Gu Shangqing looked at Dongzi Nunu and said, "You drive Xiuning and walk slowly, I want to race horses with Jinyao." After three towns, there is Tongcheng. We are waiting for you in Tongcheng. ”

After speaking, Gu Shangqing turned his head to Su Jinyao and said, "Jinyao, let's race horses." ”

Su Jinyao smiled and said, "You just said that you want to race, how can I disagree." Just to look at these two white horses, is it my Mobei Baiyun is faster, or is it yours...... What is it called? ”

Su Jinyao found out at this time that she still didn't know what the name of Gu Shangqing's white horse was.

Gu Shangqing patted his horse's back with a smile and said, "It's called Xiao Brown, which refers to the two small pieces of brown-red hair on its head and in front of (xiōng). ”

"It's not good." Su Jinyao flattened her mouth and said, "I thought your horse would be a very poetic name." ”

"Why should my horse be poetic? Horses don't know poetry, just like playing the harp to a cow. Gu Shangqing seemed (tǐng) surprised, and the metaphor was so appropriate.

Su Jinyao was choked for a moment, remembering that when he asked Dongzi to insert the wooden sign just now, it was written "There is a vicious dog", and suddenly he realized that he might really not know Gu Shangqing.

She thought that Gu Shangqing looked elegant and quiet, like a green mountain and a distant dai, handsome with a quiet and distant taste, just like an ink painting.

But in fact, Gu Shangqing is considerate and graceful, but he does not lose the small comic (xìng). It's a bit like Helian Tianqi who is silent and pretending to be b.

However, such a brother is also super heartwarming. He makes you laugh when you're unhappy; When you ask for it, he fulfills all your requirements.

Gu Shangqing saw Su Jinyao slightly stunned, looked at the smile on her face, and said very narcissistically: "Jinyao, I dare to guarantee that you must be thinking about me now." Thinking about how different I am. ”

Su Jinyao glanced at him, then raised the whip in his hand and said, "Don't talk nonsense, let's race horses." If I lose, I'll be responsible for today's store money. If you lose, you are responsible for the store money all the way to the capital. ”

"Ah, the bet...... It's not like I didn't bet. Gu Shangqing thought for a while and said, "If I lose, I will naturally be responsible for the expenses of you all the way to the capital." But if you lose, you'll have to pay me back both the bills and the money after you stayed in the hotel. ”

"Huh? Do you remember this? Do you remember that clearly? Su Jinyao didn't expect Gu Shangqing to put forward this condition.

Gu Shangqing said: "Of course. Every time I stay in the hotel, I leave twenty taels of silver, but I know that I can't spend that much at all. The rest was going to give you pocket money. But now that we're all real brothers and sisters, do we still care about the money? So, you can give it back to me. ”

After listening to this, Su Jinyao "giggled" and said, "Stingy." Let's play and see if you can get all this money back. ”

After Su Jinyao finished speaking, the whip in her hand suddenly fell, but it hit Gu Shangqing's horse (pì) stock.

The horse named "Little Brown" neighed, stood alone, jumped up with its front hooves, kicked twice, and almost lifted Gu Shangqing off.

Su Jinyao smiled, took advantage of this opportunity to urge the horse violently, and ran out first.

Gu Shangqing immediately pulled the horse steady, and also urged the horse to run out, and did not forget to shout: "Jin Yao, you cheat." ”

"yes, I cheat." Su Jinyao rode a horse and galloped, even if she admitted that she was cheating, she still laughed so happily.

Gu Shangqing ran a few steps, grabbed the horse's head again, turned back to Dongzi and said, "Remember, it was in Tongcheng after three towns. When I find the inn, I'll call someone to meet you. ”

Dongzi agreed, and also flicked the horsewhip. There is a great position to compete with Su Jinyao and Gu Shangqing's horses.

But Gu Shangqing suddenly said again: "Dongzi, don't worry, don't say I didn't help you." ”

"Huh? What the? Dongzi was stunned for a moment, and he didn't react for a while, not knowing what Gu Shangqing meant.

But when he looked at Gu Shangqing again, he saw him quietly snorting at Xiuning, and then squeezed Dongzi's eyes again.

Dongzi suddenly realized and was full of understanding. Hurriedly said: "Thank you Gu Gongzi for your success, thank you Gu Gongzi." ”

"Well, that's easy to say. In the future, you will be responsible for pouring the water for my feet. After Gu Shangqing finished speaking, he suddenly urged the horse and galloped to chase Su Jinyao again.

Dongzi looked at Gu Shangqing's distant back, and felt that it was a bit of a loss, and felt that this transaction (tǐng) was actually a good deal.

Instead, Dongzi found that this Gu Gongzi was really not so annoying, and he was very eye-catching, and he knew that he and Xiuning would be perfected.

Well, since this is the case, Gu Gongzi is the master's elder brother, and it seems that the two people (qíng) are not bad, and he doesn't care about such things as pouring foot washing water.

Su Jinyao galloped on her horse, but Gu Shangqing didn't catch up for a while, she thought it was his horse that couldn't do it.

And it's really not interesting to run alone like this, so it's a little relaxed, and the horse is slowed down.

But just as her horse had just slowed down, the sound of the horses' hooves behind her passed for a while.

When Su Jinyao saw that it was Gu Shangqing chasing after her, she urged the horse again, but Mo Yun was stunned and stopped suddenly.

Gu Shangqing ran to Su Jinyao's approach but didn't mean to stop, just smiled and said, "Jinyao, this is a tactic of confusion." I knew you would stop and wait for me when you saw that I wasn't chasing me. ”

"I didn't wait for you, I just saw why you were so slow." Su Jinyao urged the horse again, and the previous advantage was already (dàng) gone, but it was still a big step behind.

Gu Shangqing didn't mean to wait for Su Jinyao to catch up, he ran all the way in front with a smile, and didn't forget to say: "In the future, you have to remember that an advantage is an advantage, you don't need to stop to see why others are slow, you can only reach the end first, and then think about other things after determining the victory (qíng)." ”

Enough to be a foreshadowing for chips

Gu Shangqing's words made Su Jinyao reminisce for a long time, and she also remembered it in her heart.

Yes, an advantage is an advantage, but until you reach the end, all advantages are unpredictable, so don't worry too much about what the advantages or disadvantages are. Only after reaching the finish line will the winner be decided.

In this way, Su Jinyao and Gu Shangqing chased all the way and ran through three towns.

Both of them have good horses, full of endurance and explosiveness, sometimes Gu Shangqing is ahead, and sometimes Su Jinyao is in front.

It wasn't until he arrived in Tongcheng that there were gradually more people on the road, and Gu Shangqing took the first step to stop the horse.

Su Jinyao rushed forward, and then said with a smile: "Brother, is this considered that you lost, or did I win?" ”

Gu Shangqing also smiled when he heard this, and said, "Weird, do you think I can't hear this?" Whatever I answered, I lost. ”

Su Jinyao pulled the horse back again and said, "Okay, since you admit defeat, then today's accommodation fee is mine." However, the accommodation and food expenses all the way to the capital in the future will be yours. ”

Gu Shangqing shook his head after hearing this, and said, "Jin Yao, what I want to talk to you is...... Shall we go to the post house to stay? ”

"Inn? Why go to a caravanserais? Su Jinyao remembered that when the second prince asked Geng Bin to send her to the border pass, she also stayed at the post station a few times. However, each time it was the next morning that wiped out the traces of the accommodation.

But now Gu Shangqing has offered to stay in the guest house, what does this mean?

Gu Shangqing sighed, jumped off the horse, and pulled the horse slowly forward.

Su Jinyao understood at a glance that Gu Shangqing meant to have something to say to her. also jumped off the horse and led the horse with Gu Shangqing.

The two men were in front, and the two horses were behind, all the way.

Gu Shangqing said: "Jin Yao, I know you don't want to recognize the Gu family, but in the current situation (qíng), you can only help the prince (diàn) if you become a member of the Gu family, do you understand?" ”

"Brother, since you understand what I mean, why do you still say that?" Su Jinyao's face was a little embarrassed. But her tone of inquiry was also serious.

She felt that Gu Shangqing must have his reasons for saying this. Because he won't be the kind of person who is forced to do something (qíng).

Su Jinyao is not the kind of person who lets her temper casually without asking why. Even if she understands that Gu Shangqing is really good to her, she will spoil her for no reason, and she will consider the other party's feelings.

Su Jinyao will not overdraw her favor infinitely from the person who is good to her (shēn), nor will she take the other party's kindness for granted.

Gu Shangqing said seriously: "According to my analysis, there are too few people who can rely on the prince (diàn) or (shēn) side at present. Even though you have established a fairly strong line and can inquire about news all over the country, in fact, the Gu family, the Helian family, the Feng family, and even General Tuoba himself have such an organization. In addition, including the royal family, it also has its own dark line, and even goes deep into other countries to do many investigations. So in comparison, it's hard to be convincing if your NGO can't be a single organization. ”

Gu Shangqing's words, of course Su Jinyao understood. The fact that she was able to develop to this level in just two or three years on her own is indeed a miracle in the eyes of everyone.

But she doesn't have any backing herself, and if she continues to develop, she may become a thorn in the side of some people.

More likely, someone will intervene when they are aware of the threat. and may use the forces of the DPRK and China to classify Su Jinyao in the category of rebellion and kill him directly.

Gu Shangqing saw that Su Jinyao's eyes were full of deep thought, and she understood what she meant.

Therefore, Gu Shangqing continued: "And I let you return to the Gu family, which is undoubtedly to declare your (shēn) share and let the Gu family become your backer. And you can represent the ancient family and become the backer of the prince (diàn). ”

Speaking of this, Gu Shangqing took a breath and said, "Jin Yao, I promised you that I would stand on the side of the prince (diàn). But I also thought that I was still too humble to do it alone. Aside from the Gu family, I am not even as powerful as you, and I have no weight in my hands, so how can I help others. So what is needed now is for you and me to join forces and pull the entire Gu family over. ”

Su Jinyao understood, Gu Shangqing was worried that he would not be able to come up with much aid and bargaining chips to side with Gu Xuebin.

Presumably, what Gu Xuebin (shēn) needs is not just a martial arts master called "Gu Shangqing". It is a figure who can really show the strength of the ancient family.

But the Gu family is currently the prime minister of Gu Cheng as an official in the court, and there are a group of colleagues who are with him, and it can be said that he is the core figure in the court, and even the emperor has to respect him for three points.

And the old man of the Gu family is actually a hidden character. For example, if he took Xiaocheng'er to the side (shēn) and cultivated him into such a calm, wise, and all-round talent who can write and martial arts, you know that he has a unique skill in recognizing and employing people.

A small city, walking outside, can be honored as a "special envoy of the ancient family", and can get the token of the city horse through the city gates, this right is not small.

And I don't know how many such characters there are on the side of the old man of the ancient family (shēn)?

Another example is Fei Hung Fang, although it is ostensibly a government-run school. But aren't the students of those states a place where the ancient family snare the elite?

Once the Gu family discovers children like Xiao Cheng'er, knows their potential and cultivates them, whether it is the Gu family or the students who come up from the imperial examination in the middle of the dynasty in the future, it is likely that they will come from the Gu family, and this proportion will not be less.

In other words, the Gu family even had the strength to decide the dynasty.

Thinking about it carefully, Su Jinyao deeply understood what Gu Shangqing meant.

It is precisely because Gu Shangqing (shēn) is a member of the Gu family that he knows more about the path and practices of the Gu family, so he will suggest that Su Jinyao return to the Gu family.

Su Jinyao nodded and said, "Brother, I understand what you mean." But why do you think that the Gu family can recognize me under pressure? When the Empress Dowager decreed it, didn't the Gu family obey it? What's more, I'm still an orphan of the Fang family, and my (shēn) share may be more sensitive. ”

In other words, the biggest question now is not only whether Su Jinyao is willing to become a member of the Gu family, but whether the Gu family is willing to recognize her.

This is a question that both parties need to agree on, and it is useless for Gu Shangqing to explain Su Jinyao, it depends on the meaning of the Gu family.

Gu Shangqing said: "So, I'm going to take you to live in the post house, let's come step by step, and before we officially enter Beijing, we will do some foreshadowing that is enough to become a bargaining chip." ”

Foreshadowing? Only then did Su Jinyao understand that Gu Shangqing should have already thought about what to do next (qíng).

Criticism of the imperial court

Of course, not everyone can live in the official inn. Even if you live in, you have to divide it into three, six, nine, etc.

Petty officials can only live in the lowest-level post houses. The big post stations are not only used for lodging and resting, but also for greeting envoys and providing entertainment.

The reason why Gu Shangqing chose Tongcheng Post House is because it has the largest post house in the adjacent three cities and twelve counties.

Here, non-fourth-grade or above court officials or imperial court officials are not allowed to stay.

Military generals, those above the fourth rank, must have military merit in (shēn) before they can stay.

In other words, at present, the imperial court still emphasizes literature over military force, and it is difficult for military generals to live here without military merits (shēn).

Of course, these rules and regulations are just there to look good.

People who are really capable don't need any grade and military merit to live here.

For example, Gu Shangqing took out the Gu family's waist card and reported his name, and was greeted by the two officials with a nod and a bow.

Even Su Jinyao moved in with her, but she was not asked about her history, so she was directly invited in to arrange for a room.

After staying here, Gu Shangqing instructed one of them again, "We still have two retinues, a man and a woman, and it will probably take more than two hours to arrive, you can send someone to the city gate to meet you." The carriage was a black canopy, and the blue curtain had the words 'Yameju' on it. After receiving it, you can arrange to stay directly, and we have not been summoned here, so don't disturb. ”

The little official agreed, and immediately went down to make arrangements. The other personally made a pot of tea for Gu Shangqing and sent it, and added two pieces of charcoal to the brazier in the house before going out.

After the two left, Su Jinyao looked at the room and saw that the decoration was magnificent, and the furniture and furnishings were extremely exquisite and luxurious. He said: "The top post house of the official family is really magnificent." ”

Gu Shangqing said with a smile: "That is, it is not only the senior officials of the Yunqiong Kingdom who come and go here, the military generals with outstanding military achievements, but also many envoys from other countries. If it is dilapidated here, it will make other countries think that our Cloud Dome Country is weak and its treasury is insufficient, and it may have other ideas. Therefore, the scene of singing and dancing is not only for the drunken fans of the gentlemen, but also to demonstrate the national strength and national prestige. ”

Su Jinyao thought about it carefully and felt that what Gu Shangqing said was also reasonable.

Those common people scolded the imperial court, saying that the imperial court paid heavy taxes, and a small post house was prosperous. When the envoys of other countries came, they served them as if they were entertaining guests, which was really indignant.

But think about it from another angle, if the envoys of other countries see a dilapidated and decayed post house, and the officials are all yellow and thin, as if they can't eat enough, will they think that the national fortune of the Cloud Dome Country is not good, and it has reached the point where they can't afford to fill the façade?

When the time comes, the other party intends to encroach, swords and soldiers face each other, and in the end, the people suffer hardship. Far from being less, the amount of money in those taxes will be more.

Therefore, from different perspectives, the problems that come up are also different.

Before Gu Shangqing didn't say anything, Su Jinyao also felt that the court was mediocre, but as soon as Gu Shangqing said this, Su Jinyao also felt that this was also reasonable.

Then, Su Jinyao thought of one more thing, so she complained to Gu Shangqing: "You said that the place where this post house eats noodles is to leave a good face for the envoys of various countries to be rich and strong." But I know that there is a law that says that if a kidnapped woman has no guarantor and cannot be ransomed with a large amount of money, she must be sent to the barracks? Do you know how miserable these women will be when they enter the barracks? ”

Gu Shangqing listened and asked Su Jinyao rhetorically: "Then have you ever seen how the real law records this article?" ”

How could Su Jinyao go to see the law? She's not idle.