Chapter 339 Private Seal (Part 1)
Xi Su was silent for a long time. Just when Lian Zhou thought he would ignore this matter, he finally spoke:
"I heard that the wine from Yunlai Tavern is clear and fragrant, with a refreshing aftertaste. It is indeed a rare delicacy that cannot be bought even with silver."
Lian Zhou: “……???”
He gradually came to his senses, his expression became unpredictable, and he touched his chin.
"You're right. If the master wants more, maybe he can give us some?"
He uttered a soft sound.
"It seems that the master still cares about us!"
He can't wait to return to Beijing now!
…
Chen Yanchuan stayed in Changzhou for half a month, and in the blink of an eye it was early October.
However, during this half month, he spent most of his time in the villa, and even rarely saw the officials below, as if he came here just to have some free time.
Xu Jie was skeptical at first, but as time went on, he gradually relaxed his vigilance.
He and Shen Yanchuan were not familiar with each other. Although the Second Prince had hinted to him before that he should be careful of Shen Yanchuan, after some time, he felt that the Second Prince was exaggerating.
This prince might be able to make some waves in the capital, but this is Changzhou!
Xu Jie is very confident in himself.
So when Shen Yanchuan suggested going to take a look at the Lihe River embankment, he readily agreed.
It started to drizzle again that day. The weather in Changzhou in October had turned cold, and the autumn rain was bleak.
When Chen Yanchuan and his party arrived at the embankment, they saw many soldiers carrying sandbags, many of whom were soaked in mud and water.
"We finally managed to plug the gap, and it's raining again today. Just in case, I ordered people to reinforce the dam." Xu Jie raised his hand and pointed, "We can only solve the problem completely after the money for repairing the river comes in!"
Chen Yanchuan's gaze lingered on the soldiers who were advancing one after another for a moment, then turned to the side and asked:
“Are those disaster victims?”
Xu Jie followed his gaze and saw a group of people in tattered clothes, some standing and some sitting, looking at the surging Li River in an extremely embarrassed, desperate and numb manner.
He sighed and explained, "Yes, the Li River burst its banks, and the fields of these people were flooded. They have nowhere to go. But don't worry, Your Majesty. I have ordered people to build tents and open the granary to distribute porridge."
Shen Yanchuan looked calm, and no emotion could be seen.
Seeing this, another official thought that this noble prince had never seen such a scene, so he flattered him:
"Your Highness, don't worry. Although the dike has burst and the fields have been flooded, it is not winter yet, so there won't be any major problems."
The implication is that these officials have already performed their duties conscientiously.
Chen Yanchuan suddenly remembered that three years ago, there was heavy snow in the capital and the weather was freezing cold.
Countless people froze to death on the roadside, sleeping silently under layer upon layer of snow.
She was once like these people, displaced and with nowhere to go.
Chen Yanchuan's eyes turned cold, and there seemed to be a cold light flashing in his eyes, but the moment he raised his eyes again, those deep phoenix eyes returned to their usual calmness and composure.
He nodded, his voice level.
"Thank you for your concern, Master Xu."
Xu Jie said with emotion: "When I was young, I also experienced famine. I know the hardships of the people. Seeing this situation today, I naturally feel sorry for them."
Shen Yanchuan paused for a moment, as if recalling something.
After a moment, he tilted his head slightly and asked, "I have heard that more than 20 years ago, it was because of the drought that Lord Xu and General Huo formed a deep friendship."
Xu Jie's expression froze instantly.
When the rest of the people in the group heard this, they all fell silent.
Huo Yucheng's name has almost become a taboo. Apart from Chen Yanchuan, I'm afraid few people dare to mention it in front of Xu Jie!
——After all, no one wants to be associated with a person whose entire family has been exterminated!
It was raining, but Xu Jie felt his palms were sweating.
He came from a poor family, but he was good at studying and had already gained fame for his talent when he was in his teens.
If his fellow villager Huo Yucheng had not given him some money that year, he would not even have had the money to go to Beijing for the exam, let alone his subsequent success.
The relationship between him and Huo Yucheng is also talked about by many people.
Of course, that was many years ago.
Xu Jie looked away for a while before whispering, "He is also confused... How can he embezzle the military pay?!"
The corners of Shen Yanchuan's mouth seemed to lift slightly.
Everyone said that Huo Yucheng embezzled military pay, and the evidence was irrefutable, but... that money was allocated from the Ministry of Revenue, and as the Shangshu, Xu Jie naturally knew it best.
"It's a pity indeed."
Chen Yanchuan said calmly.
If you trust the wrong person, one mistake can lead to eternal damnation.
The Huo family was in a state of bloodshed, but Xu Jie had become a high-ranking official and a governor, there was a world of difference between them.
He put aside his thoughts and changed the subject:
"After returning to the capital, I will explain the disaster situation here to His Majesty. The relief grain and money should arrive soon."
Xu Jie was stunned, but seeing that he didn't delve into it further, as if he just mentioned it casually, his heart finally settled down.
And from the looks of it, Chen Yanchuan will be leaving soon?
Yes, this place is not as prosperous and lively as the capital. It is windy and rainy all day long. It is normal for him to want to leave early.
Xu Jie didn't expect to be able to get rid of the trouble so easily, and bowed deeply with excitement:
"Then I would like to thank the prince on behalf of the people of Changzhou!"
…
"Master, are we leaving so early?"
Lian Zhou was also quite surprised by this matter, and as soon as he returned to his residence, he couldn't help asking questions.
Chen Yanchuan nodded: "I have already got what I want. Staying here is just a waste of time."
Lian Zhou naturally understood what his master meant.
As early as the day before they arrived in Changzhou, their people had already arrived secretly and checked the schedules of several officials including Xu Jie.
I heard some things I shouldn't have heard, saw some things I shouldn't have seen, and more importantly, I got some things I shouldn't have taken.
Shen Yanchuan took out a few pieces of paper from his sleeve.
He flipped through the pages one by one. The first two were rubbings of Xu Jie's memorials to the emperor, while the last two, upon closer inspection, were actually flirtatious poems.
And the handwriting is completely different from the previous two.
Lian Zhou took a look and said, "I can't believe that this Mr. Xu is such a playboy and has the interest to write poems for prostitutes."
Shen Yanchuan's gaze fell on the end.
There was no signature, just a seal.
——Xu Jie’s private seal.
It was exactly the same seal as the one on the letter that Huo Yucheng received before the war.
(End of this chapter)
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