Xu Liang entered Wang Qinian's house. Looking around, his brow furrowed slightly.

He had imagined the evidence of Wang Qinian's family conditions, but he didn't expect that a dignified court official from the sixth rank would be in such a broken house.

The window paper on the two windows had long since rotted into shreds, and was covered by a few pieces of rags that were black and dirty, and I don't know from which clothes, and it was right to block some wind, but in this way, even in broad daylight, the room looked dark. There are some old tables and chairs piled up in the room, and the one on the left hand is the kitchen, and an iron pot with a big mouth missing is on top of a few bricks, and there are still three black steamed buns in the pot, one of which is still half gnawed, presumably the one that Wang Qinian bit when he opened the door.

The living room is divided into three rooms by two wooden planks, so it is extremely narrow, and it is difficult to accommodate anything other than a small round table and two stools.

Wang Qinian hurriedly wiped off one of the benches, put it in front of Xu Liang, and said embarrassedly: "There is no woman to clean up the family in the first two or three years, it's too messy." Please be seated, adults. ”

Xu Liang hurriedly said: "Don't be busy, I'm just here to see you." As he spoke, Xu Liang's eyes fell to another compartment inside, raised his feet and walked in, looked inside, and couldn't help but be stunned.

This room is actually a study, with three rows of bookshelves arranged in a U-shape, and the shelves are full of books. In the middle of the bookshelf is an old desk that is more than two feet wide.

Wang Qinian saw Xu Liang's eyes fall on an account book on the desk, he couldn't help but blush, walked over embarrassedly, pressed the account book with a book, and smiled at Xu Liang: "The lower officials have nothing to do." Read some books and write some tips casually. ”

Xu Liang smiled: "Really? I heard that Brother Qi Nian is talented, and this official wants to see it. Brother Qi Nian doesn't mind if I appreciate your reading experience, right? ”

A trace of panic flashed on Wang Qinian's face. waved his hand and sneered: "Vulgar words, blind thoughts." It's not worth a look. ”

"Well, you can't say that." Xu Liang smiled, "It's okay for the official to take a look." ”

"This ......" Wang Qinian looked embarrassed.

"How?" Xu Liang said suspiciously: "Could it be that there are still things in it that Brother Qi Nian is not enough to be humane?" ”

Wang Qinian was startled and hurriedly waved his hand, "No, absolutely not." As he spoke, his face turned red, he stomped his feet heavily, presented the account book to Xu Liang, and said, "Since Lord Xu wants to see it." Then let's see. ”

Xu Liang took it with a smile, gently turned a page, and looked at it.

With just one glance, Xu Liang was stunned.

Wang Qinian lied, and there was no reading experience on this account book. I saw that the first line on it read: In March of the second year of Chongzhen, he received 127 coins of silver, and the yamen owed 23 taels of silver in arrears. Looking down further, I saw that it was written: On the tenth day of the third month of the second year of Chongzhen, he sent a whole or two dollars to his wife. For the children to eat. On March 24, he ran out of money and borrowed seven coins from Ambassador Cang, wanting to return it next month......

Xu Liang watched. I quickly flipped through a few more pages, and saw that it was all written down with these things. Obviously, this is a journal of Wang Qinian's daily expenses.

Xu Liang felt a sour nose. When he raised his eyes to look at Wang Qinian again, Wang Qinian's face was full of shame. It's like a secret that has been treasured for many years has been exposed, and there is no place to be ashamed. He was like a child who had done all the wrong things. His head hung very low, and his voice was like a mosquito: "I...... I'm a disgrace to the people who read the world......"

Xu Liang almost burst into tears. From this account book, Xu Liang saw the ethics of an official who was the worst mixed up in the Ming Dynasty. Despite the constraints, despite the despair, and even the life of a beggar, this official still abides by integrity, does not be greedy or possessive, receives a little bit of silver every month, and thinks about raising children.

Xu Liang swore that since crossing over to the Ming Dynasty, Xu Liang has only seen two officials like Wang Qinian, one is Wang Qinian himself, and the other is Huang Daozhou. Fortunately, both of these people were met by Xu Liang.

Xu Liang personally held Wang Qinian with his hand, looked at him directly, shook his head and said, "No, Brother Qinian, you did a good job." It's the court that is ashamed of you! ”

Wang Qinian trembled when he heard this, his eyes were filled with tears, and he looked at Xu Liang, his lips trembling.

Xu Liang bowed deeply to Wang Qinian and said, "Brother Qinian, it's my honor to meet you." Now, I sincerely invite you to follow me to the Hanzhong Dao Yamen, I need you. ”

When Wang Qinian heard this, his trembling lips finally couldn't help crying, as if he couldn't support it anymore, his whole body seemed to have exhausted all his strength, he sat on the ground, holding his head with both hands, and cried a lot.

Xu Liang watched quietly and waited. Tietou stood beside Xu Liang, and when he saw this, he wanted to step forward to arouse Wang Qinian, but was stopped by Xu Liang.

"Don't disturb him, let him cry as much as he wants." Xu Liang shook his head and said.

So, Xu Liang and Tietou stood in the house, waiting for Wang Qinian to finish crying happily.

After touching a cup of tea, Wang Qinian gradually stopped crying, got up, wiped the tears off his face, and smiled embarrassedly at Xu Liang and Tietou.

Xu Liang looked around, and said to Wang Qinian: "Look at what else you have to bring, pack up, and go with me now." Tomorrow we will leave for Hanzhong Mansion. I have already completed the procedures for your transfer. ”

Wang Qinian thought about it, turned around and went into the bedroom, cleaned up for a while, wrapped up a cloth package, nodded at Xu Liang and said: "Xiaguan has four walls here, and there is nothing to clean up, but there are still a few old clothes here, I want to send them to the children's mother, maybe I can change them to a few children's clothes." ”

Xu Liang nodded and said, "Mrs. Zun is still in the old father-in-law's house, right?" Go, I'll go with you. ”

Wang Qinian's eyes widened and said, "This, how can this be made?" The adults still went back first, and the lower officials and the father-in-law's house explained a few words to the lady, and then went over to meet the adults. ”

Xu Liang waved his hand and said, "Don't be so troublesome, I'll go with you." ”

Wang Qinian saw Xu Liang's insistence, so he had to give up. Several people left Wang Qinian's house, Wang Qinian locked the house, and led Xu Liang and Tietou towards his father-in-law's house.

To Xu Liang's surprise, Wang Qinian's home was actually not far from his father-in-law's house, which was three streets away.

On the road. Xu Liang pondered for a long time, and finally couldn't help but ask Wang Qinian: "Brother Qinian." To be honest, it was really shocking to see the situation of your family today. But I remember that you are now an official from the sixth grade. It stands to reason that the silver in January will not be so small, right? ”

When Wang Qinian heard this, he scratched his head embarrassedly and said: "Don't hide it, in fact, Xia Guan was originally an official from the political secretary of the six grades, but later he offended too many people, so he was squeezed out step by step to the position of the deputy envoy of the warehouse." The deputy envoy of the warehouse was originally a petty official who did not enter the stream, and the adults above only distributed silver to the lower officials according to the official position of the deputy envoy of the warehouse. Later, I also knew that it was useless to fight, so I didn't want to fight anymore. ”

"I see." Xu Liang nodded. Knowing Wang Qinian's situation in his heart, a person who offended all the big and small officials of the political envoy and the yamen naturally couldn't win anything.

In a blink of an eye, I arrived at the door of Wang Qinian's father-in-law's house, and it can be seen that Wang Qinian's father-in-law's Zhouyuan's outer home road is still very good, the vermilion lacquer gate, the copper ring and copper lock, and the two stone lions on both sides of the stone steps at the door are holding the house door.

Wang Qinian stopped. He arched his hand towards Xu Liang and said, "My lord, please wait here for a while, and then come when the official goes." ”

Xu Liang saw that Wang Qinian's eyes were full of pleading, and he expected that he would follow him. There must be some inconvenience, so he nodded slowly.

Wang Qinian exhaled lightly, hugged the big cloth bag in his hand and walked towards Zhumen.

Xu Liang suddenly stopped him and said, "Hey." Brother Qi Nian, you wait. ”

Wang Qinian stopped. turned around and looked at Xu Liang in surprise.

Xu Liang stepped forward and auctioned the three full silver tickets of 1,000 taels in his hand into Wang Qinian's hand. chuckled: "You're going to leave with the official, and it's not beautiful to come to the door empty-handed like this." ”

Wang Qinian was stunned, saw the number of silver tickets in his hand, as if he had been stung, hurriedly pushed back into Xu Liang's hand, and said eagerly: "My lord, what are you doing here?" The lower officials are willing to follow the lord, and besides, they are supported by the court's silver, so they don't need to ......."

Xu Liang secretly scolded, how can this person be as brainless as Huang Daozhou! Stuffed the silver ticket back into Wang Qinian's hand, and said seriously: "Brother Qinian, listen, these silver are the silver I paid to you for the court first, and the official will deduct it from your monthly silver in the future." Now you take it and send it to your mother-in-law, at least you can improve the lives of your lady and two children. ”

Wang Qinian listened, hesitated for a while, and then dragged it out: "Then, that doesn't need so many ......"

When Xu Liang heard this, he straightened his face and scolded: "Wang Qinian! Since you have been transferred to my Hanzhong Dao Yamen, then I Xu Liang is your superior, and the words of the Shangguan are orders, do you want to disobey orders? ”

When Wang Qinian heard this, he was stunned, bowed heavily to Xu Liangshen, turned around and strode towards Zhumen, and grabbed the three silver tickets in his hand tightly.

Xu Liang saw Wang Qinian open the Zhu door, explained to the door at the door, and finally entered.

Tietou said: "Young master, in fact, it is enough for you to give him a thousand taels." Three thousand taels, some are too much. ”

Xu Liang chuckled and said, "Three thousand taels of silver can buy a person's gratitude and loyalty, I think it's worth it." ”

The two waited outside for about half an hour, and then saw Wang Qinian come out, walking easily, with a spring breeze on his face. He came to Xu Liang, straightened his expression, threw himself to the ground towards Xu Liang, straightened up again, and said gratefully: "My lord, oh no, lord! From now on, I, Wang Qinian, will regard my lord as the only lord in my life! The adult's kindness to Qi Nian will never be forgotten by the lower officials. ”

Xu Liang was stunned, and then his whole body was surrounded by a huge surprise. What does Wang Qinian call himself? Lord! It's the lord, not the adult! The meaning of the word "lord and father" is not trivial. In other words, Wang Qinian has decided to entrust his net worth and life to Xu Liang, and he has unreserved trust and loyalty to Xu Liang.

Xu Liang was inexplicably surprised, laughed and helped Wang Qinian up, and said, "Brother Qinian......"

"My lord," Wang Qinian said seriously, "Please call the next official Qinian." Brother Qi Nian is three words, Qi Nian is ashamed and dare not bear it. ”

"Uh......" Xu Liang explained, "Actually, I'm very casual with my own people. ”

Wang Qinian said persistently: "Since Qi Nian has recognized you as the lord, he will never regret it, the lord wants to call me Qi Nian's brother again, and Qi Nian can only die in front of the lord." ”

This person, why is he so brainless! Xu Liang scolded secretly, but, hehe, I like it!

Subsequently, Wang Qinian re-recognized Tietou as Xu Liang's servant. Wang Qinian insisted on calling Tietou the iron housekeeper at the beginning, but later Xu Liang made a strong decision, Wang Qinian was older, so he called Tietou's real name, and Tietou called Wang Qinian Brother Wang or Brother Qinian.

The three of them returned to Xu Liang's mansion in Xi'an, and Xu Liang summoned the officials of the mansion and the 120 Tsing Yi guards who accompanied him, and introduced Wang Qinian to everyone.

Wang Qinian quickly consciously adapted to Xu Liang's status as a servant and began to take care of Xu Liang's luggage to Hanzhong Mansion.

With the addition of Wang Qinian, Xu Liang's journey to the Yamen of Hanzhong Road was very smooth.

Song Chaodu, the prefect of Hanzhong Prefecture, led Xu Liang and his party to the gate of a dilapidated official office not far from the Yamen of the Governor of Hanzhong Prefecture in Hanzhong City, and introduced Xu Liang awkwardly: "That, Lord Counselor, this is the Yamen of Hanzhong Division." ”

When Xu Liang heard this, he looked up at the Hanzhong Dao Yamen in front of him, and couldn't help but widen his eyes in shock, with a look of disbelief. Pointing to this dilapidated official building, he asked Song Chaodu, the prefect of Hanzhong: "Prefect Song, are you not mistaken?" This dilapidated mansion like an abandoned mountain temple is the Yamen of Hanzhong Branch?! ”

Xu Liang was shocked and suspicious. It's really because of the dilapidated condition of the Yamen in front of him, which is worse than Wang Qinian's home in Xi'an. Although Wang Qinian's house is dilapidated, the gate is still intact, but the red paint on it is about to fall off.

And in front of the so-called branch guard road yamen, the two yamen are so rotten that only half of them are hung on the door frame, the wind blows and crunchs, the stone lion at the door is only one left, the breath is dying and falls under the stone steps, the other one does not know where to go, the edge of the stone steps is mossy, the walls on both sides of the gate are half collapsed and half collapsed, and the vermilion paint on the red wall is mottled to the appearance!

Even the tiles on the eaves of the gate are fragmentary, and they have long since lost their basic function of sheltering from the wind and rain.

Not only Xu Liang was shocked, but Wang Qinian, Tie Tou and the one hundred and twenty Tsing Yi guards who accompanied him, as well as the dozen or so Yahuan subordinates who accompanied him, were also shocked, and they looked at this dilapidated Hanzhong branch guarding the yamen in amazement.

Song Chaodu, the prefect of Hanzhong, was sweating profusely, but his tone was very helpless, and he bowed his hand to Xu Liang again and again, and explained with a sad face: "The lower officials really dare not deceive the adults, this is indeed the Hanzhong Guarded Yamen." My lord, you also know that there has always been a tradition of not cultivating the Yamen for officials, and we are divided into Hanzhong to guard the road, and the time is not set, when the last master is here, it is still the second year of the Apocalypse, and in recent years, the Hanzhong Mansion has not been peaceful, and it was captured by the rebel army last year, so this Yamen has become what it is today......" (to be continued......