Chapter 265 Meeting Guests and Friends
Although Songjiang Prefecture is not big, it is a place where water and land are intertwined, and rivers and streams are crisscrossed. Starting from the prefecture city, we have to go to Chuansha Hall. The most time-saving way is of course to go straight. This road can take at most two or three days, and this is still considering the inconvenience of transportation. If you ride a fast horse and take a special boat the whole way, it only takes two or three days for a round trip.
Chen Heng had plenty of time for this long journey, so he was not in a hurry to come back. So he deliberately chose a long way, just to do other things at the same time. This route first goes to the top Haishang County, and then from Haishang County to the neighboring Chuansha Hall. After finishing the affairs of Chuansha Hall, go back to the prefecture city through Nanhui County.
This trip just happened to cover the jurisdictions of Tang Jinsen, Jia Yucun, and Jiang Yuanbai. The construction of the port requires their joint efforts. Chen Heng naturally understands that he relies on friends when going out.
After deciding on the route, Chen Heng spent half a day arranging the affairs of the county government. Considering that Xinda has been with him for a long time, he is good enough to hold up the facade in his dealings with others. This time, Chen Heng deliberately did not bring Xinda with him, and let him stay in the county government to temporarily manage the affairs with the chief clerk Xiao Ping.
With Daiyu managing the family and Xinda and Xiao Ping helping each other, Chen Heng felt that there should be no big problems. In the afternoon of the same day, he took Liu Xianglian, Yan Xiaoer and others with him and set off on the land route to Haishang County.
Huating County is not far from Haishang County. He set out in the afternoon of the same day, and the next afternoon, Chen Heng had already arrived at the gate of Haishang County. Because he was wearing ordinary clothes when he went out this time. Chen Heng did not let Liu Xianglian go up to hand in his waist card, but just lined up with the people of Haishang County around him to enter the city.
While waiting, Chen Heng looked at the scenery of Haishang County. Although the current appearance of this place is not as lively and prosperous as in later generations. But compared with Lou County, Jinshan, and Fengxian, it is far from being a drag.
The city wall of Haishang County was also built during the Jiajing period of the former Ming Dynasty. At that time, all parts of Jiangnan were harassed by Japanese pirates all year round. The people along the coast were really miserable. They had to build city walls to prevent the pirates who came and went without a trace. Even now, one or two of the sword marks on the wall can still be recognized.
Chen Heng looked a few more times and then retracted his gaze. It was their turn to enter the city. When they first entered the county, they were not in a hurry to see Tang Jinsen. Instead, they booked a few rooms in the local inn and took advantage of the night to tour the county town on the sea.
The lights were on, but there were still many people on the street. In a land of fish and water, there are always pedestrians who take leisurely night tours. Seeing that everyone looked very relaxed and comfortable, Chen Heng was happier and happier. This Tang Jinsen is indeed a capable official. Thinking of this, Chen Heng's grasp of the port affairs has increased a bit.
The next day, after resting and washing, Chen Heng immediately went to the county government to visit Tang Jinsen. The latter was also a little surprised that Chen Heng would come. The letters between them never stopped. What was worth Chen Heng's special trip?
"Chixing!"
"Brother Tang."
When the two friends met, they couldn't stop smiling. Tang Jinsen pulled Chen Heng to the main hall of the back court, pressed him to the seat opposite him, and said enthusiastically: "Last time in Huating, you spent a lot of effort. It's good that you came today, you must let me entertain you."
Chen Heng waved his hand and teased: "But some trivial things are worth your attention for so long."
"Old Wen told me that when you were with him in Shenzhou, fish was the best." Tang Jinsen raised his eyebrows, finished talking about Wen Yu's gossip, and teased, "Have you forgotten what my county is most famous for?"
The sea bass in Haishang County has always been bigger than the fish caught in the city. This is a delicacy that Dongpo loved, and it is a famous dish in history. Chen Heng's mouth was watering, and he laughed and said, "How could I not know? I was just about to try your sea bass to see how it differs from the ones in the prefecture."
Tang Jinsen was very proud and replied, "The sea bass in the prefecture are all served on the tables of restaurants. They are fresh and strong, and are delicious. The people here cook them differently. You will dip them in the sauce and take a bite, and you will know what it means to be golden and jade, and the delicacies of Jiangnan. I will give you a sea bass soup, a sip of the thick soup, and a bite of the delicious fish. Hahaha, I guarantee you will miss it every day in the future."
Chen Heng did not pretend, and said directly, "Stop talking, put the dishes on the table, and we will eat and talk."
He originally thought that Tang Jinsen had hired a cook to cook this dish in the back hall of the county government. Who would have thought that Old Tang called a servant and specifically asked him to go to Grandma Wu's house in the nearby Fangkou to buy fish.
"This old woman's cooking skills are truly unique. Her home is not far from the county government office. When the freshly cooked fish is brought over and the food box is taken out, it is just right to eat directly."
Tang Jinsen also arranged a few side dishes and brought a pot of wine, inviting Chen Heng to drink first. The two of them drank a few cups slowly, just chatting about the past palace examinations and the customs of their hometown. In a short while, a servant in a green robe and a small hat came in with a food box, and the long-awaited perch was finally on the table. Chen Heng couldn't wait to pick up a chopstick to taste its freshness.
The delicious taste blooms on the tip of the tongue. The plump meat, with a light bite, can feel the softness, and a trace of soup moistens the tip of the teeth. This is a taste on top of the taste, which is really amazing.
Chen Heng praised: "Life is precious to be comfortable. With this fish and this taste, no wonder Zhang Han said the famous sentence 'How can I be an official for thousands of miles to seek fame and honor'."
What he said was from Zhang Han of the Western Jin Dynasty. The latter was recorded in history as "The Thoughts of Water Shield and Perch", which is really enviable.
Tang Jinsen nodded and laughed, picked up a glass of light wine and drank it, and even sang the folk songs of his hometown. The magistrate of Haishang County, who was so happy and satisfied, finally asked the guest about his purpose.
This matter is easy to talk about. Chen Heng made his intentions clear while eating fish. Tang Jinsen heard that he was asked to issue an official document to recruit adult men from Hai County, but he did not refuse.
This is a major event for Songjiang Mansion. When we were in the government office that day, everyone expressed their anger and wanted to work together to handle this matter. Tang Jinsen agreed immediately and put the issue on the placement of corvees.
With Brother Tang's words, this trip has been worthwhile. Chen Heng gave an outline of his plan again. Tang Jinsen was a little confused when he heard that Chen Heng wanted to pay the corvee, "This matter is the common people's responsibility. Chi Xing, you made this move today. From now on." If I want to send people to do things again, I’m afraid I’ll have to spend money everywhere.”
"It doesn't matter, Huating County can afford it." Chen Heng told Tang Jinsen not to worry. The 200,000 taels allocated by the Ministry of Household Affairs will definitely not be able to afford such expenses. But if it is to be completed before spring plowing next year without causing public dissatisfaction, it will definitely not work without spending money.
Tang Jinsen knew that Chen Heng was a person who made decisions later and did not question the other party's plans. Just curious: "You asked me to be responsible for the direct road from Fucheng to Chuansha Hall, but you want to build a direct official road?"
"That's right." Chen Heng put down his wine glass, raised a chopstick and said, "Songjiang Prefecture is small, and it's only because of the complicated waterways that it makes the journey so tiring. Brother Tang will explain to the people when he arrives that the official way I want must be The bridge can be narrower to accommodate three carriages, and two carriages must pass each other."
Now, it still takes four to five days for freight to go back and forth between the two places. Chen Heng hopes that after the official road is completed, trucks from Chuansha Hall to Fucheng will be able to travel back and forth in only two or three days.
"I understand, let me think about it carefully." When it came to serious matters, Tang Jinsen immediately became serious, "The raw materials used..."
"It doesn't matter, I will take care of it." Chen Heng continued to take care of everything, "Brother Tang just needs to arrange the people well and try to ensure that there will be no large casualties during the construction period."
In ancient times, bridges and roads were built without losing a few lives. Compassion does not control soldiers. If you are timid because of this, you might as well go home and cover yourself with a quilt and sleep.
Seeing Chen Heng's promise, Tang Jinsen felt relieved. Then I heard Chen Heng say: "When I return to Fucheng, I will first allocate 30,000 taels to you to appease the people. If there is any shortage in the future, just write to me."
After hearing this, Tang Jinsen put the remaining half of his heart in his stomach. In the end, he couldn't help it anymore and finally inquired out of curiosity: "Chixing, you spend money so generously. Could it be that the court gave you not 200,000 taels, but one million taels?"
Chen Heng smiled and said nothing. This was one of his trump cards. How could he reveal it so easily. He just picked up the wine glass and toasted to Old Tang with a smile. The latter also understood it from his heart, and he was not the chief official in this matter. If he really can't do it, it won't be his turn to judge the crime.
After a night of drinking like this, Chen Heng didn't stay much the next day and got up directly to continue to Chuansha Hall. It was faster to go from Haishan County to Chuansha Hall. It only took less than a day for Chen Heng to reach the border.
…………
…………
Chuansha Chuansha is also called Beisha. For thousands of years, the quicksand of the Yangtze River has been deposited here due to the support of ocean tides. After forming sandbars, they gradually connected into land, hence the name Chuansha.
The unique landform makes this place famous for its specialties. Beisha Salt Farm is one of them. Chuansha Hall had set up a market in the pre-Ming Dynasty, with merchants and shops competing against each other. In such a prosperous place, there has never been a large-scale business. What's wrong is that it's the Japanese pirates at sea.
Without a comfortable and comfortable external environment, the people of Sichuan and Shazhou would be plundered by pirates as soon as they prospered. As time goes by, the number of people willing to stay here is getting smaller and smaller year by year.
The fierce external environment has also created the strong character of Sha Min. We can also tell something from the names of the yamen established by Dayong. Chuansha Fumin Department is an official office with a level similar to that of a county government. This name shows how difficult it is to govern.
When Chen Heng met Jia Yucun, the other party was having a headache about everything in Chuansha Hall. The folk custom is to be brave and fierce, which is sometimes a bad thing. In the more than half a month since Jia Yucun came here, he has been dealing with people's disputes all day long.
"It's really difficult to handle." Inside the official office, Jia Yucun shook his head from his position. When he was in Yangzhou before, he was always well-dressed and a handsome middle-aged man with extraordinary charm. Chen Heng would never have imagined that Xuezheng would still look so embarrassed and haggard in the past.
"Being bitter before being sweet is not necessarily a bad thing." Chen Heng took the initiative to comfort Jia Yucun. After all, he is the one who brought him into trouble, so he can't just turn a blind eye.
Jia Yucun smiled bitterly, but did not take the words of comfort to heart. He stood up and said, "Since your Excellency is here, I will accompany you to the port first."
"Lord Lao Jia." Chen Heng replied very politely. The two walked out of the official office side by side and pushed the invitation in the official sedan chair. Only escorted by the government officials, I strolled through the streets of Chuansha Hall. Not long after walking, we arrived at the port of Chuansha Hall.
Speaking of a port, Chuansha Port at this time is somewhat spacious compared to the Qingniwa which has not yet been repaired. Thinking of his entire plan, it was all for this place. Chen Heng looked at the old dock, feeling more proud than disappointed. The future Chuansha Port will definitely be no worse than the current Qingniwa port.
"If we want to build this place - a wharf big enough to berth five or six sand ships..." Jia Yucun worried, "Without tens of thousands of people, it may be difficult to complete it before spring plowing."
Like Chen Heng, Jia Yucun's political career is directly linked to this matter. Regardless of the two people's titles, they hinted at a casual acquaintance. In terms of interests, the two of them are truly grasshoppers on the same rope.
Chen Heng had no intention of hiding anything from Jia Yucun. Just pull it beside you and send it away. He informed Jia Yucun of some of his subsequent methods to appease Jia Yucun's anxiety.
After listening in silence, Jia Yucun looked surprised and then happy. Finally, he looked at Chen Heng blankly and shouted: "If this is really possible, I dare to issue a military order to you. If we can't complete the work as scheduled, please just tie it up." Just go to the lower officials and plead guilty."
If something really happened, Jia Yucun would not be able to take the blame for himself. Chen Heng smiled and shook his head, infecting Jia Yucun's emotions with full confidence, and said: "Don't worry, we will build mountains when encountering mountains and build bridges when encountering water. The Emperor and God will pay off. This will happen and no one can stop us."
Affected by Chen Heng's firm words, Jia Yucun became more confident and hurriedly asked: "How many men should I recruit here?"
Considering the actual situation of Chuansha Hall, Jia Yucun took office not long ago. Chen Heng thought for a while and replied: "There is no need to ask too much at the beginning, the people are still hesitant. They can come if they want, no need to force them. After a month, they see that we are true to our word, and more people will come naturally. ”
Seeing that Chen Heng did not put any pressure on himself, Jia Yucun immediately reassured and said, "I'll keep this in mind."
Chen Heng stopped talking and just looked at the endless waves of the sea. Thinking of the grand scene here afterwards, I wish I had witnessed it with my own eyes.
The sea breeze was so cold that it interrupted Chen Heng's thoughts. The wind blows into the robe and the hair scarf flies away. Chen Heng couldn't help but said in the end: "Steal the power of God and change to a peaceful world."
From Chen Heng's words, I could hear the other party's ambition. Jiayu Village, standing side by side, looks at the same sky and water in the distance. Comparing the magnificence of the people next to him and looking at his own age, Jia Yucun felt that time and time did not wait for him.
"The common people are contented, and history is useless." Changing the topic, Chen Heng added a little more originality to his ambition. Jia Yucun murmured and repeated Chen Heng's words in his heart. I couldn't help but ask: "If this port can be built, will it really benefit the whole country and leave a name in history?"
Chen Heng's vision and experience allow him to cut through the fog of history and directly see the future. He nodded and smiled: "It will definitely benefit one party. How Qingshi will record us depends on what happens in the future."
That night, Chen Heng was invited to Jia Yucun's home as a guest. Because of his friendship with Ying Lian, Chen Heng was lucky enough to meet Jiao Xing. When the latter heard that Chen Heng was the husband of the former lady, he was also filled with emotions.
After a banquet in which the guests of honor enjoyed themselves, Chen Heng set off for Nanhui County the next day to meet his old friend Jiang Yuanbai.
…………
…………
Speaking of Chen Heng, a good friend, he is really enjoying his life now. Since Jiang Yuanbai made up his mind not to continue participating in the examination, Jiang Yuanbai's interest in promotion has not been much higher.
When I first came to Nanhui County to serve as an official, I did more than just do my job. The rest of the time, he used it all for shopping and fun. When Chen Heng met him, Jiang Yuanbai was still painting in the county government office, which really opened Chen Heng's eyes.
"You live like this all day?" Chen Heng was really surprised and felt incredible.
Jiang Yuanbai also spoke plausibly and explained with a smile: "Zhixing, you don't understand this." His friend began to shake his head, "I also have the knack of being an official."
"Oh?! Come and tell me." Chen Heng was so surprised that he couldn't help but ask.
Jiang Yuanbai put down his pen, waved his long sleeves, and said proudly: "I think the most important thing for an official is not to disturb the people. As long as there is no one in the county doing evil, I hope they don't come here less often to keep each other clean."
He laughed again and said: "The people's failure to live a good life is their own fault. As long as they are hardworking and willing to work, I will neither commit corruption nor bend the law for personal gain. How can they not live a prosperous life?"
After hearing this, Chen Heng couldn't find anything to refute. After laughing, he had no choice but to nod, as if he agreed with his friend's reasoning. In this world, everyone has his own way of living, so why impose your own wishes on others.
When Jiang Yuanbai saw Chen Heng's reaction, he was overjoyed and said, "I knew you would understand me if you hold the line."
Chen Heng didn't need to be polite when speaking to this old friend. He directly warned: "Since you want to be an official in peace, Brother Jiang must not make a mistake and cause himself to be in danger."
Chen Heng also talked about Li Zhi's hatred of corrupt officials, and Jiang Yuanbai's heart rang with alarm bells. He said hurriedly: "Don't worry, Chi Xing. I'll wait until my two sisters get married, and the family will be more stable. I can't tell." I’m going to resign and go back to my hometown and continue to be my idler in the mountains and rivers.”
That is to say, the Jiang family is not as wealthy as the Xue family. Otherwise, if Jiang Yuan was chosen in vain, he might rather join Xue Biao and indulge in the mountains and rivers all day long.
Chen Heng heard this and said curiously: "When the family is more stable, I will understand. Why do we have to wait for the two sisters to get married?" He knew that Jiang Yuanbai had two sisters, and their relationship was even better. But how could it be connected with Jiang Yuanbai's resignation?
"You don't understand this." Jiang Yuanbai smiled wildly and revealed his mystery, "It is better for the county magistrate's sister to marry than to be elected."
"Hahahahaha." Chen Heng really couldn't stand this living treasure. Jiang Yuanbai's talents would always be used in places that others would never think of.
"That's okay, that's okay." After laughing, Chen Heng nodded and suggested: "When your sister gets married, you can write a letter and send it to me. I will also send you some congratulatory gifts to build your reputation. So as not to disturb others. "I only heard Jiang Yuanbai say that he has a close friend of the number one scholar, but I don't know when the number one scholar said this."
"This is what you said." Jiang Yuanbai rubbed his hands excitedly, "I don't want anything else, just write a copybook for my two sisters. In a few years, maybe you can sell it for some money."
"Hurry up and ask someone to serve wine and food." Chen Heng said angrily.
Old friends reunited, and the two spent the whole night talking about their old friendship. When they parted the next day, Chen Heng made it clear why he was here. What else could Jiang Yuanbai have to say, without asking a single detail. Directly ask Chen Heng to keep the official document he wrote and copy it exactly. He said that after Chen Heng left, he would send it to the countryside the next day.
…………
…………
Back in Fucheng, early November is already halfway through. In the afternoon, the sun shines brightly. As soon as Yan Xiaoer parked the carriage in front of the county government gate, Chen Heng jumped out of the carriage and asked Xinda who was coming, "Is there nothing going on in the county government recently?"
"It's all good. There are also a lot of people applying for corvee service from the eight villages." Speaking of this, Xinda couldn't wipe away the joy on his face.
Hearing this, Chen Heng breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Tell your sister-in-law. In three to five days, I will entertain distinguished guests at the county government office and ask her to help arrange it. By the way, I can't tell then. There will be a female guest, and she may even make an appearance."
"Okay." Xinda nodded hurriedly. He was not only Chen Heng's master, but also the chief manager around Chen Heng.
The group of people stepped up the steps and just crossed the gate. Xinda suddenly said: "Sir, there is a distant visitor who has been waiting at our county office for many days recently. He is from the capital, and he wants to see you..."
When Chen Heng heard what Xinda said, he didn't ask who the person was. He said directly: "Just let him come to see me."
With many years of tacit understanding, Xinda would never say this to someone he didn't want to see. Chen Heng knew it well and was just waiting for someone to come to his door and see his true appearance.
Thanks to the book friend "Blue Raindrop" for the reward, hahahahaha