Chapter 258: End of Volume: One-Day Tour in Songjiang Prefecture

Most of the officials who accompanied Chen Heng in the room were convinced that Chen Heng and Liu Yanzhang were sitting at the top together. No matter whether he was young or not, or whether he was a good-looking but useless black-faced handsome man. Just the sign of a champion was shining on his head. If this fame came to the room, even Liu Yanzhang would have to be cautious.

What's more, Chen Heng not only led a sixth-rank state co-governor, but also a seventh-rank Huating County magistrate. Because Chen Heng would not go to the government office to submit official documents until tomorrow, the people present did not know the details of Chen Heng's two official positions.

If he was not entrusted with secret orders and was responsible for special matters, according to the official practice of Dayong, the state co-governor, as the deputy of the prefect, was in charge of state affairs and had the responsibility of supervising arrests, and could be regarded as the best among the assistant officials.

And the county magistrate, as the chief seal official in the local area, was quite like the head of a chicken and the tail of a phoenix compared to the former. It was really difficult to tell which was better between the chief seal official and the assistant.

However, if we change it to a more understandable term, the state magistrate can be compared to a high-ranking official X, who also serves as the head of public security. As for the county magistrate, according to the size and wealth of the county, he can jump between the city and the county.

Such a person, sitting on Liu Yanzhang's left and right hands is not excessive. But Liu Yanzhang asked Chen Heng to sit side by side with him, which is intriguing.

The seating arrangement in the officialdom has always been particular, what kind of person should sit in what position. In other words, what position can be sat in implies what kind of identity this person has, which all have the sense of measure and knowledge of handling things.

Most of the officials who can enter the room today are important officials of the Songjiang government office. The official positions are high and low, and the places they manage are all important. These people have been crawling and hanging around at the grassroots level for many years, and they are the most careful to observe the details.

While they were guessing Chen Heng's background and origin, they secretly looked at the expression of Xu Biao, the magistrate of the government office. As soon as this person entered the room, he sat in the left position. The magistrate is in charge of the prison in the government office, and he is usually the most powerful.

In addition, Xu Biao was a native of Songjiang, and the Xu family was a big family in Songjiang Prefecture. The previous prefect relied on him a lot, and Xu Biao, the prosecutor, was also a little unscrupulous when doing things, and rarely paid attention to the expressions of his colleagues and subordinates.

Seeing Liu Yanzhang move Chen Heng's seat to his side, Xu Biao waited for them to say something, then smiled and raised the wine glass and said: "Mr. Chen, you have come from afar and worked hard. My surname is Xu and my name is Biao. I toast you on behalf of my colleagues."

Although Chen Heng was a newcomer, he was not completely ignorant of the internal affairs of the Songjiang Prefecture. There were many big families in the prefecture, and who held several important positions. He had more or less inquired and recorded them.

Seeing this person introduce himself, Chen Heng also stood up, took the initiative to raise the cup and smiled: "I didn't expect to meet the family of Xuanhu Gong. I'm sorry."

Don't look at Xu Biao's big and strong appearance. His ancestor was Xu Guangqi, a famous assistant minister in the late Ming Dynasty. The word Biao is not bad as a name. There is a sentence in the Book of Han, "Fa Yan·Junzi", "It is because of its narrowness in the middle and its outer side", which means "clear and bright". It is even more suitable to use it for scholars.

Later, Chen Heng talked about some of Xu Guangqi's deeds, which made Xu Biao feel proud. Xu Tuiguan smiled even more, and raised a few more cups, urging Chen Heng to drink.

After that, the officials behind slowly stood up and kept toasting. Seeing that the atmosphere was getting lively, the old man Liu Yanzhang smiled and said, "It's a good time, and the night is long. Why should you let Zhixing drink all the time? Eat the dishes first, eat the dishes first."

When the prefect gave the order, how could everyone refuse. Everyone returned to their seats and started chatting about everything. While pushing cups and changing cups, it was not until the end of the night when Xinda helped the drunk Chen Heng out.

Tonight, of course, I have to sleep in the county government office of Huating County. As a county attached to Songjiang Prefecture, the county government office is also in the city, not far from the government office. Sitting in the official sedan chair, walking up three streets and four lanes, and crossing several bridges, you will arrive at the county government office.

When Liu Xianglian and Xinda sent Chen Heng home, Zhen Yinglian, who heard the news, looked at her drunken husband lying on the bed and said in surprise: "Why did you drink so much?"

Seeing Yinglian arranging to fetch water for her second brother to wash, Xinda smiled and said: "Sister-in-law, don't worry, wait a little longer." Before he finished his words, Chen Heng, who was lying on the bed, had opened his eyes, shook his head, supported himself and stood up, saying: "You didn't even tell me when you got home."

Xinda scratched his head and said embarrassedly: "I thought my brother drank too much today, and I wanted you to rest for a while."

Chen Heng nodded and comforted Yinglian's worries first. He asked her to pour a cup of tea for him, and he led Xinda and Xianglian to the study room.

On the way, Liu Xianglian glanced around and suddenly said to Xinda beside him: "How many people will hear about the drunkenness tomorrow?"

Xinda is Chen Heng's ears and eyes, and he doesn't like to participate in such criticism. After a little thought, he said: "Whoever comes first tomorrow will have the most ears and eyes."

This is true, Chen Heng nodded. There is no one around now, he rubbed his face with both hands, "Those who didn't come may not be because there are not enough people. Maybe they are too late, or they want to sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight."

"Sir, is it?" Liu Xianglian immediately became interested, he said that Chen Heng rarely drinks, and he was so drunk today, there must be something else in the house.

Chen Heng smiled, just pointed forward, indicating that everyone should go to the study to talk.

As soon as the people arrived at the end of the field, Yinglian had already come in with a teacup. It was also unfair to her. Chen Heng knew that he came in a hurry, and the servants who accompanied him from the house had to follow Daiyu slowly. Now he had to let Yinglian do some chores first.

When Yinglian returned to the room, Chen Heng asked Xinda and Xianglian to sit beside him and told them about the affairs in the government office. The latter two often traveled around the capital and saw many intrigues and intrigues.

As soon as he finished listening, Liu Xianglian, who was impatient, slapped the table and said angrily: "I also said that Liu Zhizhou looks kind and kind, so he should be an easy person to get along with. His silent behavior clearly wants to draw you into a fight with Xu. fight."

Xinda has followed Chen Heng the longest and knows the most about civil servants. Although he is a sixth-grade official, he is at the same level as the governor of the state. However, when Wen is in front of Wu and Zhizhou is at the top, the fellow Zhizhou magistrate should sit on the upper left. How can he let an official in charge of prisons pass by?

Xu Biao didn't care. If he said it was an unintentional mistake and a careless person, he would inevitably look down on others. It can be said that Xu Biao was deliberately preparing to make a show of power. According to what his second brother said, his subsequent behavior did not seem like he had such an intention.

As for Xu Biao's thoughts, we still have to guess. The amiable Liu Yanzhang is really misleading. Xu Biao may not know the secret here. Liu Yanzhang should have mentioned it more or less. This kind of thing, even without saying a word. As long as you just get started and reach out your hand to grab a word, everything will disappear.

Xinda followed Chen Heng all over the country, but he may not have learned all the methods thoroughly. When the heart is dark, there are signs that the blue is better than the blue. After Liu Yanzhang made some guesses and saw that Chen Heng didn't look too angry, Xinda asked doubtfully: "Second brother, do you think there is something hidden in this?"

"It's hard to say right now." Chen Heng said with a smile. Today, in this seat, Liu Yanzhang took the initiative to help when he saw Xu Biao occupying the main seat. Liu Yanzhang did it intentionally and wanted to focus his attention on Xu Biao. He still needed some time to observe. Horsepower can be seen from a distance, and people's hearts can be seen from time to time.

Anyway, at the wine table today, he used Xu Guangqi's incident to point out that he did not know everything about Songjiang Mansion. Lest anyone look down upon him and be fooled as if he were a boy made of clay.

"I'm telling you this to keep your mind in mind. The trip to Songjiang Mansion may not be as easy or simple as we thought before." Chen Heng had vaccinated his own people and told them to spend as much time as they could in the past few days. Go out and ask around on the streets and listen to what the people have to say.

"Yes, sir." Liu Xianglian immediately responded eagerly. He is now following Chen Heng, who also found work for him in the county government. Just waiting for the official documents to be handed over, it was the head of the Inspection Department of Huating County Government.

This position is similar to that of a government official. He is also in charge of public security, prison and other affairs in the county. Xinda has no specific arrangements, but now that the second brother is serving as a local official, he is no better than the one in the capital. He was also slowly adjusting his state, and responded directly with Liu Xianglian: "Yes, sir."

Among the brothers, if Xinda could really call him master, Chen Heng would have nightmares. Seeing that Xinda had made up his own mind, Chen Heng did not try to persuade him to take any more measures.

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I chatted a little late with Xinda and Xianglian last night. When I woke up this morning, Chen Heng still held Yinglian in his arms. Feeling the amazing softness in his chest, Chen Heng got up from the bed with great willpower.

There are some things that, once you get started, are really fascinating. No wonder people in the opera house often say that Wenwen Township is the Tomb of Heroes. Chen Heng smiled and mocked himself a little. Just after leaving the bedroom, I heard Xinda say from outside: "Sir, Master Xu is waiting for you in the outer hall."

The two smiled tacitly, and Chen Heng asked, "How long have you been here?"

"Not long after he arrived, he was carrying something in his hand. It didn't look like anything valuable."

Chen Heng nodded and said, "When Yu'er comes back, just tell her about this. She will know what to do."

Sister Lin's talents are more than enough to manage a county government house.

Xinda took note of this and led the way, accompanying Chen Heng to the outer hall to meet Xu Biao. The latter was even more fun. As soon as he came up, he said that if he had free time today, he would be a local guide for Chen Heng.

Xu Biao had such kind intentions, how could Chen Heng refuse? He immediately agreed with a smile and asked Xinda to go out with the official document. The three of them came to the government office in a sedan chair, verified the appointment documents with Liu Yanzhang, and verified the official seal before leaving the government office and preparing to return home.

"Master Chen, what other plans do you have for today?" Xu Biao asked with a smile.

Chen Heng answered simply and said directly: "I won't use Shengtang until tomorrow. I just want to visit Songjiang City today."

"Haha." Xu Biao smiled heartily, "In that case, why don't you let me be a beauty and accompany Mr. Chen for a walk?"

Chen Heng smiled, stretched out his hand and said, "It's disrespectful, please."

"please."

With Xu Biao accompanying him, what else could Chen Heng see in the city. Everywhere you go, there are first-class lively places in the city. Street shops, restaurants and other places can only vaguely see the damage suffered in the first half of the year. Although there is still some mess, most of it has been tidied up.

While walking around and looking around, a few people climbed up to a high-rise building and saw the wonderful scenery inside and outside the city. Along the way, Chen Heng noticed that everyone in the city's merchants knew Xu Biao, and everyone called Xu Biao "Sir."

Chen Heng saw it and said nothing. It was all a day of wandering around, just chatting with Xu Biao about the customs and customs of Songjiang Prefecture.

After the day trip ended, the two reluctantly said goodbye. Xu Biao said that he would give a generous gift to Chen Heng tomorrow, all as a welcome gift to Chen Heng.

He also gives gifts so openly, and he is indeed an ‘open and honest’ person.

Chen Heng thanked the other party for his kindness and turned back to the Yamen directly.

Wait until the next day, when Xu Biao comes to Huating County Government Office to look for him again. Only then did I learn from the county government officer that the county magistrate had taken two servants out early in the morning, and no one knew where they were going.

"What should we do?!" Xu Biao stamped his feet anxiously, "Why did you tell him to get away?"

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There are carriages and sedan chairs in the Huating County government office. When Chen Heng traveled today, he took the same one he took into the city. Since there were only three people for company, the curtain for covering was hung directly on the hook.

Xinda and Xianglian were sitting at the front of the car, one on the left and the other on the right. Chen Heng was also sitting close to the door. They were walking and laughing all the way, and they were wearing regular clothes. They looked like young men out for an outing.

However, their trip was not just for fun. The places they visited along the way were all the villages belonging to Huating County. The road was bumpy and made walking very uncomfortable.

Walking around like this, Chen Heng looked at every place he went and remembered what he saw. This is all due to his in-depth understanding of the place after taking office. There is no way. Huating County is a large county in Songjiang Prefecture. How big is it?

Today's Songjiang Prefecture consists of seven counties and one hall, namely Huating County, Lou County, Fengxian County, Jinshan County, Haihai County, Nanhui County, Qingpu County, and Chuansha Hall.

Among them, Lou County, Fengxian County, and Jinshan County were all separated from Huating County and established separately. Even though three counties have been separated, Huating County is still the eldest among them regardless of region and wealth level, which can be seen from this.

But such a score lowered the level of Songjiang Mansion. The imperial court divided Shangzhou and Xiazhou based on the overall situation. Fortunately, there were a few more laggards. What was originally a high ranking suddenly fell to the back.

You must know that there are 190 state capitals in Dayong. If you fall like this, the promotion evaluation and the court's attention will be affected.

What's more, above Songjiang Mansion is the more famous Gusu Mansion, and below is the also very famous Yuhang Mansion. Take the tsunami in the first half of the year as an example. The disaster relief strategy set by the court was to start with relief and then with relief.

There are eight townships in Huating County. Chen Heng didn't reach the third township until afternoon. This place is called Xiuzhu Township. Although the name sounds nice, the situation in the village makes him frown.

When Chen Heng got off the carriage, he saw many people standing on the roadside arguing. He calmly stepped forward and stood outside the crowd, listening and asking. But after a while, I learned what happened from the angry passers-by.

There was a disaster in the first half of the year, and every household had insufficient food and harvest. Although the imperial court allocated food for disaster relief, the people living in the countryside did not have much opportunity to eat it.

In desperation, he borrowed grain from large households in the village to tide over the difficult season temporarily. The agreed principal and interest will be paid when due, which is written in black and white. Just wait until next year's harvest is received, and once the people return the grain, they will have lost both money and goods.

But it was only the end of autumn, and the people had just renovated their fields for plowing in the coming spring. The servants of the big households came up and asked everyone to pay interest. The people were very surprised. Didn't they agree to pay back the grain after the spring plowing next year? Why is it the end of autumn?

The big families in this village also say that the principal is due at the agreed time. But this interest is calculated on a monthly basis. Everyone wrote it clearly at the time, but the people themselves couldn't see it clearly.

After hearing the general idea, Chen Heng knew that this was a matter of big investors using "interest first, principal later" to confuse "repayment of principal and interest". This technique is really crude and crude, but it is best used for ordinary people who are not very literate. All you need to do is make the numbers almost the same, and then use a little trick on the text to make it difficult for ordinary people to distinguish.

"Then what do they mean now?" Chen Heng asked the villagers, but looked coldly at the servants and farmers who were still arguing in the field.

"Of course I want Uncle Shen's family's farmland." The villagers said angrily, "These bunch of fatherless dogs are thinking about depriving themselves of their families all day long. They really drive people to death."

"I don't care about things written in black and white." The servant standing in the field was still yelling at the old man with his hands on his hips, "You signed and pledged yourselves at that time, and no one forced you to do so. Now you can either pay back the interest or give the field to our family. master."

"Gouwazi, I watched you grow up when you were a child, why are you like this now?" The old man stomped his feet angrily, holding the hoe tightly in his hand.

"I'm telling you, Gouwazi. Uncle Shen is already seventy now. If he gets angry with you, you and your master will be sued for human life. Mr. Qingtian will definitely ask you to pay for it with your life." Onlookers. , there are also those who are filled with indignation.

"Hey, let me tell you. If you are angry, don't take it out on me. I am just asking for a living. Do you think I want to make things difficult for you?" I can testify. Even if you go to the county magistrate, it will be our magistrate who will take the blame."

Seeing that the servant was so proud, Liu Xianglian had already put one hand on the sword, gently pushed Chen Heng with the other, and whispered: "My lord?"

"Don't worry, let's take a look."

The weather was a little cold, so Chen Heng simply folded his hands in his sleeves, like a passing guest, watching everything with peace of mind.

Thanks to the book friend "It's the breeze that blows into my breathless eyes" for the reward.

Everyone, please help me think about what word and brand name should be used for the story about copying a house. Ha ha ha ha