After rebirth, I joined forces with my mortal enemy to seek revenge.

The banquet was held in the open space of the county house, with a total of more than ten tables arranged. By the time Pei Jiaoran arrived, Quan Dehui and all the gentry and wealthy people had already arrived.

Seeing the two people coming in, Quan Dehui snorted coldly. Originally, he wanted to take people back to Feng Xu, but he never thought that Pei Jiaoran would send people to guard all the roads in and out of Heyang. He was forced to stay.

Of course he didn't feel good about seeing her now.

All the gentry's eyes fell on Pei Jiaoran. A loud slamming of the door reached my ears. Looking around, I saw that the county gate had been closed.

"Servant Pei, what do you mean?" one of them asked.

When asked, Pei Jiaoran smiled but did not answer, and raised his hand. The officials on the side saw her actions, saluted and walked to the backyard. And she ordered her servants to serve tea to everyone.

The tea is poured into the cup, and the fragrance overflows. However, Pei Jiaoran, who was in charge, only maintained a gentle smile on his face and turned a deaf ear to everyone's questions. He looked up at her, caught a glimpse of Li Xiujing next to her, and sat back again.

Finished a cup of tea. Just now the official returned with a group of servants. Each person held a food box in his hand and opened it one by one on the food table in front of everyone.

The aroma fills the food table. However, when the servant brought out the things, disappointment appeared on everyone's faces. Instead of the various delicacies they imagined, there was only a bowl of porridge with a few grains of corn floating in it.

Taking in everyone's expressions, Pei Jiaoran raised his eyebrows, smiled, and asked doubtfully: "What? Do you think Pei's reception was not good?"

She smiled quite kindly, and her entire demeanor was also very gentle.

Everyone's expressions froze when they heard this. How can this thing be eaten? I'm afraid even one bowl of it won't be enough to satisfy your hunger.

"When Pei first came to Tongzhou, he ate it once. At that time, he thought it was quite delicious. This time he specifically asked the chef to cook it." Pei Jiaoran stirred the corn with a spoon, his eyes as soft as the spring breeze, "This is made with the same method as before." The money you donated to the state capital bought the grain. It is best to use it to thank you."

After saying that, Pei Jiaoran moved her chopsticks first, and her eyebrows moved slightly. As if he was tasting something delicious, even his movements were very elegant. Li Xiujing on the side also lowered his head to drink porridge.

The host of the banquet moved his chopsticks. The rest of them remained motionless, staring at Pei and Li intently.

Putting down the porcelain spoon, Pei Jiaoran looked at the crowd. He turned his eyes to Quan Dehui, who acted like he had nothing to do with him, and sighed helplessly, "Actually, Pei and Governor Quan are inviting you to the banquet today to thank you for your generosity." His eyes returned. He walked past everyone and said, "Thank you very much for helping the victims and relieving the court's difficulties. Everyone is willing to give and will respond to requests."

Quan Dehui, whose name was called, glanced at her. There was no concealment of disdain in his eyes, as if he was watching a show.

When the gentry and officials heard her mention of being charitable and responsive to requests, their expressions instantly changed. They had been in Tongzhou for so many years, and this was the first time that common people dared to openly come and rob them. But there is nothing we can do against these unruly people.

Now when Pei Jiaoran mentioned this matter, one of them stood up and said, "My dear, Bai Xiang, I dare to ask Mr. Pei. Why do you allow refugees to join the army and rob their homes?"

"Is this happening?" Pei Jiaoran looked in disbelief, "Didn't you donate your money to help the people? I think the lantern may have been given to you by the imperial court as a thank you for sharing the country's worries."

She embodies the scoundrel to the fullest. The man glared at her angrily and sat down with his sleeves rolled up.

"The porridge won't taste good when it's cold." Pei Jiaoran smiled slightly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the officials led the servants to the front of the gentry. He pushed the porridge in front of them neatly and repeated his invitation to everyone in a loud voice.

The gentry still didn't move their chopsticks, looking arrogant.

"It seems that you are unwilling to give me this face." Pei Jiaoran smiled, "Originally I planned to thank you all, but now I'm afraid it's not necessary."

Everyone's eyes fell on her.

Pei Jiaoran said leisurely: "The grain you donated is not enough for the common people to eat. But I have to thank you for your generosity on behalf of the court. I have no choice but to use the grain you donated, and I can't let the court break its trust." Come to entertain you. But you are not even willing to give me this little face, so I have no choice but to report the truth to the court, and His Majesty will come forward."

After the words fell, everyone looked at each other in shock.

"Secretary Pei, what we are talking about is that you condone the common people to come and plunder! This is not a matter of you thanking the court." Quan Dehui said coldly.

Looking at him, Pei Jiaoran said: "Prince Quan, have you ever witnessed people coming to rob your house? Most of the people who come here are just for food. What's more, Pei has been in Heyang, and Heyang has only put up a charity card a few days ago. How come the lantern was instigated by Pei?"

Looking at the innocent-looking Pei Jiaoran above, Quan Dehui's forehead had veins popping out.

The expressions of the gentry changed and they all looked at Quan Dehui. Didn't it mean that Heyang hung up the lanterns first, and then other counties followed suit?

Seeing the doubts on the faces of the gentry, Pei Jiaoran said in a deep voice: "If you don't believe it, you can ask the wealthy households in Heyang County."

The wealthy people in Heyang who were pushed out looked at each other and acknowledged Pei Jiaoran's words. They are indeed the lanterns that have been hung up in recent days, following the example of other counties.

The gentry in other counties bowed their heads and remained silent. This time they were not only tricked, but also taken advantage of. The most important thing is that there is no place to complain.

You can't go to Chang'an to play drums and accuse Pei Jiaoran of colluding with the refugees to plunder their houses, right? Loot what? plundered food. Where does this food come from? Why do the people have no food to eat, but there is food in your homes?

Even though they are quite famous in Tongzhou, they may not have a place in Chang'an. This time I could only break my teeth and swallow it.

"Since you don't want to eat, I and General Li can only thank you all with a thin glass of wine." Pei Jiaoran turned to look at Li Xiujing, "I am too drunk. Can I trouble you, General Li, to thank you all for me."

After listening to his words, Li Xiujing stood up. He raised his glass and looked at the crowd, "Li, today I will toast on behalf of Mr. Pei. Although I come from a high family, I have been in the army all year round. I have always followed military orders in my actions. Today, my drinking orders are equivalent to military orders."

After saying that, he stood up and walked towards Quan Dehui.

Looking at Li Xiujing standing in front of him, Quan Dehui frowned and looked away.

But when he was hesitating, Li Xiujing had already poured a glass of wine for him and said, "Invite the Governor Quan."

Its sound is like Shaoxia. Pei Jiaoran couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and chuckle, his eyes resting on him.

Seeing that Quan Dehui ignored him, Li Xiujing took the wine cup and handed it over. He didn't speak, he just smiled and looked at her.

The two were in a stalemate for a moment. Quan Dehui reluctantly took the wine cup and took a sip when he was about to put it down. But he heard Li Xiujing groan, the smile on his face not diminishing.

Unable to offend Li Xiujing, Quan Dehui had no choice but to raise his head and drink the wine in one gulp. He took the lead in drinking, and the others had no choice but to follow suit.