Zhu Nao

Chengdu Prefecture.

Xu Yu was sitting at the desk reviewing official documents, when there was a knock on the door outside, he raised his head and said, "Come in."

The door was pushed open, and a small official came in with a thick stack of official documents, and put them down on Xu Yu's desk: "Xu Shaoyin, these need your instructions."

When Xu Yu saw it, one head and two big immediately asked, "Why are there so many?"

The little official stood opposite him, and was at a loss when he questioned him.

Xu Yu rubbed her forehead.He knew that it was useless to tell the little official about it, so he shook his head and sighed, while waving his hands: "Okay, just put it here. It's none of your business, you go out first."

The little official saluted and hurried out.

Xu Yu took out a few copies of the newly sent official documents, and roughly scanned them. It turned out that the letters sent this time were all petitions from businessmen in the city.Some merchants want to change the types of goods in their shops, and some merchants want to lease new shops, all of which require government approval.So they wrote to the government for instructions.

Xu Yu read a few copies, but couldn't see what was going on, and sighed with a headache: "Oh, what are these!"

He doesn't know what can be approved, what can't be approved, and what kind of methods are there.After all, he was not responsible for these things before.

As for why it is all in his hands now?This is about to start with the death of General He Da.

Since the death of General He Da, the situation in Chengdu Mansion has undergone great changes.Simply put, this change means that Yuan Jilu has started to settle old accounts with Lu Qinghui.

Yuan Jilu and Lu Qinghui didn't deal with each other for a day or two. Ever since they worked together in the Chengdu Mansion, there was never a day for them to deal with each other.There are many reasons for the disagreement. Firstly, Yuan Jilu is an eunuch party and Lu Qinghui is a scholar party. The two parties do not like each other; At least a self-righteous person.However, Yuan Jilu is an unscrupulous bastard with almost no bottom line at all. Every now and then, he plays live erotic palaces in front of his subordinates, which really disgusts Lu Qinghui enough, and the conflict between the two becomes increasingly aggravated.In addition, the two still had a lot of quarrels, but each held their noses and endured it for a few years.Just like many eunuchs and scholar parties who work together in the world, no matter what conflicts they have with each other, they can bear it by pinching their noses.

However, after the death of General He, the contradictions and conflicts accumulated for many years between the two parties began to erupt fiercely and comprehensively.

The first thing that happened was that the eunuch party, in order to take the opportunity to attack the power of the scholar party, framed several officials of the scholar party and imprisoned them.In the end, hundreds of people were implicated.As soon as this case came out, people all over the world were furious, and the most impulsive ones were those young and energetic Confucian scholars.In the next few months, inside and outside the capital, there were several incidents of Confucian scholars breaking into the homes of eunuchs and cronies, smashing and killing people, and many people were killed.Later, in order to retaliate, the eunuch party sealed up many domestic academies and arrested hundreds of Confucian scholars.

After several months of fermentation, the relationship between the two parties has completely risen from mutual hostility to an irreconcilable level.

Everyone cannot escape the influence of the general trend of the world, and so is Yuan Jilu and Lu Qinghui.In fact, before that, it was impossible to say how much Yuan Jilu hated Lu Qinghui.After all, Lu Qinghui is a very capable subordinate, without him, the land of Shu would have been in chaos.Even if he is ridiculed by Lu Qinghui every day and rolls his eyes a few times, Yuan Jilu can still laugh it off and comfort himself: Young people are ignorant, why are you fussing over him?

However, after the situation in central Beijing changed, the Lu family was also affected. Although it has not completely collapsed, it has shown signs of declining.At this time, Yuan Jilu thought of Lu Qinghui's usual arrogance, and there was a subtle change in his heart.

Whether it was beating the dog in the water or revenge, Yuan Jilu began to gradually suppress Lu Qinghui's influence in Chengdu.He first dismissed many of Lu Qinghui's cronies with excuses, making Lu Qinghui lose his right and left arm at once, and then caused Lu Qinghui a lot of stumbling blocks in government affairs.But Yuan Jilu is not a person who handles affairs, and he wants to take Lu Qinghui aside, and the errand that originally belonged to Lu Qinghui gradually falls on Xu Yu's head.

In the past, Xu Yu was only in charge of agricultural affairs, finance and other matters, while Lu Qinghui was in charge of business, criminal and prison affairs, etc. The division of labor between the two was clear.Now it's all in Xu Yu's hands. He became a monk halfway, and he was completely at a loss. He didn't know how to deal with many things, and the government was in chaos.

After digging through several petitions, he felt that there was nothing wrong with them, so he approved them all with a stroke of his pen.Then he brought a new one over, and was stunned as soon as he opened it.

"It's not rape?"

Xu Yu frowned and put down the pen.

This non-traitor behavior has recently created momentum among the people, and it has also spread to his ears.It is said that a group of Langzhou merchants set up a grain store in partnership, and the business is very thick.There are also some stories circulated among the people about how the non-traitor grain line defeated profiteers in Yuzhou and other places, stabilized the price of grain, and made grain affordable for ordinary people who are not rich.This food store has not yet opened in Chengdu, but it has already become very popular.

Although the rumors didn't mention the relationship between Zhu Nao and the grain shop, but when Xu Yu heard about it, he knew that this non-traitor grain business was absolutely inseparable from Zhu Nao.It must be Zhu Nao's handwriting that the grain line can bloom everywhere in Shu in such a short period of time.

What is Zhu Nao's plan for running this food business?What purpose do you want to achieve with the help of grain bank?Xu Yu didn't know.But he could have expected that, given Zhu Nao's ambition, this matter might have a bearing on the situation in the entire Shu region.

Xu Yu hesitated for a long time, and instead of signing and stamping the official document as happily as before, he folded the official document again, carefully put it on the cabinet and put it aside, and then continued to review other official documents.

In the evening, Xu Yu finally finished approving a bunch of official documents.He stretched himself, and came out of the yamen, ready to rest.However, just as he was going out, he happened to bump into Lu Qinghui.

Xu Yu was taken aback for a moment, and said happily, "Ah, you're back!"

Lu Qinghui looked haggard, it seemed that he had suffered a lot recently.

Recently, Yuan Jilu gradually emptied Lu Qinghui's power, but he couldn't remove Lu Qinghui's position as Shao Yin, so he arranged many bad things for him.A few days ago, Lu Qinghui was sent to the southwest to inspect the Yi tribe.Those Yi people live in the deep mountains and old forests, and their folk customs are tough, and they have always refused to obey the control of the Han government.This job is extremely dangerous, and it is possible to lose your life there if it is not done well.Lu Qinghui also survived.

In fact, for Lu Qinghui, maybe doing these things is better than staying in the Chengdu mansion.Yuan Jilu has been keen on humiliating him recently, and he has come up with many innovative methods.For example, Lu Qinghui used to be in charge of the prison, and many people in the prison were imprisoned by Lu Qinghui.Yuan Jilu fished out people from inside, and after they were fished out, they placed them next to Lu Qinghui.Last month he fished out an old woman.The old woman was a complete shrew. Because she lost a quarrel with a man in the street, she stripped herself naked and rolled around in the street, insisting that the man raped her.At the beginning, Lu Qinghui sentenced the old woman to prison for false accusation.The old woman was fished out by Yuan Jilu and arranged to be a cook, cooking for Lu Qinghui.Lu Qinghui ate a few meals without knowing what he ate, and later he vomited when he saw the food provided by the government.

Xu Yu sympathized with Lu Qinghui's situation.No matter what conflicts he had with Lu Qinghui before, business conflicts are business matters. In terms of personal feelings, they both work under Yuan Jilu and have a sympathetic friendship.

Xu Yu said distressedly: "Look at you have lost weight again, oh... this is really..." He didn't know what to say.

Lu Qinghui looked at him fixedly: "Brother Xu, I just came back from the southwest, and I came here specially to find you."

Xu Yu wondered, "What's the matter? Tell me."

Lu Qinghui asked: "Did all business petitions be sent to you for approval recently?"

Xu Yu hurriedly said: "Yes, yes, you came at the right time. I can't figure out these things, and I want to ask you how to deal with them. What's the matter, do you have any friends who want to do things? Tell me, I will immediately I'll do it for you first."

Lu Qinghui shook his head.He said: "A few days ago, when I was still in charge of these matters, I received a business application from a non-traitor grain company, but I rejected it. On my way back today, I heard that they recently The momentum is getting bigger and bigger. I think they are still determined to open in Chengdu. Have you received their petition?"

Xu Yu was slightly taken aback, and said, "Really? I haven't received it. Maybe it hasn't been handed over yet?"

Lu Qinghui sized him up, but didn't know whether to believe his words or not.

After a while, Lu Qinghui took a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled: "Brother Xu, we Ming people don't slander, I have sent people to Langzhou to check the background of the rape business. I believe that the grain business must have something to do with Junao is related. I don't know what he is planning, but he is ambitious, and there is absolutely no good thing."

Xu Yu nodded thoughtfully: "Indeed."

Lu Qinghui knew that Xu Yu had always been very slippery.His official position is not low, but he has not been affected by the struggle between the eunuch party and the scholar party. First, his background is too low, so he has not been affected by his family background;Therefore, his tepid attitude made Lu Qinghui very impatient.

"Brother Xu, I know you... You can appreciate him, or whatever. But this is not a joke! This person is too dangerous. If he succeeds in his scheme, the order will collapse and the people will suffer!" His tone became more serious, "You must stop him!"

Xu Yu seemed to want to say something, her lips moved, and she swallowed it back.He said with a smile: "Qinghui, don't worry. If there is such a thing, I will definitely find out the truth and make a prudent decision."

Seeing him, Lu Qinghui refused to say anything to death, impatient and helpless: "You..."

Xu Yu smiled, and said again: "Although I will take care of some affairs for you now, don't worry, when the time is right, it should be yours, and it will still be yours. If there is anything you want me to do, think about it." For the people I take care of, just open your mouth, and I will try my best."

The implication is that he doesn't want to talk about Zhu Nao's affairs, but other things are easy to talk about.

Lu Qinghui looked at him deeply.

After a long time, Lu Qinghui wiped his face, showing a more tired expression.

Xu Yu persuaded: "It's getting late, you pump all the way, go back and rest early."

Lu Qinghui also knew it would be useless to talk too much, so he nodded dejectedly.Before leaving, he paused every word: "Xu Shaoyin, you should think about what I said." After saying that, he turned around and left slowly.

……

Xu Yu neither approved nor refuted the petition for the opening of the non-traitorous food company, but just shelved it for several days, so that he almost forgot about it.

A few days later, Xu Yu returned home after finishing his work, only to see his confidant Xu Yi waiting for him in the hall.

Seeing him coming back, Xu Yi rushed up to meet him: "Young Yin, there are gifts and letters from Langzhou."

Xu Yu was startled: "Langzhou? Is it from Zhu Nao?"

Xu Yi nodded: "It's Zhuzhou Mu, who signed it."

Xu Yu hurriedly said, "Bring it to me to have a look."

After a while, Li was carried up.Xu Yu didn't have much interest in these things. He just glanced at them and knew that this could be regarded as a generous gift.He took the letter again and opened it to check.

The content of the letter was not very long, and Xu Yu read it quickly.With a calm expression on his face, he read it twice before folding the letter and stuffing it back into the envelope.

Xu Yi asked: "Shao Yin, what did you say in the letter?"

Xu Yu said slowly: "He hopes that I can help so that the non-traitor food business can open smoothly."

Xu Yi was taken aback: "Isn't it a traitorous food business? It's a conscience food business run by Langzhou businessmen, as has been rumored among the people recently?"

Xu Yu nodded.

Xu Yi asked, "Just for this matter? What else did Zhuzhou Mu say?"

Xu Yu put the letter into the drawer and said calmly, "It's nothing, just some polite words."

Xu Yi blinked.After a while, he asked: "Shao Yin, what is he trying to do with this food business?"

Xu Yu laughed and said, "How would I know what he wants to do?"

Xu Yi scratched his head.This is true, he had dealt with Zhu Nao when he was on an envoy to Langzhou before, and Zhu Nao was really incomprehensible.He asked again: "Then, does Shaoyin want to help him?"

Xu Yu was silent for a moment, then replied with some annoyance, "Let me think about it..."

Xu Yi also knew that Xu Yu had a lot of work recently, and even slept an hour less than before.Therefore, he didn't dare to provoke Xu Yu any more troubles, so he said obediently: "Then I will step back first. If Shao Yin has anything to do, just call me."

Xu Yu waved his hand and said, "You go."

=====

The next day, Xu Yu was working in the mansion when he heard crying outside.At first, because of the distance, he didn't hear it clearly. He thought it was a bird chirping, but he didn't pay attention to it.But the crying continued for a while, and he gradually recognized it, and hurriedly asked the little official at the door: "What happened outside?"

The little official was also visiting and looking out. Hearing this, he hurriedly said, "Shao Yin, I'll go out and have a look."

Xu Yu said, "Go."

The little official ran out.After about a cup of tea, the official came back with a very complicated expression on his face.

Xu Yu said, "What's wrong?"

The little official sighed and said, "There was a family making trouble outside the official mansion. There were more than a dozen people in total, and everyone had the word 'injustice' hanging on their chests. They said that the woman from their family was kidnapped by the governor, and asked the governor to return her. give them."

Xu Yu was startled: "The governor is robbing women again?"

The little official nodded: "It seems to have happened five days ago. Fu Yin saw that beautiful woman on the street, so he took her away on the spot."

Xu Yu's expression also became indescribable.

This is not the first time Yuan Jilu has done this kind of thing, but there were not many disturbances in the past.Yuan Jilu is lustful, and usually doesn't hurt people's lives. After a few days, he gets tired of playing and puts people back.Because a woman's reputation is very important, if this kind of thing becomes a big deal, the whole family will have no face in the future.Furthermore, ordinary people did not dare to oppose the government, so after the incident, most people chose to swallow their breath and dare not speak out.

There were also troubles a few times.Once, because Yuan Jilu accidentally hit and kidnapped the daughter of a powerful family in the local area, that family joined forces with some squires to ask for an explanation. Finally, Yuan Jilu arranged for several males of that family to go to the government office. On the errand, he paid a lot of land property, which is considered to have settled the matter; another time, the woman who was taken back from captivity could not bear the humiliation, and committed suicide in Yuan Jilu's mansion the next day after being taken back from captivity.Because of the fatality, the family members also had a quarrel for a while, and finally the government paid a large sum of money to suppress the matter.

The little official sighed and said, "The woman who was kidnapped by the governor this time is already married, and she has just given birth to a child, and the child has not yet been weaned. I heard that the family didn't want to announce it at first, but they waited for five days. Before returning home, the child left his mother and cried all day long. The Fu Yin had killed someone before, and the family was afraid that they would do so this time, so they gathered relatives to make trouble together, trying to force the Fu Yin to release him quickly I see that her husband has brought all the children, and it's so pitiful for such a small one."

Everyone, including the two Shao Yins, could not understand Yuan Jilu's behavior.Therefore, the little official also has the courage to judge Fu Yin's right and wrong in front of Shao Yin.

Xu Yu frowned and asked, "Is Fu Yin in the government house now?"

The little official raised his chin to the north: "It's inside."

The Fu Yin Ya is located in the deepest part of the official residence, after passing the Shao Yin Ya and going north.

Xu Yu asked again: "What about the woman who was taken back? Where is she now?"

The little official was taken aback for a moment.He was about to say that he didn't know, when he suddenly thought of something, and murmured: "The governor seems to be living in the government these days... The woman is probably here too..."

Xu Yu turned to look north.

Suddenly, the crying outside was getting closer and closer, as if it was no longer isolated by the high wall.Xu Yu and the little official in the yard looked at each other in surprise.

After waiting for a while, the cry was closer, and it was already in front of my eyes.Xu Yu hurried out of the yard, only to see that several officials actually led in a dozen civilians with the word "Yeong" on their chests. Looking at the direction, it seemed that they were going to the government office.

Xu Yu was startled, and hurriedly asked, "What's going on?"

The leading officer said: "Xu Shaoyin, I'm following the order of Fu Yin to bring them in to meet their relatives."

Xu Yu was taken aback for a moment, trying not to understand what Yuan Jilu was going to do.The matter of murder and silence is not like Yuan Jilu's handwriting, probably because he doesn't want people to make trouble outside, so he brought it into the government to discuss.

He looked at the group of people, and saw that these people had different expressions, some were full of resentment, some were bitter and bitter, some were frightened, some were vigilant, and some were eagerly looking forward to it.As the little official said, there was indeed a man in the crowd holding a baby, presumably it was the woman's husband and child.

The official sent a salute to Xu Yu, not wishing to delay any longer, and led the people in.

Xu Yu still had a lot of business to do, so she turned back to her yamen after watching the few people leave.He always felt that something was wrong, he read several official documents absent-mindedly, and suddenly trembled as if struck by lightning: He knows what Yuan Jilu wants to do!

He suddenly jumped up from his seat and rushed out, the little official at the door was startled: "Shao Yin, where are you going?"

Xu Yu didn't bother to answer, and ran away in an instant.

……

Xu Yu was out of breath and ran to the government office, only to see several warriors with swords guarding outside the yard.These are guards raised by Yuan Jilu, and they are only dispatched by Yuan Jilu.

Xu Yu calmed down and stepped forward, but the guards stopped him.

Xu Yu squeezed out a smile and said, "I have something to discuss with Fu Yin."

The guard said with a blank expression: "Please wait a moment, Shao Yin. The Fu Yin is dealing with private matters, and he ordered that no one should be disturbed."

Xu Yu: "..."

The two sides were in a stalemate, when a woman's terrified and desperate cry suddenly came from the yard, and immediately, there was a frenzy of shouting and cursing, which made Xu Yu startled and retreated again and again.

Although Yuan Jilu is not bloodthirsty, he is extremely absurd, has no bottom line, and some methods are more humiliating than killing people.

For a moment, the woman's heart-piercing rejection, the child's cry, the man's growl and low self-satisfied laughter mixed together in the yard, hitting Xu Yu's eardrums.He couldn't listen anymore, turned around and stumbled away.

……

After an unknown amount of time, Xu Yu sat in a daze in the yard, and heard footsteps and crying approaching.

He raised his head in a daze, only to see the officials escorting the dozen or so civilians out.Everyone's eyes were red, and their expressions were ferocious.Passing by the courtyard of Shaoyin Ya, those common people also saw Xu Yu in the courtyard.

Immediately, someone rushed towards him ferociously, roaring with rage: "You devoid of conscience!! You will have retribution!!"

He moved too fast, broke free from the shackles of the official, and almost threw himself in front of Xu Yu.Fortunately, the officer reacted quickly enough to quickly catch up and hold him down, so that he didn't hurt Xu Yu.

The detainee officer bowed to Xu Yu apologetically, "Young Yin, I'm sorry."

Xu Yu didn't feel angry either, and touched her face as usual: "It doesn't matter."

The officer took the man out.

Xu Yu sat in the yard for a while, exhaled lightly, then got up calmly and went back to the house.He walked to the cabinet, took down the opening petition that had been sitting there for many days, signed it, took out the seal, dipped it in sealing mud, and slowly covered it on the paper.

He dried the imprint and called out, "Come on."

The little official outside the door rushed in: "Xu Shaoyin, what's the matter?"

Xu Yu handed the approval document to the official along with a stack of official documents that had been processed earlier: "I've finished approving all these, let's do it."

The little official hurriedly reached out to take it: "Yes."

Xu Yu waved his hand, indicating that he could go out, and then continued to approve the official documents.