Zhu Nao

Two days later.

Chen Wu sat at the window on the second floor of the teahouse, drinking tea while staring out the window.

Today is a public holiday, the teahouse is quite lively and full of people, but there is still an empty seat on the second floor, which is reserved for regular customers in the shop.

Chen Wu glanced at the shadow on the street.Noon has passed, the sun is gradually heading west, and the time can be vaguely judged.

Finally, a familiar figure appeared on the road, walking slowly towards the teahouse.Chen Wu immediately dodged to the back of the window to prevent the other party from finding him.

The man didn't see Chen Wu, hummed a little tune, and walked into the teahouse with ease.

……

Qian Qing entered the teahouse, and as soon as he entered, several acquaintances and shopkeepers greeted him one after another.

"Hey, old money!"

"Brother Qian, you are here."

Qian Qing responded one by one with a smile.He is a regular customer of this store, and he will come to sit in the afternoon of every public holiday.He casually exchanged a few words with everyone, and then told the shopkeeper: "Still the old rules."

"Okay!" the shopkeeper agreed.

Qian Qing then walked upstairs to the elegant seat.

Chen Wu was sitting near the stairs, Qian Qing passed by him, because he kept his head down, Qian Qing didn't notice him, went straight to his seat and sat down, and began to wait for refreshments.

The waiter in the store passed by Chen Wu, and was stopped by Chen Wu in a low voice.

Chen Wu pointed in Qian Qing's direction, and whispered a few words.The man understood, and replied: "Guest officer, don't worry, wrap it on me."

Chen Wu nodded, and the guy ran away.

……

Before the refreshments were served, there was a burst of cheers and whistles from downstairs.Chen Wu hurriedly looked down, and it turned out that it was a girl who sang on the stage.All the more elegant teahouses will arrange some singers and storytellers to attract customers. Today the singer is a girl in her twenties and eight years old.

There were many flirtatious customers in the store, and the whistle and cheers continued before the girl started singing.Chen Wu withdrew his gaze and continued to observe Qian Qing, but saw that Qian Qing was also holding on to the railing, staring at the girl with bright eyes, and the corners of his eyes were creased several times when he laughed.

Chen Wu frowned slightly.

Cheers and whistles rang out in the teahouse for a while, and the girl began to play and sing, and the chaotic voice finally gradually died down.

Chen Wu took a sip of tea and continued to silently look at Qian Qing.

In order to get rid of Zhu Nao with the least cost, the suppression faction in Chengdu Mansion tried their best to take advantage of various forces in Langzhou.Although they have suffered setbacks in many places, such as common people, Xiang soldiers, rich merchants, etc., they still have not given up their minds on the officials of Langzhou Prefecture.

According to their previous investigations, although Zhu Nao became the posthumous minister of Langzhou, although some new officials were used.But still a lot of the team left by Song Rentou was used.At the same time, he also made major adjustments to the team, some were promoted and some were suppressed.Among them, the person who was suppressed the most was Qian Qing.

Back then, under Song Rentou's subordinates, Qian Qing was the master bookkeeper, in charge of the government's confidential affairs, with great power.But since Zhu Nao came, he was demoted to take charge of taxation, and he was downgraded a lot in an instant.Just because of this point, Qian Qing will definitely be dissatisfied with Zhu Nao.

Moreover, Qian Qing has been the chief bookkeeper and has considerable influence in the state capital.If he can be won over and let him stand up and raise his arms, it is very likely that all the officials in the state capital who are dissatisfied with Junao will be mobilized!

Therefore, the officials of the Chengdu government focused their attention on Qian Qing and conducted a lot of investigations on him secretly.Last night, Lu Jia approached Chen Wu and asked him to come to see Qian Qing today and find out what Qian Qing said.

Thinking of this, Chen Wu couldn't help frowning.

He is not actually a member of the suppression faction, and the reason why Lu Jia entrusted the matter to him is because he has a higher official position and he can better express the sincerity of the Chengdu government by coming forward; A series of jokes, the conflict between the suppressing faction and the wooing faction is deepening day by day, Lu Jia has been closely watched by Xu Yi's people, and it is difficult to escape, so he has to entrust Chen Wu to help.

Chen Wu accepted his commission, and he was indeed sitting in the teahouse at this moment, but his mood was quite delicate.This kind of subtlety began when their inn was surrounded by the people of Langzhou a few days ago.

Before that, the reason why he was inclined to suppress the faction had nothing to do with his faction, but only with his personal preferences.When he first heard that Zhu Nao had pretended to be the shepherd of Langzhou, he was terrified.It also means that he is not the governor, if he is the governor, he will definitely send someone to take this lunatic to Caishikou and behead him immediately!

Later, although he heard that Jun Nao had made great achievements in controlling bandits, this did not reduce his resentment.If meritorious deeds can be used to pay off crimes, is there any kingly law in this world?If there were a few more people like Zhu Nao, would the world not be in chaos?

But until he entered Langzhou, when he saw the city of Langzhou, which was not rich but orderly; seeing the enthusiasm of the people for Chengdu Mansion that day, and seeing the love and support of the people for Zhu Nao, his heart was full of emotions. Can't help but shake a little bit.

It's not that he accepted Zhu Nao as a fake official, but in the past two days, he couldn't help but recall the angry expressions on the faces of the common people and Zhu Nao's sigh when they surrounded the inn that day, which made him feel stuck in his throat.

He accepted Lu Jia's entrustment to meet Qian Qing today, not because he wanted to exert much force to suppress it.It was his curiosity.He really wanted to ask Qian Qing himself, you are obviously a serious official, what kind of evil did you have to do things with such a fool like Zhu Nao?

At this time, the waiter finally came up with Qian Qing's refreshments.

"Guest officer, your order is here."

A pot of steaming tea and several plates of snacks were placed on Qian Qing's table. Qian Qing picked up the teapot and got himself a cup. He didn't feel it when he took the first two sips, but he was taken aback when he took the third sip. No, hurriedly called to stop the waiter who hadn't gone far.

"Hey, waiter, did you serve the wrong tea?"

The waiter hurriedly ran back after hearing the sound: "Guest officer, what's the matter?"

Qian Qing pointed to her pot of tea: "Is this 15-year-old tea? Didn't I switch to new tea a long time ago? Didn't you forget it?"

The waiter smiled and said, "It's not wrong. This is the guest officer who sent you off." After speaking, he pointed in Chen Wu's direction.

Qian Qing looked back, and finally saw Chen Wu who was sitting not far away.He was stunned immediately, and it took him a long time to stand up at a loss: "Chen, Mr. Chen?"

Chen Wu smiled at him, picked up the tea on his table and walked over.

"Brother Qian, I came out to drink tea. I didn't expect to meet you here. It's really fate." Chen Wu sat down opposite Qian Qing, talking to himself, "Since we met, let's chat for a while and don't bother me." you?"

Qian Qing smiled stiffly, and sat back on the chair: "Don't bother, don't bother."

Chen Wudao: "That's good."

In fact, this encounter was obviously not a coincidence.The tea that Chen Wu gave to Qian Qing was old tea that was more than 15 years old, and it was also Qian Qing's favorite tea before last year, but since this year, he has started to order new tea that is less than two years old.For nothing else, old tea is fragrant but expensive, and new tea is astringent but cheap.This year he was dismissed from the position of chief bookkeeper, and his salary has been reduced a lot, so naturally the quality of tea he drinks can only be reduced.

This can be known by Chen Wu, obviously Chen Wu has investigated his preferences in advance, this pot of tea is a gesture of favor to him.

Sure enough, Chen Wu immediately started to say: "Brother Qian, we have been here for a few days, and we have worked hard for you."

Qian Qing hurriedly said: "No hard work, no hard work."

"I see that when you came in just now, you greeted many people in the store. Are you a regular visitor to this teahouse? Do you come often?"

Qian Qing replied cautiously: "I don't come here much on weekdays, I only come to sit and sit on public holidays."

"Is that so... Are you busy with business?"

"It was really busy a while ago, and it's a lot more free after the autumn harvest."

"Oh." Chen Wu looked at him meaningfully, "Brother Qian, what kind of affairs are you in charge of in Langzhou Mansion?"

Qian Qing answered cautiously, "I'm in charge of taxation now."

Chen Wu raised his eyebrows: "Taxation management? If I remember correctly, you should have been the head of Langzhou Mansion before, right?"

Qian Qing sat upright, not daring to breathe.

Chen Wudao: "Did you transfer your position after Zhuzhou Mu took office? I don't know if you can adapt to the new position?"

Qian Qing swallowed nervously.He wasn't stupid, he faintly sensed Chen Wu's intentions, thought twice, and replied cautiously: "It's, it's okay..."

Chen Wu frowned: "What's okay? Are you getting used to it or not?" He was afraid that Qian Qing might not understand, so he added empathetically, "If you don't get used to anything, you can talk to me about it." Say it."

Qian Qing broke into a cold sweat silently: "That...that is...it's been a long time, it's okay..."

Now Chen Wu frowned even harder.His question has been hinted very clearly.If Qian Qing says that he is not suitable, it means that he is dissatisfied with his current position. It can also be said that he has resentment towards Zhu Nao, and everyone will have a tacit understanding in the subsequent conversation; , which means that he has accepted the status quo and has no intention of changing it.But he adopts this ambiguous answer...

Chen Wu pursed his lips, and made his words clearer: "Brother Qian, I have actually heard about some of your deeds before. As far as I know, you are a very capable official. Zhu Zhoumu's transfer of you is not surprising. Few people think it's a pity... I don't know what you think?"

Qian Qing was tense, but when he heard these words, he was taken aback.

Chen Wu observed Qian Qing carefully, not missing any change in his face.

After a while, Qian Qing finally opened his mouth hesitantly, but he hesitated to speak, and hesitated to speak.

Chen Wu was very impatient, and encouraged him to speak quickly with his eyes.

Finally, Qian Qing opened his mouth and asked a question that Chen Wu hadn't expected: "Chen Shijun... What deeds have you heard about me?"

"……what?"

"You said, you heard about some of my deeds, and you think I'm quite talented... What deeds have you heard about me?"

Chen Wu: "..."

That sentence was just a polite remark, he really couldn't answer this question.He hurriedly racked his brains to recall all the information he had heard about Qian Qing, trying to break up a few words.However, maybe he was silent for too long, before he could break it out, Qian Qing gave a wry smile.

"...Sorry, pretend I didn't ask."

Chen Wu: "..."

The atmosphere instantly became very awkward.

Qian Qing lowered his eyes and remained silent, his eyes wandering. Chen Wu saw disappointment, guilty conscience, nervousness, and... embarrassment on his face.

It may be because he often has similar experiences. Chen Wu instinctively noticed that Qian Qing's hesitancy and vagueness seemed to be because he didn't want to offend either side...

Chen Wu was suddenly a little surprised.

When he was in Chengdu Mansion, he himself was often caught in a dilemma.It is impossible for people to be neutral all the time, and it is inevitable that they will have a tendency.But because I don't want to offend people, most of the time I can't clearly express my position.As for the side he is inclined to, he can make some noise and properly express his own inclination.As for the side he doesn't lean towards, he can only perfunctory and evade, without elaborating.And Qian Qing's attitude in answering his question just now was very similar to the latter.

——In other words, the reason why Qian Qing refused to speak out was probably because he didn't want to offend Chengdu Mansion.But the side he really leans towards is Jun Nao!

This conclusion surprised Chen Wu.Qian Qing is a real official, but Zhu Nao is a fake official. His real master was dismissed by the fake governor of the state. Doesn't he have any resentment in his heart?This is impossible!

Chen Wu couldn't hold back anymore, he leaned his upper body forward, a little more eager than when he asked the question just now: "Brother Qian, what kind of person do you think Zhuzhou Mu is?"

This question made Qian Qing startled slightly, and the embarrassed expression on his face became more obvious.

He considered Chen Wu carefully, and also observed Chen Wu's expression, and replied: "Zhuzhou Mu has some... There are many shortcomings... For example, he does things, compares, compares, does not follow the rules, um, does not follow the rules. But... he is actually very... compared, more talented..."

Chen Wu: "..."

The first half of the sentence is not important, the second half of the sentence is the truth.

Chen Wu's heart felt a little cold, and he leaned back on the back of the chair again, silent.

Qian Qing was already sweating profusely.

After a long time, Chen Wu took a deep breath and asked, "Do you think he is very talented?"

Qian Qing nodded cautiously.

Chen Wu's brows were knit into knots, and his tone was ridiculous: "Just because he is talented, these officials in your Langzhou Prefecture have been working with him for more than half a year? Why don't you ask him a question?!"

These words are much more serious than the temptation just now, and even have the meaning of questioning guilt.Qian Qing was taken aback, and immediately sat up nervously: "No, it's not..."

"Not what?!"

Qian Qing opened his mouth, but was dumb again, sweat was pouring out, but he couldn't say a word.

His attitude made Chen Wu even more dissatisfied, and he tapped his fingers on the table a few times: "Qian Qing, what are you thinking?"

Qian Qing was speechless.

The two stalemate for a long time, and suddenly there was another round of fierce cheers and applause in the teahouse.When the singer downstairs sang a song, the guests were very excited and clamored for her to sing a few more.

"Okay, great!"

"Good to hear, a few more songs!"

Hearing the cheers, Qian Qing could not help but glance downstairs.The singer stood up holding the pipa and bowed to the diners, she cast her eyes upstairs and bumped into Qian Qing.The singing girl bowed to Qian Qing with a smile, and Qian Qing's tense face relaxed a bit.

When the cheers gradually subsided, Qian Qing looked away, and his posture was not as stiff as before.

Chen Wu rubbed his forehead, and his tone relaxed a bit: "That singer is really beautiful, and she can sing really well."

Qian Qing nodded: "She really sings well, and her pipa is the best among all the singers I've ever seen. Most of the guests in the teahouse today came for her, after all, she hasn't been on stage for more than a year .”

Chen Wu was slightly taken aback: "Haven't been on stage for more than a year? Why?"

Qian Qing was silent, sighed and smiled wryly: "Langzhou was flooded with refugees in the past two years, bandits were disasters, public order was extremely poor, and murders often occurred. Last year, a singing girl was molested in a teahouse. There was a verbal conflict, and she was arrested. The man was hacked to death on the stage. After that, for a whole year, no woman in any tea house or tavern dared to go on stage again."

Chen Wu: "..."

His heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly realized something.

The two were silent for a while, and Qian Qing suddenly took a deep breath: "Master, you ask me what I think... Do you want to tell the truth?"

Chen Wu was stunned for a moment, and hurriedly said, "Say it."

Qian Qing licked his lips, hesitated for a moment, and finally said, "Zhuzhou Mu... No, Zhu Nao is shameless and reckless...he is a lunatic! From the first day when he broke into the state capital with his official seal, I have been Know he's a lunatic!"

He paused, and then said, "You said we didn't ask him about his background, but just helped him with his work... At that time, he came in with a team of warriors with swords. Who would dare to ask more questions?"

Chen Wu couldn't help being surprised.This is Zhu Nao's crime!He was about to ask carefully, but Qian Qing continued: "In the beginning, we were all forced by him.... Maybe not. I don't know. If they didn't take the knife that day, we would have kicked him out , or will still listen to him..."

Chen Wu was baffled.Were the officials in Langzhou coerced?

At this time, Qian Qing suddenly raised his eyes to look at him, and there was something deep and indescribable in his eyes.

"Chen Shijun, why do you ask me? I don't know why, but I want to ask you, have you ever been sitting in the government office when bandits suddenly broke into the government building to burn, kill and loot? Have you ever seen your colleagues with your own eyes? Have you ever seen the money and food in the treasury were robbed by bandits, and no one responded to the letter? Have you ever tried to call the day should not be done, and the land is not working?"

Chen Wu was dumbfounded.

Qian Qing let out a long breath, turned around and glanced around.The beautiful singer has sat down and continued to sing. The guests in the teahouse are drinking tea, eating snacks, and chatting. It is a rare public holiday, and everyone's face is relaxed and comfortable.

He lowered his eyes: "I come to this teahouse almost every week. When you come today, what you see is like this, but it was not like this half a year ago, or a year ago."

Chen Wu's lips moved, but he didn't say anything in the end.

There was silence on the table again, and after a while, it was Qian Qing who spoke again.

He whispered: "My lord, I know why you came to me. Zhu Nao is a lunatic, I know, he committed the death crime of beheading. I don't want to be implicated, and I am also afraid of death, but in this world , if there is still a stupid official like Song Rentou in the government, and a mediocre person like me, it is really easy to die. I have seen many with my own eyes..."

He looked deeply at Chen Wu: "You don't have to promise me any benefits, I just want to ask. Your Majesty, if there is no Zhu Nao, Chengdu Mansion, the imperial court, can send someone more capable than him to Langzhou State shepherd?"

Chen Wu looked at him, then avoided his gaze for a moment, and continued to remain silent.

He suddenly felt more confused than ever before.

The teahouse was still bustling, and the waiters were holding hot water pots, adding hot water to the guests at the tables.Generous guests threw coppers and scraps of silver into his tray, which were silver rewards for showgirls.

After filling the table next door, the waiter came to Qian Qing and Chen Wu: "Guest officer, do you want some hot soup?"

Qian Qing shook his head, took out an ingot of silver from his sleeve, and put it in the tray.The waiter's eyes lit up immediately, and he hurriedly said for the singing girl: "Thank you, guest officer, thank you, guest officer!"

Qian Qing forced a smile at him, and the waiter went to the next table.

"Shijun, if there is nothing else, I will go back first." Qian Qing whispered.

After all, Chen Wu didn't say anything, and gently waved his hand.Qian Qing got up and saluted him respectfully, then went downstairs quickly.

After Qian Qing left, Chen Wu finished drinking the tea in the cup, got up and went to the waiter who was still refilling the tea for the guests, he also took an ingot of broken silver from his sleeve and put it on the tray, turned and left the teahouse.