The emperor planned to stay in Gao's Xixi Villa, and Gao Shiqi had already secretly instructed his family to prepare to take over. The Gao family is not ventilated to the outside world, but they have been secretly busy for more than two months. As the holy drive approached, Gao Shiqi led two of his relatives to rush back to Hangzhou. Ahsan got the letter and hurriedly led the officials out of the city to greet him. Gao Shiqi dismounted outside the city and changed into a sedan chair into the city. didn't go back to Xixi Villa first, and went straight to Yuhang County first.

Gao Shiqi didn't talk much all the way, and only when he arrived at the county government did he speak: "The emperor will be here in a few days, and I will come back to see it first." ”

Ah Shan wiped the sweat on his face and said, "What a blessing! Liu Xiangnian is not effective in supervising the construction of the palace, if the emperor is not stationed in the house of Lord Gao, the head of the lower official will have to move! ”

Gao Shiqi knew that Liu Xiangnian was the honest official recommended by Chen Tingjing back then, so he looked around and asked with a smile: "Who is Liu Xiangnian?" ”

Ah Shan hurriedly said: "Back to Lord Gao, the humble post has already sent someone to ask Liu Xiangnian to greet Lord Gao, but he said that he wanted to supervise the construction of the palace, but he refused to come." ”

Gao Shiqi was unhappy on his face and said, "What else is the palace to build?" Didn't the emperor tell you not to build it a long time ago? ”

Ah Shan didn't know how to answer, so he stayed for a long time and said: "Liu Xiangnian said that he was supervising the construction of the palace, but in fact, he deliberately delayed the work there. The lower officials thought that it was one thing for the emperor not to let him build, but Liu Xiangnian deliberately sabotaged his work, but it was disrespectful! ”

Gao Shiqi shook his hand and said: "Don't talk about this Liu Xiangnian, go, look at things." ”

It turned out that Gao Shiqi was thinking about the treasures he had collected, and he had to look at them himself before he could rest assured. Entering the warehouse, Gao Shiqi said: "I don't have time to look at those strange stones and beautiful jade, I only look at calligraphy and paintings." ”

The official opened an ancient calligraphy, Gao Shiqi looked at it for a while, and nodded: "This is the real handiwork." ”

Li Qilong hurriedly shouted: "This is true, let it go over there!" ”

The master took the ancient calligraphy and put it in another part of the room.

Gao Shiqi looked at them one by one, and the real ones were stored in two rooms. At this time, the official unfolded Mi Fu's "Spring Mountain Ruisong Map", Gao Shiqi was silent for a long time, and said: "Fake! ”

Li Qilong was very surprised: "Fake? ”

Gao Shiqi smiled: "The old man almost lost his eyes. ”

Li Qilong was puzzled, but he didn't dare to say more. After reading the calligraphy and painting, Gao Shiqi said: "Regardless of whether it is true or fake, it will be classified and sent to Xixi Villa." Really Ming'er will be presented to the emperor, and the fake one will wait for the old man to grow his eyes when he is free, so as not to regret the loss of pearls. ”

Ah Shan hurriedly instructed Li Qilong to send calligraphy and paintings to Xixi Villa. The master of Yuhang County Ya muttered softly to Li Qilong in the back: "Master, Zhang Xiangfu's things, can't there be fake?" How can Master Gao say that "Spring Mountain Ruisong Tu" is fake? ”

Li Qilong hurriedly shook his head and said, "Don't say it, believe in the eyes of Master Gao." ”

Gao Shiqi was preparing to pick up the car at home, and Ahsan hurriedly came to visit. It turned out that Ah Shan suddenly received an edict that the emperor wanted to inspect the Qiantang water division, and ordered to build a platform by the river as soon as possible. The edict specifically instructed that this matter should be discussed with Gao Shiqi. Gao Shiqi was so anxious that his face turned blue, because the emperor will arrive tomorrow, it is not easy to set up a temporary stage!

Gao Shiqi said: "Lord Taiwan, I have to ask you to do your best in this matter." It is a matter of the emperor's safety to build this platform, and only a reliable and capable person must do it. ”

Ah Shan said: "Lord Gao, as long as Liu Xiangnian is willing to do things, he is the most able to respond to emergencies." It's just that this time he deliberately delayed all the driving errands that were ordered to him. ”

Gao Shiqi said with a smile: "Liu Xiangnian was an honest official recommended by Lord Chen Tingjing back then, and talents are rare. He can't be convicted of a crime because he doesn't do a good job of picking up the car. Let Liu Xiangnian do this errand of setting up the review stand, and it can be regarded as giving him a chance to make meritorious service and atone for his crimes. ”

Ah Shan knew that this matter of setting up the stage was really hasty, and he might be in trouble, but he said: "Master Gao is so sympathetic to his subordinates, you should learn from you." ”

Gao Shiqi was very benevolent and said: "We are all on errands for the emperor, it is not easy, we should be considerate of each other!" Let's go, let's call Liu Xiangnian and go to the Qiantang River together. ”

At this time, a servant hurriedly came and whispered to Ahsan. Ah Shan's face turned pale suddenly: "Huh? Liu Xiangnian is simply the opposite! ”

Gao Shiqi hurriedly asked: "What made the master of Taiwan so angry?" ”

Ah Shan bowed his head and said: "Back to Lord Gao, Liu Xiangnian actually hung the sign of the Holy Oracle Lecture Hall in the brothel!" ”

Gao Shiqi stomped his feet and was furious: "Huh? That's disrespectful! Kill your head! How could this Liu Xiangnian be so ridiculous? Poor Lord Chen Tingjing has always praised him! Someone will call him quickly! Gao Shiqi looked very sorry, shook his head and sighed.

The people sent by Ahsan hurried to Qinghefang, but saw Liu Xiangnian leading a few officials, who were full of spring and open the hall, and the plaque of the Holy Oracle Lecture Hall had been hung at the door. In the past, some of the people were stunned, and some laughed. One of the bold ones laughed loudly: "This is a strange news in the world!" Today, a brothel will be converted into a lecture hall, and maybe one day the yamen will be changed into a brothel! Liu Xiangnian didn't hear it, although he told the officials to clean up the house.

While they were busy here, the people from the Governor's Yamen came into the house to spread the word: "Lord Liu, Lord Zhan Shifu and Master Zhangtai please go!" ”

Liu Xiangnian had to temporarily put aside the matter of the Holy Oracle Lecture Hall, hurried to the river, and bowed: "Liu Xiangnian of Beifu meets Master Gao and Master Taiwan!" ”

Gao Shiqi asked softly, "You are Liu Xiangnian?" ”

Liu Xiangnian said: "It's Beifu." ”

Gao Shiqi raised his voice suddenly: "You are really bold!" ”

Liu Xiangnian still lowered his head and said, "Back to Lord Gao's words, Beifu doesn't know what he did wrong." ”

Gao Shiqi trembled with anger and said, "How dare you turn the brothel into a holy oracle lecture hall?" It's a deadly crime! ”

Liu Xiangnian seemed to be fine, and said: "If Beifu should be killed, the Manchu courtiers and Zhejiang officials should be killed!" ”

Gao Shiqi was so angry that his lips trembled, he couldn't speak, and pointed at Liu Xiangnian with his hand, but his eyes looked at Ah Shan. Ah Shan said: "Liu Xiangnian, Lord Gao loves you very much, and he was still saying just now, let you set up a platform by the river, prepare the emperor to review the sailor, and give you a chance to make meritorious service and atone for your sins." But you don't know what to do, and you are so rude to the tall man! ”

Liu Xiangnian raised his eyes and looked at Gao Shiqi, lowered his head again, and said, "Go back to Lord Gao, you listen to what the lower officials say." The gold dust of the Suzhou and Hangzhou dynasties, the fireworks of the ages, which inch of place has not left the footprints of prostitutes? If you follow the reasoning of your lords, how can this place be allowed to come by holy car? You know that Hangzhou is such a place, and you coax the emperor to come, don't you all commit the crime of disrespect? ”

Gao Shiqi's straight road was unreasonable, and he was so angry that he turned around. Liu Xiangnian seemed to be reasonable, and said: "The brothel of Mantangchun can't be opened, so Beifu spent money to cheapen it and changed it into a holy oracle lecture hall, and the savings are also the hard-earned money of the people." Otherwise, it will cost more money to build another oracle lecture hall. ”

Li Qilong also happened to be present, and interjected: "Master Gao, Master Taiwan, please calm your anger!" Refer to Liu Xiangnian's excerpts, and I will write them. I don't do dark things, Liu Xiangnian has no kings and saints, and he has endured his humble duties for a long time. ”

Liu Xiangnian glanced at Li Qilong and sneered: "Li Zhixian, you should be confused as an official, right?" With your official character, you are not qualified to enter the emperor! ”

Gao Shiqi raised his head and sighed, looking compassionate, and said, "Okay, okay, don't quarrel!" It's a big deal right now. I am on the same court as Lord Chen Tingjing, and I have a deep friendship. People are not plants and trees, who can be ruthless? You scold me for favoritism behind your back, but I still have to protect Lord Liu. In the past year, the errand of building the review table is still up to you, you have to do your best! ”

Liu Xiangnian knew that this matter was very difficult, but he had to thank Gao Shiqi. Ah Shan sighed with emotion and said, "Lord Gao is really the style of a prime minister!" Liu Xiangnian is so offended, but you are thinking about him. ”

Gao Shiqi sighed: "Lord Taiwan, I just don't cherish Liu Xiangnian's talent, and I have to think about Lord Chen Tingjing." If Liu Xiangnian is really convicted, Lord Chen will be difficult to get out of it! Well, no more. It's not appropriate to set up a platform here, so let's take a look. ”

Walk forward along the river embankment again, but seeing the river turbulent and the waves are deafening, Gao Shiqi said: "This place is very good!" ”

Liu Xiangnian was anxious and said: "Lord Gao, the river here is so turbulent, how can you build a platform?" ”

Ah Shan seemed to understand Gao Shiqi's intentions, and immediately echoed: "In a calm place, how can you see the majesty of the sailor?" Tall, you've come to the right place. ”

Gao Shiqi didn't say much, but said: "Lord Liu, it's so decided, you can set up the platform well." ”

Liu Xiangnian was stubborn again and said, "Lord Gao, this errand can't be done in Beifu!" ”

Gao Shiqi looked at Liu Xiangnian, his eyes were very soft, and said, "Xiangnian, I want to save you." You're already drowning in the water, and I want to pull you ashore, but you'll have to do it yourself! Besides, the emperor is inspecting the sailors in Hangzhou, you are not going to build this platform, who will build it? Master Maker, let's go. ”

Gao Shiqi shook off these words and led Ah Shan, Li Qilong and other officials away, leaving Liu Xiangnian standing alone by the river in a daze. Looking at the sedan chair of Gao Shiqi and others, Liu Xiangnian knew that this errand could only be done no matter what, so he took a horse and went to the palace construction site.

Liu Xiang hasn't been here for more than a few days, and the masters are wondering. Liu Xiangnian opened his mouth and said: "Masters, don't hide it from you, I won't let you do it in a hurry, I just want to wait for the emperor to order the construction of the palace to be stopped." Now I know that the emperor really doesn't allow this palace to be built. Labor and money! CCB Palace costs money. Money doesn't fall from the sky, it's the blood and sweat of the people. Today I tell you, the palace will not be built. ”

A master said: "It's good if we don't build it, we can go home tomorrow." But what about the wages? ”

Liu Xiangnian said: "Naturally, the salary will not be less than you." But I, Liu, have to ask everyone to do me a favor one last time. I offended people because of my opposition to CCB Palace. They wanted to harm me, and deliberately ordered me to build a platform by the river where the water was turbulent, so that the emperor could inspect the sailors. The emperor came to Hangzhou tomorrow, but now it is almost dark. If the platform isn't set up properly, my head will have to move. ”

When the masters heard this, they all said how is this good? The night is dark and the wind is high, the waves are bigger, and people can't do it when they go down to the river! Liu Xiangnian didn't speak, just looked at the masters. Suddenly, a master shouted loudly: "Brothers, Lord Liu is a good official, no matter how difficult it is, we have to set up the platform all night." Everyone was quiet for a moment, and they all said that they had to set up the platform even if they fought for their lives.

Liu Xiangnian bowed deeply to the masters and said, "I, Liu Xiangnian, thank you!" ”

The masters also said Lord Liu, please rest assured, the wood is ready-made here, and everyone's craftsmanship is also top-notch, and the table is set up before dawn.

Not long after dark, Chen Tingjing was returning from an unannounced visit outside, and met the people who asked the officials to escort them and rush to the suburbs. The officials carried torches and shouted loudly. Chen Tingjing understood eight or nine points in his heart, so he asked Liu Jing to go over and ask for clarification. Liu Jing went over and asked an old man: "Old man, where are you going?" ”

The old man said, "Welcome to the holy car!" ”

Liu Jing said: "In the middle of the night, what kind of holy car do you welcome?" ”

The old man sighed: "It was said in the yamen, the holy car will arrive when it is said, there is no certainty, we have to wait early!" ”

Chen Tingjing stood aside from afar, waited for Liu Jing to come back and said what was going on, shook his head and said: "The emperor said that he would not let the people avoid it, the people want to see the emperor, and the emperor also wants to see the people." But when things get to the bottom, they all take a turn for the worse! ”

Zhen'er said: "Pity these people! ”

Chen Tingjing said: "They have to show up all night! The older ones stand all night, and if you don't get it right, you will die! Liu Jing, you go and talk about it, you don't have to drive all night, go back to sleep. ”

Liu Jing walked into the middle of the street and shouted, "Folks, don't go!" ”

The people felt strange and stood still and looked back at Liu Jing. Liu Jing said again: "The Holy Driver Ming'er has just arrived, you all go back to sleep!" ”

The master ran over and took a torch to shine at Liu Jing: "Hey, which immortal are you?" If you miss the welcome car, watch your head! ”

Liu Jing didn't answer, but said: "It's such a big thing to welcome the saint, why don't you see your county master?" ”

The master smiled: "What a joke, the county magistrate can also stand with them all night?" The county magistrate is sleeping! ”

Liu Jing asked: "Are you county masters not afraid of mistakenly welcoming the saint?" ”

The master said: "Don't worry about it, as long as there is news of the holy drive, the county master Pegasus will arrive!" ”

Liu Jing shouted loudly again: "Folks, you all listen, the county magistrate sleeps at home, but he wants you to stand all night, is there such a thing in the world?" ”

A common man laughed and said, "There is something wrong with this person, how can we ordinary people compare with the county magistrate?" ”

The master laughed even more and said, "Listen, you listen to it yourself!" The people understand this, but you don't understand it. ”

Liu Jing ignored the master, and only shouted: "Folks, you go back to sleep, everyone will rush here tomorrow, and I will go with you to welcome the holy driver!" ”

Some of the people laughed and said, "Who is it?" You're an old stomach sick eating garlic, so big breath. ”

The master smiled even more proudly and said, "Listen, do they listen to you?" Listen to the yamen! Okay, this kid has said everything he wants to say, and you have listened to it whether you like to hear it or not. Let's go, welcome the saints! ”

Zhang Xiangfu was also in the crowd, so he shouted: "Folks, we listen to this brother, his words will not be wrong!" It's not a war, you have to be in a hurry, and the emperor doesn't need to rush at night! ”

Some of the people nodded, some shook their heads, and made a commotion.

Zhang Xiangfu said again: "It's up to you to listen or not, I'm going back to sleep!" ”

The master shouted: "Don't go back!" ”

Zhang Xiangfu shouted again: "The emperor is sleeping at this time, and the county master is sleeping, what do you want us to wait for?" ”

The crowd stirred and began to hug back. The officials stopped and beat people with sticks. After all, the people are outnumbered, and the officials can't stop them. There were also dozens of people who were timid and did not dare to go back, but still followed the officials to the suburbs.