Chapter 538

Better sooner rather than later, after making up your mind.

Lin Zhong packed up his books, said goodbye to his father, wife and children, and headed to Huaizhou City with Ma Fu.

After arriving at Huaizhou City, Lin Zhong was immediately attracted by the prosperity in front of him.

Ma Fu was also stunned.

In the past two years, with the confrontation between Fengzhou and Huaizhou, and the conflicts between the Huai Army and Chen Army, Ma Fu has not been to Huaizhou City for a long time, so his influence on Huaizhou City still remains when King Huai is in power. when.

But at that time, it was not as prosperous and lively as it is now.

The streets on both sides are full of all kinds of products, with colorful curtains hanging between the stalls. People wear all kinds of clothes, some wearing gorgeous brocade clothes, others wearing simple clothes, but no matter what, everyone Their faces were filled with excitement and anticipation for their future life.

Shouting, singing, cheering, etc. all mixed together, making it very lively.

"Although I have never been to Kyoto, the Kyoto mentioned in the book is just like this." Lin Zhong said in shock.

"The current Kyoto is not as good as Huaizhou City."

At this moment, a voice sounded next to Lin Zhong.

Lin Zhong heard the sound and looked over. The man who spoke looked about the same age as himself. He was dressed as a scholar and was carrying a bag. He cupped his hands towards Lin Zhong and said, "I am a person from Suxian County in Yanzhou who is twenty-one years old." "My surname is Guo Mingning. You are also a student who came to Huaizhou City to take the exam."

Lin Zhong also hurriedly returned the salute and said: "I am Lin Zhong, Zhongchang Zhong, who is two years older than you and a native of Shan County, Fengzhou."

After saying that, Lin Zhong added: "I have already applied for the exam in Yi County. I came to Huaizhou City this time just to confirm one thing."

"It turns out to be Brother Lin." Guo Ning cupped his hand again and said immediately: "I am also the first to arrive in Huaizhou City, and I am not familiar with the place. The so-called meeting means we are destined. Otherwise, the three of us will find a restaurant and drink together. chat."

Hearing this, Lin Zhong suddenly looked embarrassed and glanced at his cousin next to him. He had already spent too much money on this journey. If the ultimatum was confirmed to be true, he would probably have to live in Huaizhou City. On the day of the exam in August, he would have to spend money later, and he really couldn't bear to spend another sum of money to go to a restaurant with his cousin to eat and drink with a new acquaintance.

Just when he was about to refuse, Guo Ning seemed to notice Lin Zhong's embarrassment and said with a smile: "To be honest, I have something to ask Brother Lin, so can I invite Brother Lin and Brother Lin's cousin to a restaurant for a drink? "

With that said, regardless of whether Lin Zhong agreed or not, Guo Ning took his arm and walked towards a restaurant.

Ma Fu still has a good eye for discerning people. The way he talks and dresses, he should be from a high level. It wouldn’t be a bad thing if Zhong’er could get to know him. He quickly followed him and said with a smile: “In response to what Mr. Guo said "We are destined to meet each other and have a drink. How can we let Mr. Guo invite us?"

"My cousin, you don't have to be polite. It's just a glass of wine. I can still afford it."

While talking, Guo Ning stopped in front of a shop called Fuze Restaurant and said: "When I was in Yanzhou, I heard about the name of Fuze Restaurant. I didn't expect that there is one in Huaizhou City. Brother Lin, let's go in. Eat hot pot and drink wine.”

After that, he directly pulled Lin Zhong into Fuze Restaurant.

Ma Fu followed.

It's not dinner time yet, and although there are still many customers in Fuze Restaurant, there are still empty seats.

After the three of them sat down, the waiter came over and handed over the menu, while asking: "Do you want something mildly spicy, medium spicy, or extra spicy?"

Lin Zhong: "?"

Guo Ning: "?"

Ma Fu: "Slightly spicy."

"Okay." The waiter shouted to the people downstairs: "The mandarin duck pot on the third floor is slightly spicy."

With that said, the waiter said to Ma Fu: "The pot will be here soon. After the guest orders the dishes, just call the waiter."

After saying that, the waiter withdrew.

"Cousin, have you ever had hot pot?" Guo Ning is a "social cow" and directly followed Lin Zhong's call to call Ma Fu.

"I ate it once when I was in Wuguan. I didn't expect there to be a branch in Huaizhou City." Ma Fu said with a smile.

"It's not surprising. Huaizhou City is so lively and there are so many people. There is no reason not to open it." Guo Ning said.

"Cousin, brother Guo, what exactly is this hot pot?" Lin Zhong asked curiously as this was the first time he heard the word hot pot.

"I heard that it came from Yuzhou. It was created by Anguo Gong and is an industry of Anguo Gong's mansion. But what is it specifically?" As he said that, Guo Ning looked at Ma Fu.

He had never eaten it, and he couldn't explain why.

"To put it simply, it's just a hodgepodge, but it's different. We'll know after we finish ordering and the dishes are served." Ma Fu couldn't say a word or two clearly.

Lin Zhong suppressed his curiosity for the time being, and then started chatting with Guo Ning: "From what Brother Guo said before, Brother Guo has been to the capital?"

Guo Ning nodded, and then explained specifically: "The capital I am talking about is Tianchuan, not the current Luonan. My grandfather was once a member of the Ministry of Rites. Later, he was dissatisfied with Xu Guozhong's control of the government and his nepotism, so he resigned and returned to his hometown. I arrived in Yanzhou, so I also lived in the capital for a while.”

Hearing this, Lin Zhong stood up in awe and bowed his hands to Guo Ning.

You must know that Yuanwailang of the Ministry of Rites, from the fifth rank, in his eyes, can be said to be a senior official who is not accessible to ordinary people.

While he was talking, a voice came from downstairs and shouted: "Everyone, everyone must be tired of hearing this story about Zhao Zilong entering and exiting seven times, and the burning of Red Cliff. I won't talk about Zhao Zilong, nor will I talk about Cao Ah Man." , just tell us about the deeds of our An Guogong, okay?"

"Good." Everyone echoed and cheered. Most people who came to Fuze Restaurant came to eat hot pot, and listening to stories was just a side job.

Lin Zhong, Guo Ning, and Ma Fu also looked downstairs.

The storyteller slapped the table again and said, "I'm sure everyone has heard about the recent restoration of the imperial examination by the court?"

"Of course, this is a major event that shocked the world."

"Then do you know who proposed the restoration of the imperial examination?"

"Who?"

"It was the Duke of Anguo." The storyteller slapped the table again and said, "I heard that this time the Duke of Anguo went north to fight against foreign enemies. He walked along the way and lamented the hardships of the people's lives. The officials in many states and counties did not do anything, and the people lived in dire straits. The Duke of Anguo thought at that time that he should re-elect a parent official for the people in the north.

So, after driving the Jinxia barbarians out of our Song Dynasty, he immediately asked the court to restore the imperial examination and select officials for the world."

The voice fell, causing an uproar.

This is the hidden truth, they know.

Someone said, "No wonder the notice posted in the city said that anyone who passed the provincial examination would be given an official position by the Duke of Anguo. It turns out it was because of this."