Do you know: I’m Xu Jiazi

"Are those for Xiaotao?"

"Let me take a look first." Xu Zaijing said.

Zhaomeifeng pointed to the box next to him.

Xu Zaijing stood up and walked over. After opening a box, he looked at the contents and breathed a sigh of relief.

This box contained a cute and naive wooden carving of a brown bear that was half the size of a palm, and a scarf made of the fur of an unknown animal.

Looking at Zhao Meifeng who was following him and standing on one side, he said, "Brother Zhao, it turns out these are these things. Did you tell me earlier!"

Send these things and the grass will be completed.

Zhaomeifeng smiled, opened another box, and took out something wrapped in red cloth.

Xu Zaijing's eyes twitched and he said: "Brother Zhao, such a good ginseng is wrapped in a piece of red cloth? Or two! I really can't give this away."

Zhao Meifeng put the ginseng aside and took out a bag of large dongzhu and a bag of deer antlers, with a layer of gold bars at the bottom.

Xu Zaijing shook his head in pain and said, "I'd better deregister her."

Looking at Xu Zaijing's appearance, Zhaomeifeng smiled and said, "I won't tease you anymore. I'll leave this box of things here for now, Wulang."

"Elder brother knows that if he wants to deliver the things to that girl, he must spend money to buy something better for the Sheng family girl to cover up! The money for buying things will be taken from these."

"Brother Zhao, why did you use so much?"

Zhao Meifeng looked at the things inside and said, "Wu Lang, you must know the origin of these things."

Xu Zaijing nodded: "Well, it's the Golden Kingdom in the north! But, Brother Zhao, the Gao family in Dengzhou has gold mines. Wouldn't it be nice to just ask the Gao family to melt these gold bars and recast them?"

"The Pan family and Jin Guo are also old businessmen. They must know the goods, and they have to send them to Beijing."

Zhao Meifeng picked up the Dongzhu and looked at it and said: "Elder brother, he has always been cautious. These things are of such good quality that it is difficult to get rid of them! If they are not done well, others may follow suit."

Xu Zaijing looked at the thing and nodded in approval.

These good things appear in Bianjing, who sells them?

What is the relationship between the seller and the head of the Imperial City Department in Dengzhou, who is in charge of the espionage affairs of the Northern Liao and Jin Kingdoms?

This person can be entrusted to sell Dongzhu. Is there anyone or something that the principal cares about?

If you can find it, you can figure it out.

"But Wulang, you are different! You can deal with ginseng and other things with the Yu family; when the dongzhu and gold bars are sent to the Li family of Wensiyuan, they will be polished and melted, turning into jewelry and disappearing without a trace."

Zhaomeifeng is telling the truth. If you don't have a trustworthy relationship with these good things, no one will take them over easily. Even if you take over them, they will probably have to keep the price down.

Xu Zaijing glanced at Zhaomeifeng who was speaking, then at the gold bars in the box, and hesitated: "So, the Dengzhou Gao family can't believe it anymore?"

Zhao Meifeng nodded: "These things can be exchanged for nameless silver. Whether you use them or save them, Wulang makes his own decision."

Xu Zaijing: "Brother Zhao, why don't you ask me what the price is?"

Zhaomeifeng: "Do I need to ask?"

Soon, Qingcao, holding a big cloak, brought the food and wine to the wooden house with the Xu family's maid.

Xu Shizheng (after 8 p.m.)

After drinking, Zhaomeifeng opened the door and saw that the snow had stopped.

Looking around, the Xujia racecourse has turned white.

The snowflakes at the door can reach the top of your feet when you step on them.

"Brother Zhao, if you can't, just stay at my house tonight."

Xu Zaijing, who was following behind, said.

Zhaomei Feng stretched, exhaled a white breath under the lantern hanging at the door and shook his head: "I have to get up early tomorrow, so I won't stay."

The two of them walked to the gate step by step while talking.

Among the Xu family's porters, there were already six or seven officials from the Imperial City Division. After drinking and warming up, they quickly put on their cloaks and followed out of the gate when they saw Zhaomei Peak.

Under the lantern at the gate,

The snow in the corner was much thicker than elsewhere due to the wind, and some of it was even attached to the wall.

Qingyun and the porter and steward helped the officials light torches and lanterns.

After a while,

"Goro, go back."

Zhaomei Feng, who was riding on the horse, waved his hand.

"Brother Zhao, please go slower on the road."

Xu Zaijing cupped his hands and finished speaking, watching the lights disappear at the street corner, and then turned back.

In the doorway, you can see the concierge with the curtains raised. There are many dishes on the table and a lot of wine jars under the table. It seems that he is drinking well.

Looking at the concierge boy who was following with the wine jar in his arms, Xu Zaijing asked, "What is this for?"

"Sir, there's still half a jar of wine here."

"It's snowing and cold, so keep it for yourself to drink."

"Yes, sir!" the young man responded in a very excited tone.

Back to the wooden house next to the racecourse,

Qingcao has cleared the table, and the dishes are still hot on the red stove.

When Xu Zaijing was talking to his master, he looked at Qingyun who followed him after a while and said, "Why so slow?"

Qingyun smiled: "I just told the steward to keep the folding basket in the porter's room for me tonight, and I will bring it to Uncle Shu when I go there tomorrow morning."

There have been several banquets held at home, and Xu Zaijing has also seen Qingyun's "folded basket" several times. He smiled and nodded and said: "Well, folded basket is considered delicious."

When Xu Zaijing was a child, the Yongyi Hou Mansion had not yet gained momentum, so he had eaten it several times.

‘Zheluo’ is a hodgepodge of various dishes left over from the banquet.

In modern times, most people would despise it, but in Zhou Dynasty, this "Zheluo" hodgepodge included oil, salt, sugar, sauce, vegetables, meat scraps, bones, etc.

Once heated in the iron pot, the taste is quite attractive.

After Shu Bo boils these good things at the stall tomorrow morning, he can buy a bowl and have a meal with pancakes and other staple foods.

"Qingcao girl, your young master drinks a lot. Come and have a drink with me."

Uncle Yin poured the hot dishes into the bowl and said hoarsely.

He was washing the empty dishes with hot water in a wooden basin and glanced at Xu Zaijing.

After seeing the nod, she smiled and pursed her lips, wiped her hands with a towel and sat on the stool.

"Drink less."

Xu Zaijing, who was standing by the wooden gift box, turned his head and said.

Hearing this, Qingcao, who wanted to use the wine bowl, replaced it with a wine cup angrily.

Subsequently,

Xu Zaijing drank a few more glasses of wine with Master, Alan and the others.

When Alan was looking for books and they were helping Qingyun move things, Yin Bo and Xu Zaijing whispered: "Jing'er, how can you still send gifts after how long it has been? I see there are still a lot of things."

Xu Zaijing thought for a while and said: "That old brother has always been strict in his actions. Maybe he is busy with official duties, or he may have his own considerations."

Uncle Yin nodded.

When Xu Zaijing and Qingcao returned to the courtyard,

On the way from the racecourse to the backyard, the boys have cleared the snow to clear a path.

Near the Hou Mansion,

Quyuan Street,

"Dong dong dong."

There was a knock on the thick wooden door of a yard that had been cleared of snow.

"Who is it?" A woman's voice sounded.

"I!"

"The Lord is back."

After a while of walking and the sound of opening the door latch, Hua Qing appeared at the door with a maid and a lantern.

Looking at Qingyun pulling the small cart, and Alan and Xun Shu pushing the cart beside him, Hua Qing said doubtfully: "This"

"Quick, brother Alan, brother Xun Shu, come inside and warm yourself up."

"Sister-in-law, it's too late, so we won't go in." Alan handed over his hands and turned to leave with Xun Shu.

"Hey~" Hua Qing was about to speak.

After Qingyun waved his hand to stop him, he shouted: "Come to my house for a drink in a few days!"

"Hey!" Xun Shu responded.

The rickshaw enters and the door is closed and bolted.

Hua Qing looked at the things on the trolley and said doubtfully: "Guardian, this is"

Qingyun stopped, put down his hands and put his hands on the car's shaft, and said: "The things given by the young master's friend are said to be for the two children. Where are the two children?"

"Sleep! Officer, this is too much."

"Move it."

Things have already entered the house,

The small cart parked quietly in the yard,

From time to time the wind blows and some snowflakes fall.

The bright yellow candlelight reflected in the window of the main room.

Qingyun Courtyard is not big, but it has all the internal organs.

There is a stove in the wing room on one side, and the nun who lives there is invited to do housework.

There is a stove for heating the Kang in the main room and outside.

The big kettle on the stove was steaming.

"Boom~"

This is the sound made by the stove with a strong fire.

"These things are so good!"

Hua Qing looked at the things on the desk by candlelight and sighed.

"What's wrong with giving gifts to our young master's friends?"

After listening to Qingyun's words, Hua Qing nodded in approval, raised a piece of satin and said: "This is the brocade, the color looks a bit old!"

Qingyun stood aside and looked at it, and said: "Well! What you are wearing is a little inappropriate, but my mother-in-law should be dressed just right!"

"In the Marquis Mansion, that girl Qingcao also said that this brocade matches this rabbit fur scarf very well."

Hua Qing looked at the scarf in Qingyun's hand, smiled and nodded.

"My uncle said that there are nourishing donkey-hide gelatin and other good things in it. I will send most of it to my mother-in-law early tomorrow morning."

"Uh-huh."

"With this material, I can make a tiger head hat for my little brother, and the rest can be used to make clothes for the two children."

"Well, if you make it bigger, you can wear it for two more years."

outside the house,

The cold wind was biting, and the faint sounds of the young couple discussing how to live their lives could be heard.

A gust of north wind blew by, and another burst of snow particles flew down from the eaves.

the next day,

In a very warm bedroom,

Xu Zaijing sat beside the bed and took the hot towel from Hua Xiang's hand.

After wiping his face, Xu Zaijing looked at the bright white windows and said:

"What time is it?"

"Mother Xia said, it sounds like it's already the end of Yinshi (five o'clock in the morning)."

"Um!"

Today I got up half an hour late in the school.

Dressed neatly, he took the maid out of the house.

"Sir, it snowed so heavily yesterday afternoon, but the moon actually came out this morning."

Hua Xiang pointed at the morning sky and shouted.

The night sky in the early morning is very clear,

The oval moon hangs in the sky,

The white snow reflects the light of the moon and stars, making the windows gleam white.

After Xu Zaijing said yes,

Walking towards the outside of the courtyard where there was already the sound of shoveling snow.

It's time (ten o'clock in the morning)

The sun is in the sky and the sun is dazzling.

The prosperous family in Jiying Lane,

There was a pile of swept snow on the ground in the middle of the front yard.

Under the sunlight,

The white eaves covered with snowflakes and the snow on the roof of the corridor are melting,

There are short icicles in some places,

The snow water flowed down and the sound of hitting the ground was like rain.

After returning from the next court, Sheng Hong, who was dressed in official robes, wore a cloak and ear protection embroidered with rose flowers, and was walking down the corridor with Dongrong.

When it snows, it doesn’t turn into cold snow.

Sheng Hong, whose nose was red from the cold, took a breath of white air and rubbed his cheeks.

His cheeks were also a little uncomfortable from the cold.

Walking to the door of the study in the front yard,

Sheng Hong looked at the maid Yang Hao who was about to bring tea in and said: "Is Changbai in the study?"

Yang Hao bowed and replied.

Sheng Hong nodded and went into the study.

Because Changbai was there, the study was very warm with the floor heating.

The snow refracted the sunlight,

making the study in the front yard very bright.

"Father."

Changbai, holding a book in his hand, bowed to Sheng Hong who had taken off his cloak and earmuffs.

"Bai'er, what book are you reading?"

"My son is reading "On the Use of Brush" by Master Liu Chengxuan of the previous dynasty."

"Oh? Bai'er has some understanding of calligraphy?"

"Yes." Changbai replied.

Sheng Hong nodded and said: "Liu Gong's brushwork is vigorous and strong, and it is very compatible with your personality, Bai'er."

Changbai bowed and thanked his father for his praise.

He walked to Changbai and sat down. Looking at the book in Changbai's hand, Sheng Hong's eyes were filled with nostalgia.

"Father, have some tea."

Changbai took the teacup brought by Yanghao and said.

"Well, Bai'er, sit down."

After drinking a sip of hot tea, Sheng Hong took the book that Changbai had placed on the table.

Flipping through it casually, Sheng Hong said: "Speaking of which, this book on the use of the brush was found by your grandmother after asking many people for help and selling her face."

"Your grandmother is also the blessing for my father to have such a good brushwork."

"Half of the books in this study were bought by your grandmother when my father was studying."

Changbai nodded and said: "Grandmother has done a lot for the Sheng family."

Sheng Hong glanced at Changbai and nodded with a smile: "Bai'er, you will have more than two years to take the imperial examination, work hard."

"Yes, father! Then, I will go back to my study!"

"Well! Don't work too hard and hurt your eyes. You should also look at the goldfish in your study more."

Changbai agreed again.

After Changbai left, Sheng Hong looked at the rows of books in the study. He breathed a sigh of relief, got up, found a chess record and started playing.

Xingguofang,

The streets in the square had been cleaned by each family,

and snowmen could be seen from time to time on the roadside.

But at this time, a man riding a horse on the street had no time to look at the snow scene.

Soon, the man came to the gate of Duke Qi's mansion,

and the huge stone lion in front of the gate had been wiped clean.

After getting off the horse, the man handed the post in his arms to the doorman of the Qi family.

In the backyard of the Qi family,

in the warm hall,

Princess Pingning and Duke Qi sat aside,

looking at Qi Heng who was sitting behind the table not far away with a smile on their faces.

A middle-aged man with a literary air stood beside Qi Heng and nodded, saying: "Your handwriting is very good, it's obvious that you have worked hard to practice it!"

Qi Heng stood up and bowed, saying: "Thank you for the compliment, sir."

Duke Qi stood up and said: "Sir, please have a cup of tea."

The middle-aged man was about to speak when the curtain at the door was lifted. The maid of the Qi family walked over quickly and whispered a few words to the nanny of Princess Pingning.

Afterwards, after listening to the nanny's retelling, Princess Pingning smiled at Qi Heng and the middle-aged man, and pulled Duke Qi to the side room.

"What's going on?" Duke Qi asked curiously.

Princess Pingning said thoughtfully: "Mr. Dong, the magistrate of Beizhou, died."

Duke Qi looked incredulous: "Mr. Dong was in his prime, how could it be possible?"

Princess Pingning's face was serious, her eyes rolled a few times, and she said thoughtfully:

"It is said that he drank too much and fell into the river when riding home! Sir, did your father let you..."

Duke Qi's face also became ugly.