Chapter 560 "Farewell Dong Da" is released!
The new chief inspector of Lihuatang?
On the Licorice Stage, upon hearing these words, the eyes of many ministers became profound, and some even looked at Yuan Li secretly, observing the changes in the expression of this senior official.
Among the recent events in Beijing, apart from Xue Shence's great victory on the eastern front, the Qingliu Party was purged.
The "white-faced police officer" who served as the executor was undoubtedly seen by the entire officialdom as a knife handed over by the empress.
However, the old foxes in the officialdom are aware that they are not going to point out that the police department represents the will of the empress.
But it is possible to talk about the relationship between this person and Zhao Duan.
No one knows where the rumor that Bai Lian Ji Si is Zhao Duan's subordinate came from, but it is well-founded and has been recognized by many people.
After all, this person is rumored to be a shadow guard, and now the shadow guards are under the jurisdiction and dispatch of Zhao Duan.
The group of troublemakers in Lihua Hall cooperated and respected the "new leader" in this way, which seemed to be instructed by Zhao Duan.
"I heard that many people have sent invitations, but this new detective seems to have rarely appeared in public recently. Does the Governor know his whereabouts?"
Seeing that Ma Yan didn't say anything, the deputy privy councilor threw the question aside again.
There was no smile on Ma Yan's thin face. He glanced at Xu Zhenguan before asking:
"You all don't care about national affairs, but you are so concerned about a small district police station. Isn't that inappropriate?"
The atmosphere suddenly became tense.
The Minister of Rites hurried to smooth things over:
"Today is the golden autumn gathering, Your Majesty is enjoying the joy with the people, please do not discuss serious matters."
The empress picked up a wine bottle with her slender hands, took a sip from her red lips, and said lightly:
"My dear, what you said is absolutely right."
His Majesty has spoken.
Then the atmosphere quickly eased.
…
Gancaotai, located down the hillside, is the largest building complex in Leyouyuan.
It is roughly divided into two parts. One side is where the noble ladies, young ladies and children in the capital gather to enjoy the scenery.
On the other side, there were mainly literati, with a few officials from various yamen of lower rank interspersed, all gathered here in groups of three or five.
It is the literary gathering of the Golden Autumn Elegant Gathering.
The officials were also dressed in casual clothes, sitting down to drink and write poems and essays. The atmosphere was light and harmonious, in stark contrast to the serious atmosphere on the licorice stage.
Since it is a literary gathering, it is mainly attended by scholars from the Xiuwen Academy.
Han Zhou, nicknamed "Banshan", sat at the table and acted as referees with many celebrities, commenting on the entire Golden Autumn Gathering and the poems and essays sent from various pavilions and towers.
In between comments, it is inevitable to talk about political affairs.
"By the way, have you ever seen the white-faced police officer from Lihua Hall?"
Suddenly, a tall and thin middle-aged man from the Imperial College stood up, looked around, and asked questions.
He is Chen Siye. A few days ago, in a restaurant, he and a Du Chengzhi from the Privy Council went to "visit" Bai Jisi.
There was some unpleasantness at that time. On his way home, Chen Siye was intercepted by an unknown person, who put a hood over his head and beat him up. Although the injury was not serious, he still had a bruised face and nose.
He hid at home for half a month before he was willing to come out to see people.
The bruises on his face are still visible.
"That Bai Jisi from Lihuatang?"
"The ruthless man who arrested many officials of the Qingliu Party?"
Everyone at the table looked over, showing great interest in this mysterious, masked police officer.
Everyone knows that this person offended many scholars, both openly and secretly, because of the Qingliu Party case. Rumors also said that he was Zhao Duan's subordinate, which added another layer of hostility.
Unfortunately, this person wears a mask and never reveals his true face. He doesn't even have a name, so others only call him "White-faced" Jisi or "White Jisi".
"I sent the invitation, but this person hasn't shown up for a long time, so I'm afraid he won't come," one person said.
"I invited him three times, but there was no response even after I sent him the invitations. He is even more arrogant than Ma Dugong." Some people also expressed dissatisfaction.
They didn't dare to provoke Zhao Duan.
But he was not afraid of a shadow guard who was hiding his head and showing his tail.
Since the purge of the Qingliu Party, Bailian Jisi has rarely appeared in public. Some people even suspect that he has resigned and left the capital.
There are many different opinions on the main topic.
"Hmph! If you ask me, this person is relying on the reputation of Zhao Shaobao and looks down on you all. Naturally, he is unwilling to honor you and attend the appointment."
In the distance, a middle-aged military officer with a round face, narrow eyes, and a raised chin, also with some bruises on his face, walked over.
It was the fifth-rank official of the Privy Council who was ambushed and beaten together with Chen Siye.
He came over and said sarcastically:
"Perhaps he has already left the capital and gone to Linfeng to assassinate the rebels with Zhao Shaobao. Isn't that a hundred times better than meeting with us in person?"
Chen Siye also echoed:
"Well, that's not necessarily the case. Or maybe he's hiding in the capital, secretly searching for traitors within the rebel army. To be honest, I haven't left my house lately, fearing that if I see any friends, the White Police will accuse me of treason and throw me in jail."
"Hahaha……"
The two of them sang the same tune, full of resentment.
Obviously, everyone guessed that the people who attacked them that day were the men sent by the White-Faced Police Chief.
With the two taking the lead, a number of literati and military officers immediately followed suit and joined the team of teasing and mocking.
Overtly and covertly, yin and yang are derogatory.
However, more people kept silent and were unwilling to get involved.
Afraid of getting into trouble.
Haitang also came for the autumn outing in plain clothes today. She was in the crowd and heard the noise here. Her ears moved slightly, and she took in everything Bai Jisi said. She said unhappily:
"Who gave them the courage to criticize our people?"
Zhang Han walked over from the side. This guy was wearing casual clothes but his back was straight and he looked meticulous.
"It was Xue Shence. The military faction in the court had been suppressed for too long, and everyone wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to elevate its status. This was the trend of thought within the entire faction, and it was unstoppable.
Fortunately, Zhao Duan won two battles and had the title of the future emperor's husband, so this group of people did not dare to target him openly and could only flatter him to death.
Bai Jisi, as Zhao Duan's 'confidant', is currently in the limelight, but his status is not high, making him the best target for attack."
The other police officers from the other branches also came over and nodded secretly.
Haitang knew this truth, but she just felt suffocated.
At this moment, she suddenly noticed a group of people riding horses in the distance from the corner of her eye.
Her eyes lit up slightly: "He's here."
The police looked over and were surprised to find that the big shot who had disappeared for more than half a month actually showed up in broad daylight, riding a horse.
Zhao Duan was wearing a black suit and his face was covered with a signature pure white mask.
Following behind him were a group of people in brocade clothes from Lihuatang.
…
"Shhh!"
Zhao Duan reined in his horse at the edge of Leyouyuan, dismounted, and threw away the reins, leaving the brocade clothes behind to take care of him.
He himself, along with his trusted aides such as Qian Kerou, Chen Juan, and Hou Renmeng, cut into the crowd like sharp blades.
In an instant, it attracted the attention of the whole audience. Tourists enjoying the autumn scenery in the distance and scholars reciting poems and composing essays in pavilions and towers all stopped what they were doing and looked over.
There are also people pointing fingers.
This recent celebrity in Beijing actually came!
In an instant, the crowd in front of Zhao Duan moved to the sides like a tide. Some of them were unable to dodge and were suddenly pulled away by their relatives and friends!
Like fearing a tiger!
Zhao Duan walked briskly and with a clear goal in mind, towards the Gancao Terrace on the top of the mountain.
We soon arrived at the hillside where the literary gathering was held.
The large group of people who had just gathered together, talking freely and making sarcastic remarks about him, all shut their mouths at the same time, avoided looking, and quietly retreated.
A man's reputation is like the shadow of a tree!
Even if this person's background is not as strong as "Zhao Yanwang", he is said to be a vicious killer. He just complains behind his back, but how many people dare to be rude to him in front of him?
Even Chen Siye and the imperial edict kept their mouths shut.
"Huh?"
Zhao Duan stopped and noticed two familiar faces, one civil and one military, sitting at a table by the roadside.
"It's you. Nice to see you again. How did you get the injuries on your faces?" Zhao Duan asked casually.
He really just asked casually because he was in a very good mood today.
So good that I don't care about the slightest offense.
Chen Siye and Du Chengzhi's expressions changed when they heard this. Their bruised faces turned red and white, and they felt a strong sense of irony.
Ask how the injury occurred?
Didn’t you send someone to beat him up?
The two wanted to be tougher and ridicule him in person, but they found that they couldn't open their mouths no matter what.
Zhao Duan was clearly just standing in front of the two of them, but he already gave them a heavy sense of pressure.
Chen Siye was a scholar and was timid by nature, so he couldn't help but look at Du Chengzhi.
But that day, the military officer of the Privy Council who dared to smash the cup while drunk, for some reason, felt his heart beating fast and sweat on his forehead today.
I always feel that this white-faced police officer today is a little different.
Seeing that the two men were silent, Zhao Duan was too lazy to pay attention to them. He glanced around, suddenly stopped, and turned to a pavilion not far away.
This is a literary gathering, and the protagonist is Mr. Dong.
Young Master Dong, the grandson of the Grand Tutor, decided to put his studies on hold, join the army, and rush to Xiping Road to help quell the rebellion.
This news has already spread throughout the capital.
Today, at the Denggao Literary Gathering, many scholars and students wrote poems to send off Mr. Dong.
Han Zhou and other scholars from the Xiuwen Academy, as subordinates of Grand Tutor Dong, also came to show their support.
Seeing the white-faced police officer walking straight towards them, a group of scholars frowned.
The imperial guards are a bunch of crude warriors. Why are they gathering here? Are they looking for trouble?
Han Zhou took the initiative to step forward and said with a bow:
"But Lihuatang Baijisi? I've heard of your name for a long time."
Behind Zhao Duan's mask, his two eyes looked through the holes, glanced at Han Zhou, and smiled:
"Han Banshan's name is well known to me."
Han Zhou was stunned for a moment, because for some reason, he always felt that the person in front of him was familiar, but he couldn't figure out the reason.
Zhao Duan was not interested in chatting with a group of literati. His eyes swept over the pens, ink, paper and inkstone spread out on the tables in the pavilion.
He looked at Dong Shusheng again and said with a smile:
"I just received the latest letter from Taicang. Governor Zhao learned that Master Dong was about to go on a long journey, so he gave him a poem as a farewell."
He originally wanted to go directly to Gancaotai to report, but when he saw Dong Shusheng, he decided to delay for some time.
Otherwise, once he finishes his report, the entire Leyouyuan will be in an uproar, and the farewell poetry reading will not be able to continue.
That day in the restaurant, he learned that Dong Shusheng had given up his studies to join the army, and he wanted to see him off. Now that the opportunity had come, he decided to do it first.
"What? A poem presented by Governor Zhao?"
As soon as the words came out, the people around were stunned, and the first thing they were surprised about was not the poem itself.
Zhao Duan and Dong Shusheng knew each other and were friends... This was no secret in the officialdom of the capital.
When Xiuwenguan was first established, Shenlong Temple was holding the Ullambana Festival. Zhao Duan went to participate and had a conflict with others.
At that time, Master Dong stepped forward to rescue the situation, and many people knew about it.
In addition, Zhao Duan also had the identity of an "extra-staff scholar" in Xiuwenguan, and had a close relationship with Grand Tutor Dong.
Therefore, it is reasonable to give a poem as a gift.
What surprised everyone was another message revealed in the words of the white-faced police officer:
News has come back from Taicang Prefecture!
This is the latest news that has not yet been made public!
Moreover, considering that the White Face Police Officer has disappeared for more than half a month and has not appeared in public... the truth is about to be revealed:
I'm afraid that in the past half month, the White-Faced Police Chief has really left the capital and gone to the western front of Linfeng once, or at least contacted the shadow guards on the Linfeng side.
Otherwise, how could he have received the gift of the poem from Governor Zhao and personally attended the Golden Autumn Gathering in Governor Zhao's place?
"Brother Zhao...he gave me a poem?" Master Dong was stunned.
Dong Shusheng, who had a simple character and was rare among many nobles in his honesty, was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes.
Despite Zhao Duan's current noble status, he still remembers his friend. Even though he is stationed thousands of miles away, he still sends him poems. How can he not be moved by such friendship?
"Excuse me, where is the poem?" Master Dong asked with a bow.
Zhao Duan smiled and said:
"The poem is included in the military intelligence report, but it is not convenient to show it to Master Dong. However, I can copy it for the governor."
After saying that, he walked to a square table, picked up a brush, dipped it in thick ink, and was about to write on the white paper.
For a moment, a group of scholars flocked to the scene, craning their necks to watch.
Han Zhou was also curious:
"The last time I saw Zhao Shaobao's poetry was the 'Night Notes on Zhangtai'. At that time, I felt that the poem was full of elegance and grace. Today, I am lucky enough to see it again."
As an unqualified plagiarist, Zhao Duan had only copied a very limited number of poems publicly, the only one being at the last Zhangtai Banquet.
The poem "The Emperor's Beauty and My Youth" is widely known and is now regarded as a top love poem...
However, many scholars scoffed at this, believing that Zhao Duan's use of poetry and literature to flatter the empress was a disgrace to civility, and that although the words in "Night Notes on Zhangtai" were stunning, it was not convincing to say that he had a deep foundation.
In the impression of scholars, Zhao Duan was a military man, and even though he had some talent, he was not good at poetry and prose.
However, today is different from the past. Given Zhao Duan's status and position, no one dares to publicly belittle him even if his writing is poor.
There will even be many people who flatter and praise.
At this time, some people were racking their brains, thinking about how to praise the rubbish poems written by Governor Zhao.
Han Zhou was thinking about how he could comment on the poem without losing face if it was mediocre.
However, Zhao Duan, who was in a hurry, had already started writing and deliberately changed his usual handwriting.
While writing, Han Zhou beside him read it softly:
"Farewell to Dong Da..."
"A thousand miles of yellow clouds, dimming the sun... eh."
When Han Zhou read the first sentence, he let out a light exclamation. The height of an article can be seen from the beginning, and the quality of a poem can also be seen from the beginning.
Although this one sentence is not brilliant, it brings a vivid picture to everyone's mind.
"The north wind blows the wild geese and the snow falls."
As soon as the second sentence came out, a picture seemed to appear before everyone's eyes.
The sky was covered with clouds that stretched for thousands of miles. The cold wind sent away the geese and brought in heavy snow.
Although it is autumn now and winter has not yet arrived, considering that Dong Da is going west to quell the rebellion.
Battlefields and smoke rising everywhere are undoubtedly a more appropriate image of a cold winter.
Winter will soon arrive, which coincides with the time when Dong Da arrives in Xiping.
Han Zhou read out the last two sentences in one breath:
"Don't worry about having no friends on the road ahead..."
“Who in the world doesn’t know you…”
As soon as the two sentences came out, the whole pavilion fell silent.
Han Zhou was in a daze, completely immersed in the imagery of the poem and unable to extricate himself.
Several scholars around were also shocked by the boldness of these two sentences.
“Who in the world doesn’t know you…who doesn’t know you…”
Dong Da murmured, repeating this sentence over and over again, tears rolling down his eyes, and suddenly he burst into laughter.
Facing southwest towards Taicang, he bowed respectfully:
"Brother Zhao is a man of great talent. With such a heroic poem, I would have no regrets even if I died on the battlefield!"
Ahem... Not really, we can't just raise flags randomly... Zhao Duan muttered in his heart, put down his brush, and left Dong Da and a group of scholars staring at this timeless poem with fiery eyes.
He quietly withdrew from the crowd and said to Qian Kerou and others who were also curious:
"Wait here."
Then he walked straight past the pavilion and headed towards the licorice platform at the top of the hillside.
Because of the appearance of the song "Farewell Dong Da" here, more and more people at the Golden Autumn Gathering were attracted by the movement here.
On the contrary, few people noticed that Zhao Duan left the crowd and started climbing the mountain.
…
On the licorice table.
When the ministers were feasting.
Some people also noticed the hustle and bustle down the hillside.
"Hey, what happened over there? Why are so many people gathered?" The Minister of Rites asked curiously.
Yuan Li glanced over there and said, "Is this where the literary gathering is?"
Mei Jijiu, the Imperial College priest who was standing by, said hurriedly:
"Master Dong's eldest grandson is about to travel west, and the students have written poems to cheer him on."
The Minister of War smiled and said:
"Then there must be some good poetry. Come, go and find out what it is and bring it back for Your Majesty to see."
Immediately, a waiter was about to run to the licorice stand, but after taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped and was shocked to see a figure climbing the mountain alone.
Zhao Duan, wearing a black suit and a white mask, stepped onto the last step of Gancaotai. He looked up and saw the imperial guards guarding the center, the empress and all the civil and military officials under the awning.
Everyone was stunned.
Xu Zhenguan was also stunned for a moment, and then, a hint of half-belief and half-joy suddenly flashed across his phoenix eyes, as if he had guessed something, and his breathing became slightly rapid!
(End of this chapter)
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