Zhang Zhaoci listened to what Granny Lu said, but she couldn't bear the thought of not seeing her little darling for a long time.
Zhang Zhaoci discussed it with Xu Di. After listening, Xu Di pondered for a long time and said, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Since everyone does it this way, we should follow suit. Otherwise, all the good young men will be picked clean in the future, and we'll have to find a scoundrel like Xiao Jiu."
Zhang Zhaoci said, "I understand the logic, but I just feel that it's too early to be planning for a girl who is only a teenager to get married."
Xu Di said, "Why don't you come along too?"
Zhang Zhaoci said, "How about I think about it some more? I still need to discuss it with your father."
Xu Rao had been busy for half a month, and thankfully, the capital sent some capable local officials to replace him. With people under his command, things would be easier. In addition, with such a big incident just happening in Ganzhou, those with ulterior motives hid their thoughts and obediently followed the instructions of Xu Rao, the current highest administrative official in Ganzhou. They were all people who had cultivated for many years, and they all understood what Emperor Liang Cheng's decree meant. Once Xu Rao had accumulated enough seniority, wouldn't the position of prefect of Ganzhou be a piece of cake?
Xu Rao finally felt he could relax a little. He left the government office early in the afternoon, accompanied by two attendants, and strolled home.
The streets were bustling with activity. Xu Rao, dressed in casual clothes, was in his thirties and had a refined and scholarly air. Having spent many years in officialdom, he had naturally cultivated a certain air of authority. Walking down the street, one could tell he was no ordinary person.
Ganzhou Prefecture City is located directly east of Hexi County. Although it was built facing north, the most commonly used gates are the east and west gates. After entering through the east gate, there is a long street that extends straight to the west gate for several miles. The prefectural government office is located in the middle of this street. After leaving the prefectural government office, walk east along the main street for a few hundred meters, and you will reach the alley where the Xu family's current residence is located.
All sorts of shops opened up along the main street, selling everything from food and clothing to daily necessities.
As Xu Rao walked, she looked at the shops on both sides of the street. She passed a pastry shop, went in and bought a few pastries that her children liked. She carried them in her hand. Not far from the pastry shop, a few teenagers ran towards her from the opposite side. Xu Rao hid by the roadside and waited until the children had passed before she realized that she had a small piece of paper in her hand.
She quickly handed the pastries she was carrying to her attendant. When she opened the note, she saw an address written on it. Xu Rao was shocked and confused. She took the note and went home.
When Xu Rao was about to go to Hexi, the Marquis of Yongning gave him a staff member named Su Zheng, who was a failed candidate in the imperial examinations. He was quick-witted and resourceful. Su Zheng had been following Xu Rao for several years and planned to take the palace examination in two years. If he didn't pass, he would take the exam again.
Su Zheng usually stayed at home. Xu Rao took the note to the study in the front yard and invited Su Zheng over. The two looked at the small note on the table, and Su Zheng said, "Sir, I think this is to invite you to discuss something."
Xu Rao said, "I just sent someone to inquire about this place. What's the matter that you insist I come here? There's a petition window set up at the main gate of the yamen. If you have any problems, just come over and tell me. I'll send someone to handle it sooner or later. Mr. Su, do you think it's necessary to let me know in this way? What's the matter?"
Su Zheng shook his head and said, "It's hard to say."
The two discussed it for a long time but couldn't come up with anything. Xu Rao took the note to the backyard, and after dinner, he pulled Xu Di and Zhang Zhaoci to discuss the matter on the large kang (heated brick bed) in the banquet area of his own courtyard.
Xu Di looked at the words on the note and said, "The handwriting is rather delicate, it must have been written by a woman. The paper is also quite expensive, so this family is probably not short of money. Father, have you gotten yourself into any romantic entanglements?"
Xu Rao said, "Go away, why are you belittling your own father like that? Don't you know what I'm busy with all day? I'm with you guys all the time. Even in the few days before you came, I was so busy that I didn't even have time to sleep. What romantic entanglements would I be involved in?"
Zhang Zhaoci said, "Your father isn't that kind of person. You're going off on a tangent."
Xu Di laughed and said, "You two are truly united in love, but this calligraphy was written by the woman."
Zhang Zhaoci said, "According to the logic of film and television, problems that are solved in this way are usually very complicated, and some may even involve princes. Old Xu, could it be that a girl has been bullied by a prince and wants you to help her seek justice?"
Xu Rao sighed and said, "You two have such wild imaginations. Now that you mention it, I do remember something. The Ganzhou River was originally built by a Mr. Liao. I heard that he had a falling out with the former Ganzhou prefect over the issue of materials for the river construction, and we haven't seen him since."
Zhang Zhaoci said, "Then there must be some injustice. Lord Xu, you must do justice for the people."
Xu Rao said, "I'll go take a look tomorrow. If it really is the Liao family, then we can continue to repair the river. If the river isn't repaired, no matter how well we do other things, it's useless. A big flood will wash everything away. Wouldn't that be a waste of time?"
Xu Di said, "Then I'll go with you tomorrow. I may not have any other skills, but I can still persuade a few people if I want to."
Zhang Zhaoci said, "Bring Guard Cheng along as well."
Xu Rao said, "That's natural. The water in Ganzhou used to be too deep, and so many people have drowned there. Who knows what else is underwater?"
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