The Most Romantic of the Three Kingdoms

Fashion led the way and led Xun Zhen and the others to the outside of the Xuan Family Courtyard.

Yangyinli is medium in size, with fifty or sixty households. The Xuan family is deep in the alley, facing south and north. Fashion asked Xun Zhen to wait a moment, stepped forward and pushed the door open, stood outside the steps, and asked respectfully, "Is the Master here?"

Xun Zhen looked into the courtyard, and saw that the roof of the house was exposed, in the style of a hanging mountain, with tiles. There is a mulberry tree beside the house, and half of its trunk and bleak branches are also exposed outside the wall.

He turned around, probably because of the cold weather, or because of the "township and city", there were few pedestrians in the alley, and the cold wind blew, and there was a faint sound. A child may have heard the horse's neighing. He stuck his head out from a small courtyard not far away, snotted his nose, and looked at them secretly. When he met Xun Zhen's line of sight, he suddenly retracted his head. After waiting for a while, he quietly popped out again.

Xun Zhen thought it was funny, and just wanted to laugh, when she heard someone coming out of the courtyard. She didn't see anyone. She heard his voice first, and a man replied, "Master is at home. . . . It's Brother Mingde, please come in quickly." His voice was very clear.

Xun Zhen pulled back her smile, straightened her robes, and said to herself, "I heard that Xuan Bo has a son, is that the person?"

The man who spoke walked out of the courtyard, grabbed the sleeve of the robe with his hand, and bowed to the fashion. After the ceremony, when he saw Xun Zhen and the others, he was stunned for a moment. Fashion said: "Brother Yuanxi, this is the newly appointed Xunjun of the township. I just came to take office today, and I came here to meet the master.... Xunjun, this is the son of the master. The man hurriedly bowed to Xun Zhen again: "I'm here in Xuanxian, I have seen Lord Xun." Xun Zhen returned the bow and smiled, "I've heard the name of Lord Xuan for a long time, and I wanted to see him for a long time. Is it?"

"Yes." Xuan Xian did not invite him in immediately, but looked at Wen Pin, Xu Zhong and the others and their mounts with embarrassment.

Xun Zhen observed his words and looked at his face and knew the difficulty. He guessed that it was because the courtyard was too small to accommodate so many people and horses, so he ordered Wen Pin, Xu Zhong, and Cheng Yan to say, "Elder Xuanfu, don't let anyone else. , the horse is disturbed. You don't have to go in with me, and wait outside the door."

The clergymen succumbed to their promises.

Xuan Xian, Xun Zhen, and Shi Shi entered the courtyard. There are three houses directly opposite, and the style is the common one and two houses. There is a kitchen on the west wall, and the mulberry tree stands on the edge of the kitchen. On the east wall are pigsties, chicken coops, and latrines.

Although the ground in the courtyard is soil, no masonry is laid, but it is smooth and clean.

Xuan Xian went in to report, and came out after a while, saying, "Jiajun invites Xunjun to come to the hall."

He led Xun Zhen and Shi Xing to the front steps of the hall, asking Xun and Shi to go first, and Xun and Shi Xun to give way. The east is the main seat, the west is the guest seat, Xuan Xian is from the east, and Xun Zhen and Shi Shi are from the west.

After finishing this set of etiquette for the host to welcome the guests into the hall, Xun Zhen entered the hall.

In the hall, apart from a few seats and a few low tables, there is nothing long. On the seat by the window in the east sat an old man led by Gao Guanbo. He was watching the slips in his hands in the sunlight. Hearing that Xun Zhen and the others had come in, he gently put down the slips and raised his head.

Xun Zhen bowed to the ground and said, "Xun Zhen, I will meet Duke Xuan."

"Get up quickly." This old man is Xuan Bo. Unlike his son's clear voice, his voice is muddy, as if phlegm is stuck in his throat. As he speaks, he looks at Xun Zhen and smiles. I have Tongbi, every time when the cold is strong, my legs hurt and it is difficult to stretch, which is not good for walking, so I can't greet Xunjun in person, please don't take it as a surprise." - Tongbi is rheumatoid arthritis in later generations.

Xun Zhen understood this, and said in her heart, "Everyone is sitting on the floor at that time. Now Xuan Bo is old and has disciples. He usually needs to teach on the floor. He is exposed to a lot of cold and dampness, and inevitably he will fall sick." He said with concern, "'' Wind, cold and dampness are mixed together, and they become paralyzed. This disease is caused by infection with wind, cold and dampness. Now in the middle of winter, it has just snowed, and the ground is damp and cold. Xuan Gong, instead of making a banquet, why not sit?

"Reading the scriptures and studying the scriptures is asking for teachings from the sages. Every time I open a book, I must first wash my hands and then worship. It is disrespectful to sit upright, so how can I sit?" The words are so righteous.

Xun Zhen bowed again and said, "The boy has made a blunder, and he knows he's wrong!" Calling himself "boy", he considered himself a junior and kept his posture very low.

Xuan Bo was very satisfied with his attitude and smiled: "Xun Jun, please come to the table." After Xun Jun took off his shoes, sat on the western seat, and adjusted his robes, he continued, "When I was an official in the past, I was with the king's family." Mr. Erlong' met once, I don't know how Xun Jun and 'Erlong' are called?"

"'Erlong' is my clan's father."

Xuan Bo nodded and said in his heart, "Xie Wu told me before he left office, that this Xun Zhen was apprenticed to Xun Qu. Although he and the 'Eight Dragons' belonged to the same clan and lived a mile together, they were relatively distant, which seemed to be a good idea." , he did not underestimate Xun Zhen because of this. After all, the name of the Xun family is there, and even a remote branch is far from being comparable to a small country family like him.

——Thinking back to that year, he was conscientious and conscientious, studied hard for many years, consciously succeeded, and with the help of his teacher’s name, he became a county official, settled cases in prisons, and everything was unclear. Isn't it because he came from a poor family and has no background? Seeing that his colleagues with backgrounds or backers were promoted one after another, and they were on the rise, but he was unable to make progress for a long time. In despair, he resigned from office and returned to his hometown. What he did not expect was that due to the usual justice, he won the villagers. The support of him was actually raised as the third old man.

Looking at Xun Zhen, who had already worn a seal at a young age and became an official of the Hundred Stones, although he was respectful, it was difficult to hide his heroic spirit, and compared with himself, who had been wasted in the position of the Fighting Food Official, he sighed inwardly. The joints of his legs were aching again. He brushed up his sleeves, put his hands on his knees, pressed them twice, and said with a smile, "The monarch's family has a broad knowledge of the Five Classics, and Wen Junshao learned from Xun Zhongtong, so you must have inherited the family law?"

"Zhen Tian has a stubborn talent and is ashamed of his family learning. Although he has been studying from Brother Zhong for ten years, he has only learned a little. At that time, the grievances and prisons were settled, and the Hexian County praised them as gods. Now they return to their hometowns to teach the younger generation, teach family methods, transform customs, and settle the lawsuits of one township. The proverb goes: The peach and plum do not speak, and the bottom becomes a trail. Zhen admires extremely."

Xuan Bo laughed and thought: "Listen to Xie Wu, the reason why he was able to serve as Ting Changfang and moved to the township in March was because he heard that the police crossed the border and attacked thieves at night, and the county ruler called him a 'milk tiger' Since he has the courage to serve, dares to violate the order and cross the border, and has the name of a milk tiger, I thought he would be a person who is eagle-eyed, but unexpectedly he looks like a modest gentleman."

Xuan Xian served hot soup and stood behind the Xuanbo table with fashion.

Xuan Bo picked up the wooden bowl and took a sip, moistening his throat, no longer being courteous to Xun Zhen, and instead said with a serious face: "You came to see me when you got off the bus today, but are you here for political affairs?"

"On the one hand, he admires Duke Xuan's high morality, and on the other hand, he really came here for political affairs."

"In the third month of the emperor's rule of Fanyang, the people are called good, and they can be called benevolent. They can be called righteous when they hear the police late at night and rushed to help the Linbu. Thunder strikes a thief and saves Liu Zhuang from the fire, and it can be called brave. , and recently let the credit go to Xie Jun. The master said: 'The benevolent must be brave, and the brave need not be benevolent'. "Poems" cloud: 'Show a gentleman, do not order virtue'. You can be described as a benevolent and brave gentleman. If there is order, there must be good policies and governance, and I would like to hear it.”

"Zhen is not a native of the township. Although he has been a pavilion chief in Fanyang for three months, he is only familiar with a pavilion. He is like a leopard in a tube, and he does not know the people of other pavilions. When he comes to the Xiangsi temple, he is like a blind man. Hei, I don't know where to start, I just want to ask Duke Xuan for advice."

Xun Zhen's attitude was sincere.

Seeing that he was respectful and did not hide his secrets, Xuan Bo said bluntly: "In the past, when Lord Xie was there, he was lenient in his administration and did not disturb the people, and the people were happy. You can follow his practice."

"Yes."

"But one thing, Xie Jun didn't do well."

Xun Zhen pretended to ask for advice humbly, and asked, "Where is the advice?"

Xuan Bo pondered a little, but this time he didn't tell the truth, but asked: "Although you are not from this town, but since you have come to my town for order, and you have been in Fanyang for three months, you should have respect for the big names in this town. understand?"

"Zhenwen: There are three surnames in this township, the Gao family in Qiandli, the Feilifei family, and the Xie family in Ganquanli. They are in the township, Fei, and Su three pavilions."

There are at least two conditions to be called a surname. One has a large number of clansmen, and the other has money and power. Among them, power is the most important. The Feng family of Fanyangting and the Baiting Liuzhuang saved by Xun Zhenye, although these two families are wealthy households in the township, have not many clansmen and no power, so they cannot be called big surnames.

Of the four surnames Xun Zhen mentioned, there is no need to say more about the Gao family. The richest man in the township has something to do with the Yangzhai Huang family. Needless to say Fei's family, Fei Chang is a guest of Zhang Rang's house. The Xie family, that is, the family of the former township rank Xie Wu, may not be as good as the Feng and Liu families in terms of family property, but Xie Wu alone is enough to be called the big surname in the township.

Xuan Bo nodded, shook his head again, and said, "You need to say one less."

"One less thing to say? Which one else?"

"The third clan in Zhuyang is in Sangyin Pavilion."

"The third one?"

Xuan Bo said: "The third clan was originally the surname of Tian, ​​after Qitian in the Warring States Period. At the beginning of the Han Dynasty, Zhutian was relocated to Jingzhaofang Mausoleum by Emperor Gaozu, so he took the first surname as the surname, from the first to the eighth. After Wang Mang usurped power, Chimei , Lulin Rebellion, Guangwu Zhongxing, during the Jianwu period, a person from the third clan came to this county as an official, so he left a branch here."

Xun Zhen lowered her head and thought for a long time, but she couldn't recall any officials with the third surname in this county, this county, and this township.

"The four surnames in this township, Gao, Fei, and Xie all use power and money, but in the township, the third clan alone runs rampant with tyranny."

"Only run rampant with tyranny?"

"The customs of the first Qi were greed for profit, despising benevolence and virtue, being extravagant, and respecting martial arts. After Zhutian was relocated to Jingzhao by Emperor Gaozu, it did not change its style. Strong arrogance is the profession, and there are many valiant men in their clan, who are rampant in Luli, and most of them are illegal, and they cannot be influenced by any previous rank.

Xun Zhen thought doubtfully: "From what Xuan Bo said, this is clearly a family of chivalrous chivalrous men. It's just strange, but why have I never heard Xu Zhong say it?" , I often chatted and talked late at night, and I also asked Xu Zhong about the famous light chivalrous man in his hometown. Xu Zhong never mentioned anyone with the third surname, so he made up his mind, "I need to ask Xu Zhong again later. ."

Xuan Bo talked for a long time, his throat was uncomfortable, he coughed twice, took a wooden bowl and took a sip of water, and then said: "The local customs are honest, the villagers are simple, and the people are easy to govern, but these four surnames are not easy to govern. Xie Junwei Although the government does not disturb the people, the four surnames are too tolerant and indulgent about it. - When it comes to indulgence, you should also have experience. If Xie Jun is strict in politics, how can Gao Su force Cheng Yan's wife? Now that you have taken over the leadership of the township, if you want to do something, you can start from here. . . . If you ask me how to govern, I only know this.

As soon as Xun Zhen got off the car, he came to visit Xuanbo. He seemed very respectful, but it was only an appearance, that is, an attitude. In his heart, he only had the idea of ​​"perfunctory business" for this meeting. Thinking of him as a young boy, or a foreigner, Xuan Bo is almost sixty years old, a native of the village, the two have never met before, can you still hope that Xuan Bo can give him any good words at first sight? —He never thought of himself as such a charismatic person.

However, after talking with fashion at the door, his "perfunctory" attitude changed to "curious". How can an unknown and not well-known village elder teach such a good student? The disciples are already like this, so what will happen to the disciples? With "curiousness", he entered the room. After the politeness, he went straight to the point. Until now, he was only "curious", but after listening to Xuan Bo's evaluation of the four surnames and his mild criticism of Xie Wu, as well as his criticism of Xie Wu. Xun Zhen was no longer "curious" after her suggestions for future governance, but was in awe.

When the two met for the first time, they had a deep conversation with each other, which was a taboo for a gentleman. However, Xuan Bo made no secret of it and spoke frankly, expressing the hope that he would change Xie Wu's "bad governance" and no longer indulge the four surnames in the township. As he said, the four surnames dominate the township, and the prestige can be seen. He will not be unaware of the consequences of saying these words. Once it spreads, the four surnames will definitely be offended, and Xie Wu, who has been promoted to the head of the county, will be offended. , but he still said it. for what? - nothing more than for the people.

Referring to his attitude towards books just now, Xun Zhen said in his heart, "This gentleman is upright and honest, sincere and honest, and only such a person can pacify his grievances and end the prison, and the county and township praise him; only such a person can fail to meet his talents and not be promoted. Fortunately, although he stopped fighting for food, he was raised as the third old man after returning home." He said respectfully, "Thank you Duke Xuan for teaching me."

"No need to thank me. If you can cure the four surnames, I will thank you for the villagers."

...

Today was my first visit, and it was inappropriate to stay for too long. After talking for a while, Xun Zhen said goodbye and left.

Xuan Bo ordered Xuan Xian and fashion to send him off on his behalf. After sending Xun Zhen and the others to the inside and outside together with the fashion, Xuan Xian hesitated for a while and said, "Xun Jun, can you take a step to speak?"

Xun Zhen followed him to the side and said with a smile, "I just had a talk with the noble family under my feet, which made me become blind, and I will have a purpose in my governance in the future, and I will not start at nothing.  …, Xuan-Jun, do you have it too? Good words to teach me? Listen carefully."

"Xun Jun is talented and humble, so he can't teach you. I asked you to move because there is one thing, and I want to ask for your permission."

"What's the matter?"

Xuan Xian bowed to the ground for a long time and pleaded, "Please don't tell others what your family has just said."

Xun Zhen was slightly stunned, and then realized that Xuan Xian was referring to the "four surnames" that Xuan Bo had just mentioned. Looking at Xuan Xian's begging and uneasy look, his expression remained unchanged, and he thought in his heart: "Tiger father and dog son! Xuan Gong is sincere and sincere, making life respectful, but his son is inferior and fearful, making people look down on him." He replied with a smile. , "This is natural, Xuanjun can rest assured! I will keep my mouth shut."

...

After leaving Yangyinli, Xunzhen called Xu Zhong to the front and asked, "Junqing, I heard Duke Xuan just now that the third clan in this town is the Hero of Luli, and he is one of the four surnames, who dominates the township. Why haven't I heard you speak before?"

Xiao Xia and Xiao Ren heard it, and they approached the horse and said contemptuously, "The third clan? Heroes of Luli? They are also worthy! These people are like thieves, bullying the weak, bullying men and women, and doing everything. Righteousness, how can you be called a hero?"

"Oh?"

Xu Zhong (Jiang Xian)'s face was sinking like water, and his words were like gold.

Xia also has a way. To a certain extent, the rangers of the Han Dynasty are very similar to the scholars. Draw the sword to punish the evil, save the distressed and help the poor. If the third clan is as unbearable as Xiaoxia and Xiaoren said, it is no wonder that Xu Zhong looks down on it, "disdain to be a company", and doesn't want to mention it.

Xun Zhen suddenly realized: "So it is!" Riding on the horse, he calculated in his heart, "I take office as a foreigner in my hometown, and I need to establish prestige. Duke Xuan gave me good advice, and the best person to establish prestige is of course this There are four tyrannical surnames. Only among the four surnames, Gao Su is on good terms with me and cannot move; Xie Wu is the predecessor who has rank, and we let him do the credit, why should we be evil? He can't move either; Fei Chang is a guest of Zhang's family and the governor of the county. Post, in terms of power alone, the first in this town, let alone the third clan. If you think about it, it is only the third clan.... Wait a minute, I just came here today, and I don't know the truth. For the time being, don't act rashly, and I will find out after a while. It's not too late to talk about the situation."

Wen Pin urged Ma to catch up with him, interrupted his thinking, and asked curiously, "Mr. Xun, what did you say to the three elders of that township after you stayed in Xuan's house for so long?"

"Gong Xuan gave me some suggestions for governance~www.wuxiaspot.com~ suggestions for governance? What suggestions?"

Xun Zhen smiled and said, "I have promised others not to spread the word, so I can't tell you."

Wen Pin was a young man after all, the more Xun Zhen didn't say anything, the more itchy he became, but he couldn't keep asking, he blinked, and asked bewilderingly: "Then Xun Jun, do you think the suggestions he gave are good or bad? Aren't you going to do as he says?"

Xun Zhen smiled. This time, he didn't even have an answer, he just smiled without saying a word.

——Factually speaking, Xuan Bo is worthy of respect as a person, and his suggestions are also very good, but it is a pity that Xun Zhen did not come to be a "good official". Just like his own analysis just now, three of the four surnames can't move, even the third clan who has no power, he plans to wait until he finds out the situation before making a decision.

If Xuan Bo knew about his plans, I wonder if he would regret praising him as a "benevolent and brave gentleman", and whether he would praise Xuan Xian after he left, saying: "Young and polite, Behave well, treat people with sincerity, be humble and discreet". ——It’s not that Xuan Bo has no eyesight. Xun Zhen has been a human being, and nothing else. In order to keep his own secrets, this city government has been practiced a long time ago. Even if he is drunk, he will not reveal the truth. How can you see through it?

...

Under the leadership of Cheng Yan, Xunzhen met with his filial brother and Litian successively.

Although these two positions are also respected by the villagers, their status is not as detached as that of the third old man, Gao Zhuo. Rao is so, when he arrived at Gao Su's house, it was almost dusk.

Xun Zhen dismounted from the horse outside the door, handed the reins to the servants of the Gao family who came out, looked at the sky, and said to Wen Pin, "Zhongye, you have been running with me for a long time, it will be late, or you should go back to the county. go in?"

Wen Ping hadn't answered yet, and one person hurriedly shouted: "Absolutely not!"