are to arm the army." Lu Fatzi replied unhurriedly: "Could it be that Li Junmen wants to see the Qujing Green Camp rot to the end, wasting the military salary allocated by the imperial court every year, and not having any effect?" ”

"Then why don't you buy it in Yunnan? Why do you want to come to my Guizhou to buy? The horizontal flesh on Li Benshen's face began to distort a little.

"I'll buy it there, if it's cheap." Fat Lu seemed to have taken gunpowder today, and began to deliberately push up Gan Wenkun, which will deliberately push up Li Benshen.

"Lao Tzu will kill you!" Li Benshen didn't have the same self-cultivation as Gan Wenkun, so he pounced on him in anger and grabbed Lu Fatzi's neck, and Lu Fatman was not to be outdone, and he also pinched Li Benshen's neck with his backhand. Gan Wenkun was shocked, and hurriedly shouted: "Quick, pull them away!" ”

"Quick, hurry up and hold General Li." Everyone rushed up, and finally pulled Li Benshen and Lu Fatzi apart. Fat Lu refused to give up, and was still provoking Li Benshen, yelling: "Want to beat Lao Tzu to death? Come, come, don't think that if you have the prince to support you, I'm afraid of you! Last time, the 3,000 catties of pig iron I bought in the Guanyin Mountain Iron Mine in Shuicheng were robbed halfway by someone on the way, and I haven't investigated it, and today the Governor is here, and I will also ask him to make my decision to see if someone instructs the officers and soldiers to pretend to be bandits and thieves! ”

"Shut up!" Gan Wenkun couldn't bear to shout, slapped the table and shouted: "What kind of system is it for civil officials and military generals to fight in public? Shut up Bento! ”

"Your Excellency the Governor, is it Li Junmen who made the first move?" Fat Lu jumped three feet high and shouted: "The last incident in the Guanyin Mountain Iron Mine in Shuicheng, please give an explanation to the lower officials, and find out who instructed the subordinates to rob the lower officials' pig iron!" ”

Lu Fatzi paid out of his own pocket to buy iron for the Qujing Green Camp, which is extremely important, such a good thing Gan Wenkun of course has 100 supports and 10,000 approvals, but in front of so many officials, how dare Gan Wenkun, who has not yet officially taken office, openly favor Lu Fatzi? So Gan Wenkun quickly pulled down his face and shouted, "Shut up, what are you?" Do you want this governor to give you an explanation? Didn't you complain that Ben Governor shouldn't have called you from Qujing and delayed you in organizing the people to grab autumn grain? If you don't want to stay, then you can go now! ”

"Let's go!" Fat Lu was so angry that he flicked his sleeves and quickly threw his hand, and said loudly: "The lower official is leaving." ”

After that, Fat Lu really strode away and went straight down Qianling Mountain, leaving many Guizhou officials looking at each other on the Qianling Mountain Observation Deck, at a loss. Gan Wenkun's face was gloomy, staring at the back of Fat Lu leaving for a long time without saying a word.

"Dongjia, why are you in such a hurry to clash with Gan Wenkun?" Seeing that Fat Lu was walking down quickly, Zhu Fangdan, who had been watching from a distance, was startled, and hurriedly whispered, "Isn't it too anxious?" If you really offend Gan Wenkun too much, you won't have a good time in the future. ”

"If you're not in a hurry, how can you establish my image as a loyal minister?" Lu Fatzi snorted coldly in a low voice, and said in a low voice: "Don't worry, he Gan Wenkun came to Yungui this time to be against the prince, I am desperately strengthening the army equipment in Qujingtun, which is only good for him, and there is no harm to him, unless he is stupid, he will really be dissatisfied with me." ”

"But I still feel too anxious." Zhu Fangdan emphasized worriedly.

"It's not me who is in a hurry, it's Li Benshen, and I didn't expect him to publicly turn his face with me so soon." Fat Lu replied with a wry smile, and said in a low voice: "But it's okay, I didn't expect that Li Benshen has a rough and stupid appearance, but his mind is quite delicate - the excuse he found to turn his face is not light or heavy, it is just right, which not only indirectly proves my important surname in front of Gan Wenkun, but also prevents others from catching me at all." After a while, you will arrange people to quietly send Li Benshen a thousand taels of silver tickets, he is the most important confidant of the prince in Guizhou, and he must not be offended. ”

"But, my lord, will you believe this double reed played by you and Li Junmen?" Zhu Fangdan was still extremely uneasy, and reminded in a low voice: "If you can climb to the position of governor before the age of forty, won't it be that simple?" ”

"Of course, he wasn't going to be completely convinced right away, he was only half-convinced." Fat Lu sneered and said in a low voice: "However, if I sue him in front of the emperor with a secret fold, and question him for deliberately shielding Li Benshen and intending to help the prince's henchmen strengthen the army, he will at least have to believe it." ”

(To be continued)