In the sound of firecrackers, the spring breeze sends warmth into Tusu.

"Xia is said to be old, Shang is said to be ritual, and Zhou is said to be year." The first night of the year is the most important festival of the Han people, which has lasted for thousands of years. Every day, all dynasties, from the heavenly family to the ordinary people, are all happy. The court, the government offices, and the people will also organize a variety of colorful celebrations accordingly, either officially or spontaneously.

Without years, there are no years. Without years, it is muddy. The old year has passed, the new year has come, the sun rises and the moon sets, the spring, summer, autumn and winter change, and the history of the nation and the country has turned a new page. Standing on the mouth of the year, sacrificing ancestors and reminiscing about the past; It is of great significance to say goodbye to the old years and look forward to the future.

Not only the Han Chinese, but also the Mongols have long had activities in Qingyuanzheng. However, the traditional customs of the Mongolian people are very different from those of the Han people. Since the ancestor Kublai Khan moved the capital to Dadu, the customs of the festivals of the Central Plains Dynasty and the traditional festivals and customs of the Mongolian people have been integrated, and the celebrations have become more colorful.

The day before New Year's Day, Deng She personally inscribed the Spring Festival couplets, taught Tong Shengyang, and Deng Chengzhi pasted them on the door of the house.

After finishing the official business, that night, according to the tradition, the puppet drama was held in the palace. Gather the ministers and watch together. With a lot of wine, it's very lively. After the opera dispersed, because Hong Jixun, Wen Huaguo, Luo Lilang and others had no relatives in Yiyi, Deng She left them behind, called out Mrs. Wang, and had another banquet, and the monarchs and ministers gathered together to celebrate the New Year together.

said that it was a New Year's holiday, but in fact, it didn't really stay up all night. Except for Tong Shengyang and Deng Chengzhi, who were young and fun, they refused to sleep, and the others waited until the rooster crowed, let go of the firecrackers, and went to bed. The rooster crows, that is, when it is ugly, at one o'clock in the morning.

The next day was New Year's Day.

Early in the morning, the ministers came to congratulate.

Deng She took the lead, prepared an incense case, presented a congratulatory table, and danced in the mountains, and went to the direction of Anfeng to pay New Year's greetings to King Xiaoming. This "table worship ceremony" is a necessary etiquette for foreign courtiers. And as early as shortly after Chahan retreated, Deng She also sent a messenger to Anfeng. First, it is to report on the process of the war in Yidu, and secondly, it is also to go for New Year's greetings. At that time, Deng She instructed the messenger to wait until the New Year to return. There are a lot of gifts, not only for King Xiaoming, but also for Liu Futong and other powerful ministers.

Celebrate the New Year to King Xiao Ming, and the ministers will then pay New Year's greetings to Deng She.

In accordance with the etiquette system, they each presented Dun She with gifts worthy of their official position. There are a lot of etiquette that have to go. It was hectic until noon. Deng She accepted Hong Jixun's suggestion, and according to the old system of the previous dynasty, he set up a banquet to entertain the ministers; And give cypress leaves, fine wine, in order to show the meaning of the courtesy.

This celebration of the New Year, originally according to Deng She's meaning, the people can do it, and the palace will be saved. After all, it is only after the war, and it seems that frugality should be the priority, and it is not appropriate to do it in a big way. Hong Jixun and others resolutely objected, and they proposed: Just because it has only been through the war, and Haidong's new benefits have not been long in coming, this celebration ceremony should be held more and more grandly. Otherwise, it may cause instability among officials and the people.

It also makes sense. Deng She listened to their advice.

According to the usual practice, Yuan Zheng should be given three days off. Although there are a lot of official affairs, Deng She can't be unreasonable, and he has already discussed it with his subordinates, and the provincial officials work hard, and only give two days off; The local government can give three days of leave. The hardest thing is the Yidu Branch Privy Council, which is at the juncture of reorganization, and only gives one day off. In addition, during the period of leave, all departments, regardless of province or locality, must leave officials on duty.

After the lunch banquet, Deng She also wanted to relax, so he made an appointment with Hong Jixun and a few other close ministers, and brought Mrs. Wang, Tong Shengyang, Deng Chengzhi, etc., to go out of the house in disguise and play in a small way, which can be regarded as having fun with the people.

Out of the Yanwang Mansion, don't go far, turn into the street.

The crowd is surging, and the voices are boiling. Yidu was originally a big mansion, and when Chahan attacked, the Yuan army never entered the city. Although some civilians died in the war due to the trebuchets and artillery of the Yuan army, most of them were still unharmed. It was also the capital, and the post-war relief was the most effective. As a result, recovery is also the fastest. New Year's Day is a big festival, and there are really a lot of people who come out to wander. There are those who call friends, and there are those who drag their families with them. Shoulder to shoulder, sweating into rain.

On both sides of the street, there are many small stalls. They sell candy cakes, jujube cakes and other foods, as well as lanterns, clay figurines and other things. In front of each stall, there were many people, especially children. Looking at the delicious and fun things, one by one I can't walk on my feet. If the family has money, the adults are generous, and they buy whatever they want. If you don't have money, the adults will do their best, or buy less, or use other things to divert their attention, not wanting to make the children unhappy on this good day.

Deng She remembered something and asked: "I remember that Yan Gong once mentioned that the Yidu Mansion had specially prepared some snacks and gadgets, and planned to distribute them to the poor families in the city. Has this been done? ”

Yan Zhixi is the prefect of Yidu, the more festivals he has, the less time he has, and he rushes to the promotion, and he doesn't want to make any mistakes at this critical moment, so he takes the initiative to stay on duty in the government. Therefore, he did not follow Dunshe. Luo Lilang knew a little about this matter and replied, "I will divide it yesterday afternoon." ”

"What do the people say?"

"It's a pleasure. Compliments. It is said that the lord is benevolent. At the noon banquet of the ministers, several officials from Yidu Mansion were seated next to them, and they were heard talking about it, saying that the people were all grateful to Dade. praising the lord's move can be described as a virtuous policy. ”

It is indeed a virtuous government, and it is a virtuous politics that borrows flowers to offer Buddha. At the request of Deng She, none of the things prepared by the Yidu Mansion were paid for by the Yamen, and all of them were purchased by large households in the city. Like Liu Mingjiang's family, Liu Mingjiang is now the left and right divisions, the officials are not low, and there is real power, but they can't run away.

Hearing what Luo Lilang said, Deng She nodded with satisfaction and said, "It's okay if you are virtuous or not." What's worth a little gadget? It's not easy for ordinary people. As the king of Yan, I can't let them live a good life, and I'm already very guilty. For the New Year, you have to make them happy. ”

Hong Jixun said: "'Where the teacher comes out, thorns are born. After the great army, there will be a fierce year. 'The war in Yidu has just ended, and people's livelihood will inevitably be difficult. This is also a helpless thing, why should the lord blame himself? Besides, the lord has not benefited for a long time, and the people of Yidu are not having a good time, and in the final analysis, the fault is not in the lord. is still guilty of Mao Gui and Wang Shicheng. ”

Deng She shook his head and said, "No. Back in Haidong, I didn't know much about Yidu. Since entering the capital, looking at the old policies of Mao Gui and Shicheng, although there are shortcomings, there are still quite merits. Wang Shicheng is okay, he is nothing more than Xiao Gui Cao Sui. Mao Gui is still a little talented. If he doesn't die, maybe the people's livelihood in Yidu will be much better than it is now. ”

As soon as Deng She mentioned Mao Gui, everyone had nothing to answer. I was thinking in my heart: "Of course Mao Gui has the talent to cross the sea to Shandong, and he can gain a firm foothold in Yidu as a guest army, and raise troops to echo Liu Futong's three-way Northern Expedition, which once hit outside the capital." He wouldn't have been able to do such a great thing without his talent. It's just that if he doesn't die, I'm afraid it will be even more difficult for me to get Shandong in Haidong. ”

Two or three children walked through the crowd, chasing back and forth, and almost crashed into Dunshe. Two or three guards reached out to take out the weapon hidden under their clothes, and Dunshe smiled, stopped it, touched the head of one of the children, and made way for them.

Seeing them laughing and running away, Deng She said with emotion: "Innocent! ”

A text that came to mind that later generations heard was called "Young China Says". Although the current situation in Yidu is critical, the people's livelihood is withering, and there are internal and external troubles, as long as there is confidence, it will always improve. These thoughts flashed through his mind, and he continued to walk slowly with the others, and then continued what he had just said, saying: "A few days ago, I went down to the countryside and walked a lot of villages, and I had two feelings. ”

Hong Jixun asked, "Which two feelings?" ”

"One, as I just said, it's not easy for the people to live. On the other hand, when I talk to the people, I often hear them talk about Mao Gui. Mao Gui has been dead for many years, but the people of Yidu are still called 'Lao Pingzhang'. Whenever it is mentioned, it must be respectful and courteous. I was very impressed. ”

Luo Lilang and the others looked at each other. Tong Shengyang couldn't understand Deng She's meaning, rolled up his sleeves, and said: "Mao Gui, Mao Gui, they have all died as a ghost, and the people are still nagging and remembering what he did?" If my brother doesn't like it, an order will go down, and the yamen everywhere will do it, and it will be forbidden. If you are afraid that the people in the yamen will not have enough hands, simply give it to me, and I will do it! Catch a few, kill a few, and see who dares to remember it again? ”

Deng She laughed and said, "Nonsense! The people remember Mao Gui because he has done good things for the people. Sighing, he said to Luo Lilang and the others, "Now I have Haidong Deyidu, your left and right divisions are in charge of civil affairs, Mao Gong Qianxian, you should take him as an example and encourage yourself!" ”

Luo Lilang said: "Yes." ”

Hong Jixun said: "What does the lord mean? Could it be? ”

"Not bad. Mao Gong and I are both Song Chen. Mao Gong's death was due to Zhao Junyong's rebellion. When I thought about it, I was very angry and sad when I was shocked to hear that Yidu had become chaotic. If it weren't for the fact that it was far away in Shuangcheng and the road was impassable, he would definitely bring troops to avenge Mao Gong. Although it didn't make the trip, it has always been in my mind. He also specially paid tribute to Mao Gong from afar.

"Later, I heard that Wang Shicheng and Xu Jizu took the sea road from Liaodong, came to Yidu, and captured Zhao Jun to avenge the Lord. I'm very pleased. I paid tribute to Mao Gong again to comfort his soul in the sky. Who would have thought that Shi Cheng seemed to be loyal, but he was actually a traitor. After gaining the capital, he actually established himself as the king in the name of Xiao Mao Pingzhang's young age, and usurped power. There are also Tian Jialie and others, who are willing to be minions.

"I didn't know these things, but at the time of the chaos of the Japanese invaders, at the request of Yidu, I personally led the sailors to help suppress them. As you all know, I also lived in Yidu for a while, and then I gradually got to know the inside story. Deeply dissatisfied. Thanks to me, I have praised Shicheng many times, thinking that he is a real hero, but it turned out to be a traitorous minister. But in the end, this is a family affair of Yidu, and it is not easy to interfere.

"Fortunately, Xiao Mao Pingzhang is really smart and clever, and took the opportunity to write me a letter asking for help. Words cry blood. On the day of the letter, I was furious! Thinking of that Mao Gong, the hero of the first generation, but the descendants were deceived by the villain. And the degree of bullying is even more than I thought, it has already been like house arrest! It's tolerable, it's unbearable! Therefore, he was willing to risk the possibility of being misunderstood by the people of the world, Xingyi Shi, and saved Xiao Mao Pingzhang. Shicheng went against the grain and died in a battle. I re-supported Xiao Mao Pingzhang to ascend to the provincial minister.

"This is my whole process of entering Yidu. I thought I would have retired at that time. However, Chahan suddenly attacked again, and Xiao Mao Pingzhang begged me to help him retreat from the enemy.

"You have experienced the process of the Yidu war, and you are very clear, so I don't need to say more. Although Chahan has retreated, his vitality has not been damaged, and it is very likely that he will make a comeback within the year. The day before yesterday, I received a letter from Xiao Mao Pingzhang, saying that he asked me to do good things to the end, and then help him stabilize the benefits. Although I don't want to, I heard that the ancient benevolent gentleman should be anxious about what people are anxious about, and help the needy, which is the way of the sage. As a last resort, he reluctantly made it difficult, and he delayed until now, and he could not return to Liaoyang. ”

As soon as he said it, it was obvious that black and white were reversed, but his words were sincere, and everyone listened to it, but they were speechless.

Ji Zong's face did not change, and said: "The lord is lenient and benevolent, and he has the style of an elder. And as the lord said, the lord and the former Mao Pingzhang were both Song ministers, and their territories were close to each other. Mao Pingzhang is no longer here, Xiao Mao Pingzhang is young, and the lord is suspicious, so it is natural for the lord to come to help. ”

Deng She said: "That being said. The reason cannot but be explained. Yidu folk, the people longed for Mao Pingzhang. You know why I came, and why I haven't left yet, it's all because of Xiao Mao Pingzhang's plea, and it's all because Baoyi is stable. But they don't necessarily know it.

"Ji Gong, when the former Mao Pingzhang was there, you were his right-hand man, Yidu humerus. I'll hand over Xiao Mao Pingzhang's letter to you when I go back, you can take a look, and then draw up a notice, just like the "Confession to Yidu's Father" written by Yan Zhixi, and post it all over the list! Tell the people to know. ”

"Yes."

"But there's one thing you need to remember. This notice cannot be in the name of my Haidong, it must be written in the tone of Xiao Mao Pingzhang. ”

"Yes."

In order to benefit the hearts of the people, Deng She first issued a notice in the name of Haidong, indicating that the purpose of his army was to promote his own image. Now, he plans to use the name of Xiao Mao Pingzhang to issue another notice, indicating that the reason why he stayed in Yibu was to occupy the righteousness of his position, which was justified and well-founded.

When the two notices are taken together, the image of a benevolent, righteous, loving the people, anxious for others, selfless, and even self-sacrificing is fuller. All the ministers secretly gave a thumbs up in their hearts.

Let's talk about it, everyone followed the street, followed the crowd, and came to the hook bar. Most of the celebrations organized by the Yidu government are here. Along the street, there are singing, storytelling, singing and dancing, as well as folk operas, as well as a few people from the Western Regions who Yan Zhixi found out of nowhere, who are playing some tricks of swallowing fire and playing snakes. The gongs and drums were noisy, and it was very lively. Men and women, bustling.

At that time, it was customary that on New Year's Day, people traveled and liked to wear flowers on their heads. Especially women, they love "cloud sideburns with small peach branches". As far as the eye can see, the city is full of flowers.

Deng She was full of interest, put down the conversation, stopped talking about business, and led everyone, all the way, all the way, all the way to watch. Although the people did not know who they were, they did not dare to stand in the way because they saw that they were numerous and dressed like nobles. Therefore, although there are many people everywhere, there is no suffering from crowding.

Hong Jixun is the most handsome of the group, holding a folding fan in his hand, chic and chic. attracted the attention of many big girls and little daughters-in-law, and a pair of watery eyes always hooked up and down on him.

Deng She laughed and said: "Jin has Pan An, and he has a wonderful appearance." When he was young, he popped up Luoyang Road, and the woman met him, and he couldn't help but haunt him. Today, when the gentleman and I went out on a trip, we looked at the woman's eyes, but they all regarded us as if they were nothing, and all lingered on the husband. It can also be said to be the sandalnut of today. ”

Tannu is Pan An's nickname.

Hong Jixun was stunned and said with a smile: "I have no appearance, but I am just a good skin." The lord loves to read history books, doesn't he hear the sentence 'The man who catches the knife at the head of the bed, this is a hero'? Everyone laughed.

Proper laughter with courtiers can help to enhance relationships. Ji Zongzhou laughed while thinking: "I heard that a few days ago, the lord visited Lao Hong at night. I don't know what to say, but in the past few days, it seems that Lao Hong has changed the gloom of the previous days and is refreshed. After all, he is an old minister, and his status in the eyes of the lord is not comparable to us. I've been walking too hard with Lao Yan recently, don't make Lao Hong angry because of this. In two days, I have to take some time to take advantage of the opportunity of the New Year to visit Hongfu. ”

Hong Jixun and Yao Haogu do not deal with each other. Yao Haogu supported Yan Shurong as a concubine, so Hong Jixun and Yan Zhixi were also a little at odds. Ji Zongzhou knew that his foundation was unstable, and no one wanted to offend these two parties, and he wanted to be left and right, but he was very sleek.

Suddenly, he thought about this: "Hong Jixun's attitude changed so quickly, not only did he acquiesce in Liu Guo's exile, but he even didn't mention Liu Guo's humiliation outside the city to the lord. This is not like his character. Don't? Did the lord make concessions to him in the matter of establishing a concubine? ”

Regarding Concubine Li, Deng She once beat Luo Lilang at the previous family banquet, Luo Lilang had a strict mouth and never showed it. Ji Zongzhou didn't know. Of course, they have no way of knowing Deng She's intentions. Through the sudden change in Hong Jixun's attitude, it is not surprising that Ji Zongzhou would have this guess.

Although, it seems that the lord takes more care of Lao Yan and Yan Shurong more. However, I heard that this time I picked up Luo Guannu to Yidu, and I also picked up Yan Shurong by the way. Lao Yan went to Pyongyang to take office, and the lord did not leave Yan Shurong in Pyongyang, but took Yidu. Something quirky. From this point of view, Luo Guannu is happy, and mothers are expensive by their sons, and it is not impossible to give birth to a boy. ”

Deng She is interested in Yan Shurong, and everyone in Yidu officialdom knows it. Long before he didn't benefit from the capital, he had sent a few maidservants to Yan Shurong. After sending Yan Shurong to Haidong, he specially handed over to Wen Huaguo, Wu Henian and others to take care of him. If you weren't interested, you wouldn't do these things.

Therefore, later, Yao Haogu proposed to make Yan Shurong a concubine.

However, although some people have suggested that the establishment of a concubine is a major event, and the marriage of a man and a woman must be in accordance with etiquette. Now, Deng She and Yan Shurong have no etiquette. Yan Zhixi went to Pyongyang, but he wanted to bring Yan Shurong here. Looking at the posture, where is the meaning of welcoming Yan Shurong as a concubine? It's like taking a concubine. Naji concubine, there is not so much etiquette. For example, Deng Shenaro's official slaves, Mrs. Wang, etc., directly ushered in the backyard.

Ji Zongzhou was puzzled, and thought again: "Lao Yan's tone is tight enough. I tried it many times and asked the lord what he meant by taking Yan Shurong to Yidu? But he never answered. It doesn't matter if it's Luo Guannu or Yan Shurong, anyway, I can't participate in such important matters.

"Master Ji, Master Ji, you just need to remember one thing. Lao Yan, Lao Hong,......。 Glancing at Luo Lilang on the side, "There is also Lao Luo, no one can be offended." ”

In the distance, cheers rang out, and when everyone turned their heads to look, they saw that it was coming from a storytelling place.

——

1. Catch a knife man at the head of the bed.

"When Wei Wu saw the Xiongnu envoy, he thought that he was very ugly, and he was not enough to make the Xiongyuan country, so that Cui Jiqi was replaced. The emperor grabbed his knife and stood at the head of the bed. When it was over, the spy asked, "What is the King of Wei?" The Xiongnu envoy replied: "The King of Wei Yawang is very." However, the person who catches the knife at the head of the bed is also a hero. When Wei Wu heard this, he chased and killed this envoy.