A soldier who does not want to be a general is not a good soldier. Xu Liang was busy thinking about the position of the prefect of Pingliang in order to be promoted, and if he was not quite attached to the position of the prefect, it would be a lie.

Although Hong's words of participating in politics were very light in Xu Liang's ears, the force of temptation was quite strong.

I used to think that the most tempting cake was someone else's, but I suddenly found that I still had hope of grabbing it, how not it was exciting.

Xu Liang forcibly suppressed the excitement in his heart, looked at Hong Shenzheng with a faint expression, and said, "What does the position of the prefect have to do with me if it is empty?" ”

Hong participates in politics and secretly has a play, not afraid that Xu Liang pretends to be indifferent, as long as Xu Liang is not blindly indifferent and willing to speak, you can know that Xu Liang still wants to care about the position of the prefect.

Hong Shenzheng patted his thigh lightly and said: "The last arrangement fell through, it was really bad luck, who let Guozhong you stand up to Old Man Cao to preside over Jingcha!" It's different now, the period of Jingcha has passed. This official and the governor of Wu are ready to nominate Guozhong you as the prefect of Pingliang again. ”

"Really?" Xu Liang didn't seem to be much surprised, and still said lightly: "Then the lower officials thank Lord Hong and Master Wu for their kindness." The painstaking cultivation of Xu by the two adults, the lower officials did not forget. Lord Hong rest assured, Xia Guan will not go anywhere for the second half of the month, and will stay in the mansion honestly, waiting for the holy decree of the court. ”

Xu Liang said extremely sincerely, but Hong Shenzheng listened to it with a sneering expression and said embarrassedly: "That...... The pig arches forward, and the chicken slashes backwards! Guozhong wants to be promoted to the prefect of Pingliang, and the strong recommendation of the governor of this martial arts and this official is one thing, in addition, Guozhong yourself should also show yourself a lot in front of the saint. ”

Xu Liang's eyes were blank. Pretending to be stupid, he said: "Isn't it good for Xia Guan?" Stay in the house wholeheartedly and don't go anywhere. Nothing, nothing. How nice it would be to not cause trouble and not cause trouble to the bosses? ”

Hong Senzheng felt that there was no way to continue this conversation, glared at Xu Liang, raised his voice slightly, and said: "Guozhong, it is certainly a good aspect for you to wait patiently like this, but Governor Wu and this official actually hope that Guozhong can send troops again to recover Hanzhong Mansion." Quell the rebellion of the rebel army. ”

Xu Liang glanced at Hong Shenzheng and understood. Ren Hong's participation in politics is full of words, and when it comes to it, he still values the tens of thousands of Liang troops under Xu Liang, and wants Xu Liang to lead troops to fight and quell the rebellion for the court.

Xu Liang looked at Hong Shenzheng coldly, was silent for a long time, and said, "This matter, the lower officials need to think about it." ”

Hong Shenzheng said curtly: "Leading the army to go on such a major event. It's time to think it through. Guozhong, you quickly think about it clearly, and give this official an answer as much as possible. ”

Xu Liang nodded and said, "I know." ”

After the banquet, Xu Liang wanted to call the guerrilla general Dai Feng to come over to discuss. But seeing that Dai Feng was full of alcohol and shaking when he walked, he knew that he had obviously drunk too much. He sent someone to send Dai Feng back to his house safely. After seeing off most of the guests, Xu Liang left Huang Daozhou and Xing Zhongshan.

Pingliang official Huang Daozhou saw Hong Senzheng pulling Xu Liang and muttering at the wine table. guessed that Hong participated in politics and most likely had something to do with Xu Liang. This waste accompanied Xu Liang to the study of Xu's mansion, and there were no idle people around except Xing Zhongshan. Then he opened his mouth and asked, "My lord, Lord Hong has discussed a lot with you during the banquet, but is there something important?" ”

Xu Liang nodded slowly, said the meaning of Hong's participation in politics, and said, "This official doesn't have any good ideas in his heart, so he called the two of you here to hear your opinions." ”

Huang Daozhou had quite an opinion in his heart about Xu Liang ordering the Liang army to withdraw to Pingliang and surrender Hutou Pass and other places to the rebel army, and at this moment he heard what Xu Liang said, and secretly said that this was a good opportunity to persuade Xu Liang to re-enter the Hanzhong Mansion, and immediately stroked his palm and agreed, and said: "My lord, the lower officials think that no matter whether this Pingliang prefect will eventually fall on you, your lord, it is imperative to send troops to Hanzhong Mansion." As Lord Hong said, the court finally appointed you as the prefect of Pingliang, after the promotion of the lord, the governor of Wu will inevitably order the lord to send troops to Hanzhong, the lower officials do not understand military affairs, but the truth that everything is sooner rather than later, presumably it is also applicable to military affairs. Take 10,000 steps back and say, even if you still miss the prefect's position, if the rebel army in Hanzhong Mansion grows stronger, Pingliang Mansion and Hanzhong Mansion are only separated by a Fengxiang Mansion, and the expansion of the rebel army's power will inevitably threaten the safety of Pingliang Mansion. Therefore, the subordinate officials believe that it is imperative to send troops. ”

Xu Liang glanced at Huang Daozhou lightly, knowing that Huang Daozhou was so trying his best to encourage himself to send troops, he was still concerned about the people of Hanzhong Mansion in his heart, so he didn't say anything, turned to look at Xing Zhongshan, and asked, "General Xing, what do you see?" ”

Xing Zhongshan said in a deep voice: "The last general doesn't understand the big truths that Lord Huang said. The last general only knew that the rebel army had killed nearly 20,000 soldiers of our Liang army, and I was uneasy if I did not take revenge. ”

Xu Liang was stunned, and involuntarily thought of Dai Yingying again. Nodding slowly, he looked at Huang Daozhou and Xing Zhongshan, and said, "I know the opinions of the two." I'll seriously consider it. ”

Huang Daozhou and Xing Zhongshan knew that Xu Liang said this, but they had not completely made up their minds. At the moment, it was inconvenient to urge, so they got up and left.

Xu Liang was still muttering alone in the study. I saw that Pingliang Tuiguan Huang Daozhou actually went and reversed, and returned to the study.

Xu Liang looked at him in surprise and asked, "What's wrong?" ”

Huang Daozhou laughed twice, stood in front of Xu Liang, took out the account book from his arms and said, "I almost forgot something important." This is the wartime tax silver collected by the states and counties under the rule of Pingliang Mansion in February of the second year of Chongzhen. Please take a look at it. ”

Xu Liang nodded, took it and looked at it, his brows furrowed, and he said unhappily: "How did the two counties of Chongxin and Zhenyuan collect so much tax silver?" Not even half of Pingliang County and Jingzhou? ”

Huang Daozhou smiled bitterly: "Since the adults in Chongxin County have been there in person, the collection situation has improved somewhat, but it is still not as satisfactory as it should be. As for Zhenyuan County, it is the same as before. ”

Xu Liang frowned and said, "Shi Junsheng and Qin Feng are so stubborn, if these two people are allowed to go, it is likely to affect other states and counties." ”

Huang Daozhou said approvingly: "Yes, a grain of mouse feces spoils a pot of porridge." ”

"Gotta think of something. Pack up these two bastards. Xu Liang muttered, contemplating for a while. Suddenly thinking of Cao Ge's Jingcha this time, he couldn't help asking: "In February." The Beijing inspection was carried out in the capital, which made the people of the DPRK and China panic. Can we follow the example of Beijing City and conduct a review in Pingliang Mansion? ”

Huang Daozhou's eyes lit up when he heard this, pondered for a while, and then said in frustration: "My lord, there is a precedent for the magistrate to inspect once every three years. However, Shi Junsheng, the magistrate of Zhenyuan County, and Qin Feng, the magistrate of Chongxin, took office for less than a year, and they still did not meet the conditions for conducting an investigation. ”

Xu Liang said dissatisfiedly: "Hey, the rules are dead." Man is alive. It's very summer, can't you do something special? ”

Huang Daozhou thought for a while and said, "That'...... You have to agree with the above. ”

Xu Liang listened and smiled happily. At present, it is the time for Governor Wu and Hong to participate in politics and ask for their own needs, and it must not be difficult to find them to approve some policies.

Xu Liang immediately got up and walked outside: "Lord Hong is still outside, right?" I'm going to look for him. ”

Xu Liang chased outside, Shaanxi political participation Hong Chengchou had already left, and Xu Liang immediately rode a fast horse. chased out of the city, caught up with Hong Shenzheng's carriage on the official road leading to Guyuan, stopped it, and told the officials under Pingliang Mansion to investigate in advance. Hong has been an official for more than ten years. is very clear about those ways in the officialdom, and after listening to Xu Liang's intentions, he knows what Xu Liang wants to do. Now is the time to use Xu Liang. Naturally, he promised to pat his chest and promise to fight for the three divisions of Shaanxi and the yamen of the Governor's Mansion.

With Hong's intention to participate in politics. Xu Liang felt a lot more at ease. After returning to Pingliang Mansion, he began to arrange for the Liang army to go on an expedition. Ordered Luo Baiguan, the head of the Liang army, to prepare grain and grass. Find a few important generals of the Liang army to discuss the matter of transferring troops to the expedition.

After three or five days of such a busy day, an uninvited guest suddenly came to Xu's mansion. Chongxin Zhixian Qinfeng.

Qin Feng was dressed in civilian clothes, led a subordinate into Xu's mansion cautiously, took a few bags of tea and pastries in the living room, and carefully placed them on the coffee table on the side, and then bowed his hand to Xu Liang, who was sitting on the main seat, with a smiling expression: "I know...... Lord Xu, it has been a few months since Xia Guan was transferred from Jianchang County to Chongxin Zhi County, and he has never had time to visit his lord, which is really rude. These are the tea leaves and snacks brought by the trustee of the hometown, and the lower officials brought them over to Lord Xu to taste. ”

Xu Liang looked at Qin Feng of Chongxin Zhixian with interest, and waved his hand lightly: "Lord Qin has a heart." Speaking of which, the official has not eaten Jianchang's pastries for some time, and when Lord Qin mentions it, he really misses his hometown. ”

Qin Feng hurriedly laughed and said, "It's good if adults like it." When Xia Guan came, he hesitated again and again, and he didn't know if this pastry was suitable for your taste. I was just outside the gate of the mansion, and I was worried that Lord Xu, you were busy with affairs, and refused to meet the lower officials. ”

"Hey, Lord Qin, you're too outward." Xu Liang reproached: "You and I are old acquaintances, and we are fellow villagers in Ji'an Mansion, so we should have moved around more." He waved his hand very generously and said, "In the future, Lord Qin will treat this as if this is your home, Lord Qin wants to come, and the door of my Xu Mansion will be open for Lord Qin at any time." ”

"Hehe, then the official will have to bother you more in the future." Qin Zhixian smiled.

Xu Liang and Qin Feng chatted enthusiastically in the living room, and the atmosphere was very harmonious. Qin Zhixian said the anecdotes about Ji'an and Jianchang's hometowns, but he didn't talk about his intentions this time. Xu Liang was not in a hurry, and was hypocritically polite.

Qin Feng saw that the time was almost up, so he got up and said goodbye and left.

Xu Liang watched Qin Zhixian leave with a playful expression. The third lady of Xu's house, Lou Xian'er, came in, saw the two boxes of pastries on the coffee table, shouted happily, grabbed a box, opened it and looked at it, and threw it aside in disappointment, and said to Xu Liang: "Xianggong, you fellow villager is too stingy, the first time you came to visit, you actually brought two boxes of shortbread to the door." ”

Xu Liang came back to his senses and said with a smile: "I heard that it is a pastry from my hometown in Jiangxi, and Qin Zhixian specially brought it over for me to taste, and the courtesy is light and affectionate." ”

Lou Xian'er sneered, pointed to the unwrapped shortbread, and said, "Which is this your hometown's pastry?" It's clearly the crispbread made by the Li Zi pastry shop on Changle Street in Pingliang City, and the font number of Li Ji is still printed on this oil paper. ”

Xu Liang listened, stepped forward and took a closer look, and his smile narrowed.

I secretly thought in my heart, which one is this Qin Feng singing today? After thinking about it for a long time, I couldn't get the point.

In the evening, Guo Tianxu, the magistrate of Pingliang County, came to the door with gifts in both hands. Before leaving, Guo Zhixian hesitated and asked: "My lord, you see that you are going to lead the army to go out in a few days, I don't know when you are free, Xiaguan and Shi Junsheng Shi of Zhenyuan Zhixian want to invite you to have a light meal." ”

"Who?" Xu Liang asked in surprise: "Lord Shi, the county magistrate of Zhenyuan?" ”

"Well, it's Master Shi." Guo Zhixian rubbed his hands embarrassedly and said, "Master Shi didn't dare to visit the adult directly because he had some unpleasant trouble with you before, so he asked the official to bring a message." ”

When Xu Liang heard this, he thought of the visit of Qin Wan from Chongxin Zhixian County, and vaguely understood something, and immediately sank his face and said, "Then you will help me go back to Master Shi, and just say that this official has been very busy recently and has no time." ”

"Huh?" Guo Zhixian's expression was gloomy, and he arched his hand in a sneering manner: "Yes......"

On the second day, as Xu Liang expected, the Shaanxi political envoy sent a letter to the Yamen of the Pingliang Prefect and agreed that the Pingliang Mansion would temporarily organize an inspection of the officials below the fifth rank under the rule of the Pingliang Mansion.

Officials at all levels in Pingliang Mansion were moved when they heard the wind, and there was an endless stream of people who came to visit Xu Liang with gifts. For a while, there was a lot of traffic in Xufu, which drove a lot of people on the whole street, and two gift shops were temporarily opened on the streets of Xufu.

Xu Liang was very satisfied with the actions of officials at all levels, and the Xu Mansion Tent received gifts softly.

However, Xu Liang decided to accept the people who should be cleaned up, and the matter was done.

In the main hall of the prefect's yamen, Xu Liang summoned Pingliang and Zhilu Yifa and the official Huang Daozhou to a meeting to discuss the matter of the officials' inspection.

Lu Yifa and Huang Daozhou both knew Xu Liang's intention to carry out this official inspection, and at the meeting, they said that they discussed with each other, but in fact, it was Xu Liang's own polite statement, which was basically what Xu Liang said to do, and Lu Yifa and Huang Daozhou nodded together.

After discussion, the inspection was in charge of Pingliang Tongzhi Lu Yifa, with the cooperation of Huang Daozhou, and several scribes from the prefect's yamen room were waiting to be sent, and the objects of the inspection included civil officials at all levels and below the five grades in the prefectures and counties under the rule of Pingliang prefect Yamen and Pingliang Mansion, and the military generals were not included in the inspection.

In order to ensure the fairness and impartiality of the inspection, Xu Liang also specially invited two officials from the Shaanxi Provincial Political Envoy Department Yamen to participate in the inspection.

All of a sudden, officials at all levels under the rule of Pingliang Mansion were in danger. The efficiency of the government at all levels in Pingliang has been unprecedentedly improved. And some of the officials with unclean buttocks were so frightened that they almost lost sleep every night.

Among them, Shi Junsheng of Zhenyuan Zhixian and Qin Feng of Chongxin Zhixian have the most insomnia. (To be continued......)