During the Hongshi period, it had been more than a hundred years since the founding of the Zhou Dynasty. The permanent and floating population in Zhongdu, the capital, had reached 600,000. Zhongdu City could no longer accommodate people, so they built houses outside the city wall in the south, gradually forming an outer city. By the Jiaqing period,

The permanent and floating population has reached one million, and the population of the outer city has increased to more than 300,000. Construction of the outer city wall began in the 28th year of Jiaqing. The project was huge and took more than four years to be completed in the 32nd year of Jiaqing.

There are five gates in the outer city. The one in line with the Zhuque Gate is the South Main Gate, Zuocheng Gate is on the left, Youcheng Gate is on the right, Dongping Gate is on the east, and Xiding Gate is on the west.

The construction of the outer city was completed under the supervision of Cao Shu, the second assistant of the cabinet. The design was one horizontal and three vertical, straightening the streets. At the time of construction, the outer city had already reached a large scale. Many houses were demolished, and many people were involved, including relatives of the emperor.

In the end, only one horizontal and one vertical line was straightened, that is, Zhengzheng Street from Zhuque Gate to Dazheng Gate, and Pingding Street from Dongpingmen to Xidingmen. Pingding Street was not centered, but was straightened by moving south to Pingsha Street, which has less house demolition.

, changed Pingsha Street to Pingding Street. The Zuocheng Gate was also opened on Wenda Street, and the city gate was opened on Wujin Street as Youcheng Gate. It was not easy for Cao Shu to build the outer city wall in four years.

No one else could repair it. The construction period was short, the funds were huge, and there were many disputes. The most annoying thing was that the funding gap was too large, and some craftsmen stopped working because they could not get their wages. Fortunately, Cao Shu had good arrangements and moved here and there to finally complete the project.

The hard work of these four years cannot be expressed in words. As a result, Cao Shu was awarded the title of Second-Class Xiu Wenbo and was ranked on the Shulu List.

On August 22, the 35th year of Jiaqing, the Mid-Autumn Festival has just passed, and the excitement is still not over. Zhongdu City is already a prosperous city, and there is still a joyful atmosphere everywhere.

At the junction of Chongyang Street and Xingye Street in the inner city, there is the Risheng Teahouse. Judging from the name, it means promotion and fortune, so many dignitaries gathered here, and ordinary people could not enter here.

Shengcha House only serves famous teas and exquisite snacks, and the prices are naturally extraordinary. The more private rooms and elegant rooms are, the higher the status of the people entering and leaving the room is. Secondly, the waiters guarding the door are just villains who welcome the superiors and suppress the inferiors. They have no respect for the people in the capital.

People with status and status are very knowledgeable and can tell someone by their clothes. If they encounter people wearing coarse clothes, they will make things difficult for them, and they can't even enter the door of the tea house.

This man, who was in his thirties, cowered and dodged in front of the gate, and was blocked by the gatekeeper. He was a scholar, very polite, and his clothes were simple, and his speech was not tactful.

He handed out a Hengtong ticket worth two thousand taels, waved it in front of the waiter's eyes, and said angrily: "Is this okay?"

As soon as the waiter saw the banknote, he knew that he had made a mistake. He suddenly changed his expression, nodded, bowed and stretched his hand towards the teahouse, with a smile on his face, "You are a young man who has eyesight but cannot see the mountains. Master, please come in!", the scholar also said.

You're welcome, with the two thousand taels of Hengtong tickets in hand, I walked into the Risheng Tea House with peace of mind.

The scholar was very elegant at this time. He threw back a few pieces of silver and said proudly, "Take me to a private room!".

Unexpectedly, the boy who followed took the money with quick eyes and hands. He also quickly replied: "How refreshing, sir! Please come with me." After saying that, he hurried to the front of the scholar and bowed to lead the way.

Go to a private room upstairs and invite the scholar inside. There is a reason why Risheng Tea House is expensive. The private room is luxuriously decorated, with sandalwood tables and chairs, antique porcelain, famous paintings and calligraphy, which is a lot of investment. .Immediately a waiter came in carrying a pot of boiling water. He skillfully made a cup of fine Longjing and immediately stepped aside.

The waiter was still smiling, his face was completely different from the one at the gate just now. He asked flatteringly: "Master! What kind of tea and delicious snacks will you bring?" He spoke in a very humble tone, for fear of offending this distinguished guest. Being scolded by the boss.

The scholar seemed to be coming to Risheng Teahouse for the first time, and he seemed very restrained. "Let me introduce you first! See if there is anything I like." He deliberately avoided the waiter's eyes as he spoke, not wanting him to know that he was at a loss.

This is of course the strong point of the guy, and he said casually, "The most famous ones are the big eight pieces and the small eight pieces, suede pancakes, chicken oil pancakes, Zhuangyuan pancakes, butterfly rolls, Qixing Dianzi, large oil cakes, large roll puff pastry and pancakes." The pastry is a big eight pieces. The flan...".

Suddenly I heard the scholar interrupt: "Okay! Let's serve melon seeds and peanuts first. I'll order them later when Mr. Xu comes!" The scholar had never heard of the above snacks and was not interested. The important thing is that the noble Mr. Xu is here. like.

The waiter didn't understand what he meant and asked nonchalantly: "There are many kinds of melon seeds and peanuts. Which ones do you want?"

The scholar was obviously impatient and glared at him angrily, "Choose the most expensive one and get the same dish!".

"Okay!".

"I wonder if the master is talking about Mr. Xu?" I thought the waiter would calm down, but he didn't want to say anything again.

Encountering a troublesome clerk, the scholar couldn't bear it any longer. He turned around and scolded: "There is also Mr. Xu, the second son of Xu Du Censor, Xu Panlong." He spoke in a loud and sinister voice. Apparently he wanted to drive people away.

I thought that the waiter would not bother me anymore, but I realized that the waiter hurriedly nodded and bowed, and apologized: "It turns out that I am a friend of Mr. Xu. I have offended you just now. Please forgive me! I am really blind."

The clerk's rapid transformation was certainly not for himself, but entirely because of Xu Panlong's reputation. In the blink of an eye, he thought, why not take advantage of the situation to show off his authority, and scolded: "Master Xu is coming later, bring him here!" , the scholar was no longer as dejected as he was when he entered, and was secretly happy in his heart.

The waiter responded quickly, "As soon as Mr. Xu arrives, I will bring him to you immediately. Please wait a moment!" He waved to the waiter who was standing aside, and then left, closing the door with a smile on his face. I was afraid that the scholar would be angry again.

After seeing the clerk leave, the scholar was still restless and couldn't help but walk back and forth, feeling very nervous. When he came to the window, he opened half of the window politely, because he didn't care about the scenery of the capital when he came, so he took advantage of his free time to look outside. The bustling streets are full of different scenery and interesting things.

People passing by Risheng Tea House couldn't help but look back, even though they were walking in a hurry, because they were curious but couldn't get close to this leisure place.

Not long after, the crowd became restless, especially some young ladies and maids, who gathered around and some screamed. At this time, a handsome young man in his mid-twenties, surrounded by many servants, Get off and arrive in front of Risheng Tea House.

The young man is mature, steady and handsome. He shakes the paper fan elegantly. He is dressed in gorgeous and fashionable clothes and has good looks. He is no less good-looking than Pan An. He always smiles when he meets everyone and looks amiable and approachable. The first impression he gives is that he knows how to do it.

Be kind to people of any status, so that women who meet you can't help but stop and stare.

Someone couldn't help shouting: "It's Mr. Xu!" This sound made those who had not noticed it involuntarily look this way, and those who were close immediately gathered around, wanting to catch a glimpse of Mr. Xu's elegance.

This person is the son of Xu Yongjian, the imperial envoy to the right capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate. He is the fourth among the nine princes in the capital. The second son of Xu, Xu Panlong, is known as Qiao Erlang. The servants around him hurriedly blocked the flow of people, for fear of disturbing their master.

Xu Panlong, who is already married, is an obedient child and married his uncle and cousin. I remember that Xu Yongjian divorced his first wife in his hometown for the sake of career and married the daughter of a powerful man. Relying on his father-in-law's relationship, he relied on Cao Shucai to rise to prominence.

.Xu Panlong is their first son, and he is ranked second only because his wife from his hometown gave birth to their eldest son, Xu Jinglong.

Although Xu Panlong was clever, he was not interested in studying since he was a child. Coupled with his mother's pampering, he neglected his studies and could not pursue an official career. However, he was good at observing people's faces and eloquent, so he coaxed his parents into

I am happy. I help my father manage the family business, sell official positions, handle various social relations, and support the family power, but I am a good hand.

Unexpectedly, he has been unhappy in recent years because his eldest brother from his hometown overshadowed him. The eldest brother Xu Jinglong was talented and his appearance was not inferior to him. As soon as he came to the capital, he challenged the Poetry Academy and shocked the world of scholars. He did not expect to gain fame.

The messy Xu Yongjian actually has such a good son. He took the exam two years ago and won the top prize in one fell swoop. The most valuable thing is that he and his father are not on the same front. He actually became a disciple of Luo Yan, the leader of Qingliu, became one with Qingliu, and was sent to a magistrate in the south of the Yangtze River. Xu Pan

Only then did Long raise his head. In the past two years, he had been very good at handling the things his father had told him in an orderly manner.

I saw Xu Panlong clasping his hands quickly, "I, Xu Panlong, also have one mouth and two eyes. I am not different. Don't hinder the passers-by who come to stay. Let's go!" He spoke very kindly and made people feel sorry for him.

Picky. As he said this, he walked into the Risheng Teahouse with his hands folded. The onlookers raised their heads and looked inside the Risheng Teahouse, then slowly dispersed with great reluctance.

The waiter immediately came up to him, bowed and saluted, "I've met Mr. Xu! Your guest is waiting for you in the private room on the second floor." He stretched out his right hand and rushed to the front to lead the way without waiting for instructions.

Xu Panlong walked in front, followed by a master and a middle-aged man. The other servants stayed outside the teahouse.

Arriving at the private room on the second floor, the scholar was about to salute, but Xu Panlong, who was slowly coming in, just glanced at him, stopped him immediately, and asked with great concern: "Are you Qian Xingqi?"

The scholar guessed that this person was the Xu Panlong he wanted to see. He was a little at a loss, and with trembling hands he cupped his hands and replied, "I have met Mr. Xu! I am Qian Xingqi."

Xu Panlong looked like he was giving birth and ignored him. He sat directly on the main seat and straightened his clothes. When he saw Qian Xingqi still standing, he pointed to the seat opposite and said, "Please sit down!"

Qian Xingqi handed over his hand again and said, "Thank you Mr. Xu!", and then timidly sat down opposite Xu Panlong. After sitting down, his hands were still uneasy and he did not dare to look at the famous Mr. Xu.

The Second Young Master Xu not only had a father who was a high-ranking official, but also had the most handsome appearance among the nine young masters. Although he had no talent and no official position, his father was greedy for money and exposed himself to some illegal activities, withholding some money and taking action in public places.

He was generous and well-known to everyone, and ranked high among the nine young masters in the capital.

Xu Panlong smiled calmly and pointed to the master who had followed him and introduced him, "This is Master Liao's best friend, Master Qian, who is from the same family as you."

Although he was a master, following the Imperial Envoy of Youdu, he was naturally superior to others. Qian Xingqi stood up in a hurry, clasping his hands in front of the master and greeting him, "Hello, Master Qian!".

Master Qian was not in a hurry to return the gift and just nodded, "Master Qian has worked hard all the way. I always hear Brother Liao talking about you. Please sit down!" It seems that he understands Qian Xingqi's temperament, otherwise a master would not be interested in what he will do in the future.

Officials have such an attitude.

Master Qian ordered the waiter: "Bring in the best tea and four snacks, and you stay outside and don't let anyone get close to you!" The waiter lost his temper long ago and bowed his waist at nearly 90 degrees, "I'm like this

Just go and tell him to come up as soon as possible!" He turned around and left with a frustrated look on his face. He was just a servant waiting for others.

After serving tea and snacks, the middle-aged man who followed them also went outside the private room. There were only three people left in the room. Xu Panlong and Qian Xingqi sat across from each other, and Mr. Qian stood behind Xu Panlong.

.

Qian Xingqi is a scholar with a weak character and poor words. Xu Panlong couldn't speak first. So Mr. Qian said: "Young master Qian still doesn't know the current situation in the capital. I want to explain it to you carefully."

.

Qian Xingqi immediately stood up and clasped his hands, "I'm new here, please give Master Qian some advice!" His attitude was very sincere.

Master Qian was not polite and said casually: "Since the 33rd year of Jiaqing, a jingle has become popular in the capital. One emperor, two kings, three factions, four nobles, five beauties and six honest officials, seven talents, eight generals and nine young men, the Cao family has ten

Everyone in the officialdom is familiar with the name Tiger World, and it truly reflects the current situation in the capital." After saying that, he looked at Qian Xingqi and saw a look of surprise on his face. This must be the first time he has heard of it.

Mr. Qian kept talking and said: "The first emperor refers to the current emperor Jiaqing, and the second king refers to the third son of the emperor Zhao Luyu, the king of Tan, and the fifth son of the emperor Zhao Luzhen, the king of Fu. Currently, the only emperors who have lived to adulthood are King Tao and King Fu. Who are they?

No one can participate in succeeding to the throne." He accidentally looked at Qian Xingqi to remind him.

Then moisten the throat and straighten it, "The three parties are the Cao Party, Zhejiang Party and Qi Party, who are the first assistants to Cao Shu in the dynasty. Our master is Mr. Xu Yongjian, the Right Imperial Envoy of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and one of the Ten Tigers of the Cao Family

, it is your blessing that the master can take a fancy to you, and it will definitely make your official career prosperous." He spoke with a proud face, but also a somewhat disdainful expression.

Qian Xingqi listened with great interest and did not notice it. He was just waiting for him to continue.

Master Qian became even more interested when he saw him like this. He hurriedly continued: "Since the leader of the Zhejiang Party, Peng Ren, was overthrown by Cao Shoufu, the Cao Party has been dominated by one party. Although the other two parties have many members, they have lost their backbone.

It is no longer possible to become a big trend. It is the most cunning move to join our master." Before he finished speaking, he looked at Qian Xingqi's performance, stared at him and stopped talking.

Qian Xingqi didn't come over in vain at first. When he saw the two people staring at him, he hurriedly stood up, took out a banknote from his sleeve, handed it to Xu Panlong, and said with confidence: "I am willing to

The censor of Xudu is following his lead! Please accept my wishes."

Xu Panlong glanced sideways and saw a banknote worth two thousand taels, but he didn't take it seriously. He stretched out his hand to press it and said elegantly: "I see that Mr. Qian is a talented person, and I can't bear to let the court lose a piece of silver."

I am a pillar, not for money!”.

When Qian Xingqi heard this, he was in a dilemma and didn't know what to do next. At this time, Mr. Qian came forward and said, "Although our master is a man of peace, other officials are hungry, so they still need to take care of themselves. We can't lose my master. What do you think?"

No?" He said and stretched out his hand, not in a hurry to receive the banknote, but waiting for Xu Panlong to speak.

Xu Panlong was embarrassed, so he raised his hand and nodded and said: "Just like Master Qian said, just do it up and down."

At this time Master Qian stretched out his hand, took the two thousand taels of silver notes, held it in his right hand and patted it with his left hand. He sighed and said, "I'm afraid Mr. Qian doesn't know the current market. There's no big problem in winning Mr. Qian, but I'm afraid

If something goes wrong, you have to buy test questions just in case, and you have to ask for 500 taels. If you let a magistrate go out, you have to pay 3000 taels. Our master will have to pay 1500 taels."

Qian Xingqi seemed even more nervous when he heard this. It seemed that he had not brought so much money with him to Beijing this time. Xu Panlong noticed the sudden change in Qian Qixing's expression and blamed Mr. Qian, "Who told you to talk too much! The master is interested in it."

What’s more, Mr. Qian is a man who is willing to spend more money.”

Master Qian hurriedly complained, "I'm just trying to offend you for your hard work. I spent a lot of energy in private not to mention it, and I also spent a lot of money on it. I did good deeds without letting anyone know about it. I really feel unworthy of you."

!", with a face full of grievances, but also a look of loyalty. Such a thoughtful person can see at a glance that one person is playing the good side and the other is playing the bad side.

Qian Xingqi was an honest man and quickly expressed his sincerity, "I will bear in mind Mr. Xu's kindness. I will make up for the one thousand five hundred taels of silver as soon as possible even if I sell iron." He was so anxious that he almost knelt down to Xu Panlong, but

There is a table in front of it, so it's not easy to get down.

Xu Panlong behaved very affectionately. He stood up and walked to Qian Xingqi. He patted his shoulder and comforted him: "Master Liao has told me about your family situation a long time ago. Could it be that you have framed me for injustice? As long as you remember that it was me."

Just let the Xu family help you!"...

These words made Qian Xingqi, who didn't want to kneel down, couldn't help but feel excited. He knelt down in front of Xu Panlong willingly and said with tears in his eyes: "I will definitely repay the favor and live up to the cultivation of the Imperial Envoy of Xu.

If you betray someone, you will die!" He cried even more sadly as he said it, and seemed out of control. At first glance, he was sincere.

Xu Panlong helped him up, pretending to comfort him with infinite emotion, "Don't worry about it! Mr. Qian is already a disciple of my Xu family." As he said this, he patted Qian Xingqi's back with both hands.

I received someone's loyalty.


Chapter completed!