Chapter 340: Night tour of Chang'an

"I am Wei Yan, please see the Queen Mother." Wei Yan, wearing a second-rank court robes, respectfully bowed to Cui Xiaofu.

Cui Xiaofu smiled and waved her hand slightly and said, "Please sit down with Aiqing Wei."

"Thank you Queen Mother!"

Seeing Wei Yan sitting down, Cui Xiaofu asked straight to the point: "It seems that you are the only one of the cabinet members who did not go to greet Shangshu Zhang today. Why is that?"

Wei Er snorted coldly, "My son is also going home today, I don't have time."

Cui Xiaofu nodded and sighed slightly: "It seems that Wei Aiqing's waist is the hardest among the court. The Ai family doesn't want to go, but they have to go. They are not as powerful as others!"

Wei Yan's face turned pale and he said nothing. For a moment, the atmosphere in the room seemed a little dull.

Although Wei Yan was recognized as a member of the Empress Dowager Party by the government and the opposition, in fact, he and Cui Xiaofu were just a cooperative relationship and a loose strategic alliance. It was just because they had a common enemy. Once this enemy was eliminated, the cooperation between them would come to an end. Therefore, Cui Xiaofu would never talk to him as much as she would want to Li Mian, but instead test it carefully and lead it to the road step by step.

Similarly, Wei Yan didn't know everything about her. They just cooperated with each other in tacitly. For example, the case of robbing the United States that was about to trigger the Central Plains War was actually planned by Wei Yan. The purpose was to make Wei Deqing defeat Cui Qinggong in one fell swoop, occupy the entire Central Plains region, and become the third force that can truly compete with Zhang Huan and Pei Jun as soon as possible.

Cui Xiaofu's tacit understanding was to grant Wei Qing the governor of Chenliu in time, which was aware of Wei Yan's heart. Now Cui Xiaofu summoned Wei Yan to urge him to take action as soon as possible and not let this Central Plains war end with Zhang Huan's return.

On the one hand, she hopes that Wei Yan can become the third force to suppress Zhang Huan as soon as possible. The Wei family occupied the Central Plains, which greatly increased her strength and could deal with Zhang Huan's aggressive momentum after the Anxi War. Cui Xiaofu has another selfish desire, that is, if Cui Qinggong is not removed for a day, she will sooner or later fall into his hands.

Now Cui Qinggong is lost in the people and the food is cut off, which is the best time to get rid of him.

At this time, Wei Yan coughed, breaking the awkward atmosphere in the room. He straightened his waist and said solemnly: "Cui Qinggong ignored the lives and death of the people and tried to provoke the war. We must not tolerate it. My son just came from Chenliu and now General Deqing has completed the army. As long as Cui Qinggong dares to cross the line, he will definitely not let him go easily, but...."

Speaking of the word "just", Wei Yan paused and glanced at Lu Taiyi next to him. Cui Xiaofu understood and waved her hand, ordering Lu Tai to go.

Seeing that there was no one around, Wei Yan lowered his voice and said to Wei Yan: "Wei Deqing must not do it first. Now Cui Qinggong has shown signs of retreating, and we need to light another fire."

"What are you going to do?" Cui Xiaofu no longer concealed her urgency to start a war.

"I have a way to kill two birds with one stone." Wei Yan gently stroked his short beard and smiled a little proudly: "The Empress Dowager can confer the generals under Cui Qinggong as marquises. Cui Qinggong will be afraid of it. Even if he doesn't fight, there will be chaos within Cui Qinggong. Wei Deqing can protect the people as an excuse to send troops south."

Cui Xiaofu pondered for a long time. Although this might trigger a warlord melee, it was indeed the best way to get rid of Cui Qinggong. She suddenly thought that Zhang Huan was about to go to court tomorrow. A sense of crisis that was endless was burning with her patience. She resolutely made up her mind, "Okay, let's do it according to your strategy!"

As night gradually came, Zhang Huan's family was tired from the journey and they all rested early. Zhang Huan was still reading a few memorials in the study. At this time, the door opened gently. Zhang Hua Jinxiu, his concubine, walked in with a cup of ginseng tea. She was the close maid Zhang Huan collected when she was in the old house in Taiyuan. She was only eleven years old and a thin and weak little yellow-haired girl. When she was in Dongneiyuan, she washed Zhang Huan's clothes and quilt all day to show that she was useful. Six or seven years have passed. She is already eighteen years old, and she has a graceful appearance, delicate and white skin, with beautiful eyebrows on her face, and a hint of shyness in her dark and quiet eyes. She seemed to be a new pear that had just picked off from a tree and still with dewdrops.

Regarding her arrangement, Pei Ying originally wanted to marry her to a personal lieutenant of Zhang Huan, but on the night of the conversation, she fell ill. The water and rice were not sticking to each other for several days, and it was almost gone. At this time, the doctor who treated her said that she was not sick. Pei Ying then understood her thoughts, and was both emotional and pity, so she decided to accept her as Zhang Huan's concubine, and Zhang Huan was attacking Hanzhong.

But it was not until a month ago that Zhang Huan returned from Anxi that she finally became his woman. Although Hua Jinxiu's identity has changed, her true nature has not changed. She is still Zhang Huan's personal concubine now.

"Master, drink a bowl of ginseng tea!" Hua Jinxiu put the tea bowl next to Zhang Huan and said softly.

"Thank you!" Zhang Huan smiled gently at her, put down his pen, picked up the ginseng tea and took a sip. She relaxed all over. Hua Jinxiu walked behind him lightly, and skillfully pressed his neck, head and shoulders. She whispered: "After four or five days, we were all tired from riding a horse. Besides, the master was still riding a horse, so let's take a break early today! We will get up in the morning tomorrow."

"Are they all asleep?" Zhang Huan asked with his eyes closed.

"Everyone is asleep. The lady wants to take care of the child, so she tells me to let you rest early."

"Then why don't you sleep?"

Zhang Huan suddenly smiled and took her in front of him, sat on his lap, held her hand and smiled ambiguously: "Do you want to wait to sleep with me?"

Hua Jinxiu's face turned red with shame. She lowered her head, pinched the corner of her clothes uneasy, and whispered like a mosquito in her mouth: "I don't have it!"

Zhang Huan laughed, slapped her ass, stood up and pulled her, "Let's go out for a walk."

"But it's night now!"

Zhang Huan held her face, kissed her cherry lips, and said to her gently: "Didn't you always tell me before, want to see the night view of Chang'an? Today, I'm also interested, so let's go together!"

Hua Jinxiu was full of heart, and she nodded heavily, "Then I'll get a piece of clothes for the master."

"Don't wake them up."

"I know!"

Zhang Huan saw that he was so excited that he jumped like a little girl, and remembered that she was busy like a bird all day while in Dongneiyuan, and a warm feeling arose in her heart.

About a quarter of an hour later, Zhang Huan changed into a loose robe and took Hua Jinxiu to the street scene of Chang'an. It was only half a year since he left Chang'an, but he felt as if more than ten years had passed, and even felt like he was a different life.

"Jinxiu, do you really have no relative?"

Zhang Huan saw the flowers lying on the window and looked at the street in a daze. A sad feeling appeared in his eyes. He felt pity in his heart, and then he put his shoulder on his shoulder and said softly: "I remember you told me that you lived in my former house because of the relatives in the Zhang family. Then you should have relatives. Why did you tell me that they all died?"

Hua Jinxiu felt a little cold, so she shrank into Zhang Huan's arms. After a long time, she sighed slightly, "I didn't dare to say it before, because I was afraid you don't want me."

"It's time to fight!" Zhang Huan tapped her head gently, "You have been serving me for so many years, how could I not want you? Besides, is there anyone in the Zhang Mansion that I can hold a grudge? Even Zhang Xuan, I have long forgotten him."

"But the lady wants to marry me to Lieutenant Liu, I, I..." Hua Jinxiu snuggled up against Zhang Huan's chest. She bit her lips tightly, her eyes turning a little red.

Zhang Huan smiled and hugged her shoulders and comforted her: "Madam is a kind-hearted person. I, the officers of the personal guards, will be the generals who will stand alone in the future. It is better to let you be their wife than to be my concubine. If you have a son in the future, you may be able to be a first-rate lady. If the wife hadn't said that you were already in a vain, I would also advocate that you marry the general in Longyou."

"What about now! Will you still reward me to others?" Hua Jinxiu looked at her secretly and asked with some anxiety.

"You silly girl." Zhang Huan pinched Hua Jinxiu's nose and shook his head. He leaned on the couch and looked at the night outside the car window and said lightly: "I can reward some things to my subordinates, such as money and land, but there are two things I will not give to anyone."

Zhang Huan lowered his head and stared at her pretty eyes and said word by word: "One is my woman, the other is my country."

"As long as the master doesn't drive me away, I will serve you for the rest of my life."

Hua Jinxiu sighed happily, leaned on Zhang Huan's shoulder and whispered: "My parents died early, and there was only one cousin, who married Zhang Xuan, named Hua Erniang."

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It was the eve of Laba Festival. Although the weather was cold, there were still people coming and going on the streets, which were particularly lively. Zhang Huan's carriage was guarded by more than a dozen personal soldiers and walked slowly westwards. He was unwilling to go north. It was too close to the government office, which would affect his mood for shopping. At this time, the carriage arrived at Guangdefang, and then walked forward to the West Market. Now it was time for every household to prepare New Year's goods. It was too late for the West Market to close, and you could see a constant stream of people rushing towards the West Market.

The carriage was about to drive out of Guangdefang soon, and the gate of Xishi opposite was clearly visible. Suddenly, Hua Jinxiu saw that the road at the Koufangmen was brightly lit, with crowds inside and very noisy, as if it was a little lively than Naxishi. She asked curiously: "Master, what do you do?"

Zhang Huan was also a little strange. He had walked through Guangdefang several times, but he still remembered that there was a deserted road and an abandoned temple. When did it become so lively? He ordered a personal soldier and said, "Go and take a look, what is it done?"

After a moment, the personal soldiers ran back to report, "Governor, there are many people in there setting up small stalls and selling some snacks and groceries."

"It turned out to be some small vendors, and it's not interesting, so keep moving forward." Zhang Huan waved his hand and said.

"Master, take me to see it! I, my hairband is broken and I am about to buy one." Hua Jinxiu's eyes were full of yearning. She hugged Zhang Huan's arm and begged coquettishly.

Zhang Huan was rubbed against her arms by her towering chest, and her heart couldn't help but sway, and then she attached herself to her ear and laughed in a low voice: "Then you serve me well tonight, and I'll take you there."

"Yes!" Hua Jinxiu's face turned red and she nodded slightly.

"Customer, come and see my rattle. This is an authentic product from Pingyao, Hedong. Is your son's favorite, little boy, right?"

"Brother's mother is so beautiful! When she grows up, she will definitely be able to go to the palace to be a concubine. If she buys my pearl necklace, haha! That's the life of becoming a queen, and the eldest brother can enjoy the happiness. How about it, come a string?"

Along the way, there were shouts and calls. This path was behind a row of houses. The low eaves of the house were covered with lanterns, so it looked brilliantly lit. The road was originally covered with weeds, but now the weeds have long been trampled flat. There are various stalls, mostly made of wood nails, which look very simple. Some people don’t even have such simple wooden shelves. They just use a piece of cloth to lay them on the ground, and pile up some old goods and groceries that they got from some unknown places.

This is actually a bit like the small commodity market in later generations. They sell low-end goods and do not have to pay taxes, so the price is very cheap, which attracted a large number of poor families to visit. As the end of the year approaches, buying a few small toys for their son and a few cheap jewelry for their wife and daughter is also an explanation.

The path was crowded with Chang'an people coming to buy things, and groups of girls lingered in front of various stalls to select small items such as wooden combs, earrings, etc.

Although Zhang Huan looked down on the things here, it was a kind of private visit to the people here. Hua Jinxiu was very excited and pulled Zhang Huan all the way. More than a dozen personal soldiers followed them nervously, fearing that something would happen.

Hua Jinxiu was born in poverty and her parents died early. She made a living by washing clothes for others since she was eight years old. After saving a few cents, she would go to a similar stall in Taiyuan to buy some combs, small bronze mirrors and other daily necessities, so she always had a deep feeling for such small stalls. At this time, she saw a stall full of boxwood combs and various boxwood hairbands. She screamed as if she had discovered a treasure, and pulled Zhang Huan to come forward.

The stall owner was an old couple in their sixties. They couldn't shout, and they waited for people to come forward with one eye. The location was in the corner again, so the business was very deserted. When they saw someone coming up, the old lady quickly smiled and said, "Miss, buy one! It's cheap."

The old man also smiled honestly, "Buy one!"

When Zhang Huan heard that their accent seemed to be in Hedong area, he saw that the old couple's clothes were worn out, so he couldn't help but feel pity, so he said to Hua Jinxiu: "Just buy more! Bring some for them too."

When the two old men saw that they were willing to buy more, the walnut patterns on their faces seemed to be smiling, "They were all made by my wife, cheap, five cents a handful, and I have even cheaper ones here, only three cents."

The old lady took out a small cloth bag from behind her again, and tried to untie it with trembling hands, but she couldn't untie it. She couldn't help but whisper and complained to her husband, "Who told you to tie it so tightly?"

Zhang Huan smiled and took the cloth bag, "I'll do it!"

He untied the cloth bag in just a few strokes, and there were dozens of combs inside, but they were made of ordinary willow trees, which were exquisitely made.

"Uncle, did you do this yourself?"

The old man nodded, but couldn't find anything to say. The aunt next to him quickly said, "I have been a wooden comb maker for decades. Is it very famous in Taiyuan. Does the Zhang family in Taiyuan know? Even their family uses it!"

"My master is...." Hua Jinxiu was about to say it, but Zhang Huan stopped her words. He smiled and said, "I am also from Taiyuan, Hedong, and we are still fellow villagers."

When I met a fellow villager in a foreign land, the old man laughed, "I said your accent sounds a bit familiar. It turns out that you are from Taiyuan, come and sit down." The old man gave in to the side and gave up a piece of open space for Zhang Huan.

Zhang Huan smiled and sat down next to him. While watching Hua Jinxiu selecting a comb, he asked with a smile: "The old man and the aunt are so old, why don't they stay at home and do small business? Just let their children sell it."

When Zhang Huan mentioned his son, the old man's eyes felt sad and sighed: "This year, Hedong suffered a major disaster. Everyone had no food to eat. The eldest son and his daughter-in-law sold themselves to the temple as slaves. The younger son said he went to Longyou to join the army. There was no news yet. My wife and I thought, we can't starve to death! So we came to Chang'an to join our relatives, but they were in trouble and couldn't support us. We could only set up a small stall and sell some wooden combs and other small things to make a living."
To be continued...