Tomorrow was the fifteenth day of the first month of the lunar year. The common people who had spent New Year's Eve in the chaos of war had once again found the festive feeling. Ever since General He had left in depression, the officials of the Chicken Crow Post had invited each other to feasts more frequently.
The appointment from the Ministry of Appointments that Qianhu Wu had said was about to come down didn't arrive until ten days later. This allowed Yang Ling to fully understand the difference in efficiency between the secret intelligence system and the normal channels of the government.
Today, County Magistrate Min was hosting a banquet in honor of City Secretary Bi. Although the rewards and punishments from the court had not been announced, everyone knew that County Magistrate Min was about to be promoted. Although Huailai had lost the battle, the responsibility did not lie with the county magistrate. As a civil official, the county magistrate was able to kill an enemy prince. In the eyes of the Emperor and the scholars, his political significance was far greater than the essence of the battle.
In the heat of the wine, County Magistrate Min grinned as he moved in front of Yang Ling. He said in a low voice: "My Advisor Yang, my brother-in-law has sent me news. The capital wants to transfer me to the south. I hear it's to be the deputy of the Haining Salt Transport Office."
Yang Ling didn't know what rank this position was, but seeing County Magistrate Min's beaming face, it must not be a small official. Moreover, Haining was naturally not on the same level as this remote and desolate border. He hurriedly cupped his hands and said: "Congratulations, Sir."
The Deputy Commissioner of the Salt Transport Division was a fifth-rank official. For a third-rank county magistrate like Min Wenjian, it could be said that he had been promoted three ranks in a row. Most importantly, the position of Salt Transport Division was an absolute privilege. The salt merchants in that area were all billionaires. Just a little bit of it was enough to feed a person for a lifetime.
County Magistrate Min was so happy that his eyes couldn't see. He waved his hands repeatedly and said: "Lower your voice, lower your voice. The imperial edict hasn't come down yet. You can't say it." He looked at the officials who were drinking and chatting merrily. He said to Yang Ling: "Once the county has stabilized, I will help you move and transfer you to Jiangnan. I have stayed in this desolate place for two years without any achievements. As soon as you come, I will be promoted. You are my lucky general."
It's good to be transferred to Jiangnan, but do I still have the life to enjoy it? Besides, I'm a public deputy, but I'm secretly an Imperial Bodyguard Baihu, one rank higher than your boss. Without the approval of the Imperial Bodyguard, how can it be so easy to mobilize me?
Thinking of this, Yang Ling forced a smile and said, "Yang Ling is deeply moved by Milord's care and nurturing of this lowly officer. There is nothing I can do to repay you." Magistrate Min saw that he was lost in thought and couldn't help but laugh. He punched Yang Ling's shoulder and warmly said: "A real man's ambition is to travel far and wide. Don't be so useless. Besides, it will take me a year and a half after I take office to find an opportunity to transfer you. If you are more straightforward, you have already given birth to a child after such a long time. Since you have the intention, you should do it earlier. Don't be so wishy-washy. "
Yang Ling was puzzled. "What? What? Why can't I understand your words? " Magistrate Min pursed his lips and squinted his eyes. "You little brat, you're not being honest. This matter is already known to everyone. Do you still want to hide it from me? Heh heh, no wonder you're hiding it. That girl is really tender. But don't worry, father doesn't like women. Hahaha … "
Yang Ling was confused and wanted to ask more questions. Bi Dushi had already called Magistrate Min over. He turned around in confusion. Librarian Liu walked over with a smile and raised his cup. He said, "Brother Yang, congratulations on your double happiness. The day before yesterday, you've been promoted to the post deputy. Soon, you'll be promoted to a minor imperial examination. When that time comes, I'll have to drink a cup of wine."
"You're too kind. Official Liu is too polite." Yang Ling smiled and drank a cup of wine. Only then did he understand. Passing the imperial examinations was a major imperial examination. Marriage was a minor imperial examination. What did he mean by a minor imperial examination?
Yang Ling wanted to ask for an explanation. But these people were just drinking and chatting with each other. When Librarian Liu finished speaking, he walked straight to the Registrar Wang. Yang Ling's eyes followed him. He didn't even notice Magistrate Huang walking up to him.
Magistrate Huang walked to his side and coughed lightly. He smiled. "Official Min is about to be promoted. Based on your qualifications and relationship with Official Min, I think you'll be promoted to a seventh-rank official in a few years. Whether or not you can make the great leap in the future depends on your luck. You're still young. You just need to be cautious as an official. Once you're in the right place, your future will be limitless. You can't be impatient. "
Seeing that it was Magistrate Huang, Yang Ling said respectfully. "Thank you for your advice. I've learned a lot!"
Magistrate Huang saw that no one was paying attention to them. He suddenly lowered his voice and said. "But you're too reckless this time. Although the Ma family has declined, they used to be an official's family. Now that everyone knows about your affair, why don't you have the capital to buy a concubine? If you're short of money, I still have some savings over the years. You can use it to meet an emergency. "
Yang Ling was shocked. "Senior Huang, what did you say? Take a concubine? This … this … when did I say I want to take a concubine? Besides, how can Miss Ma be a concubine? "
As soon as he said this, Magistrate Huang jumped in fright. He hastily said, "Be careful, be careful, be careful. What nonsense are you talking about? It's not good to be a concubine, but no one will laugh at her. If your words get out, can Miss Ma still live? "
Yang Ling was dumbfounded. "Elder Huang, what exactly happened? Why … Why can't I understand? "
Magistrate Huang smiled. "Taking a concubine and betrothing a beauty is a romantic thing. Why are you so shy? That day when you and Miss Ma returned to the city, Magistrate Min and I heard from Miss Ma that she spent a night with you in a snow cave in the forest … "
Yang Ling suddenly understood. He couldn't help but laugh. "Senior Huang, you've misunderstood. Miss Ma and I had to hide in the snow cave because of the cold weather. We didn't have any …" Speaking of this, he remembered that they had hugged for a night. It was warm enough even in modern times. He couldn't continue.
Magistrate Huang twirled his beard and said with some displeasure, "It's a fact that a man and a woman spent a night together. Since she said this in public, it's obvious that she has feelings for you. A woman's reputation is important. How can she choose a husband and remarry? To be rich, one must be kind. To be an official, one must be upright. To be a person, one must be righteous. You're a scholar. Don't you understand this? I see you as my nephew. That's why I'm so honest with you. Don't make a mistake. "
Yang Ling was speechless. For a moment, he couldn't say anything …
Yang Ling walked close to the wall. The snow crunched under his feet. When he reached the fourth guest house, he raised his head and saw that the lantern in Ma Lian 'er's courtyard was lit. Yang Ling remembered what Magistrate Huang said at the banquet. He was moved and slowly walked over.
The door was not closed. Under the light, smoke could be seen coming from inside. Yang Ling walked to the door and saw Ma Lian 'er sitting on a stool in front of the stove. She rested her cheek on one hand and used the other to pass firewood into the stove. She looked very bored. Her posture was charming and charming.
The light from the fire shone on her white, jade-like face. It reflected a beautiful blush. Her charming and moving eyes faintly revealed a mature charm. Hardships make people mature. Compared to when they first met, this Miss was less arrogant and frivolous. Unconsciously, she had a refined and steady temperament.
Yang Ling lightly knocked on the door. Ma Lian 'er raised her head and saw that it was him. Her eyes suddenly flashed with joy and familiarity. She was so excited that she wanted to stand up. But she immediately restrained her emotions. She smiled and said, "I haven't seen you since I returned to the city. Is the banquet over?"
Yang Ling was moved. He couldn't help but ask, "How did you know that I went to the banquet?"
Ma Lian 'er didn't answer. She only used that pair of eyes that could speak to look at him. Yang Ling suddenly choked. He knew that these days, Ma Lian' er must have been paying attention to his movements. That night at Wu Zhai Ling, those words she said, were they really a joke?
"Since she spoke of this in public, she clearly has feelings for you. A woman's reputation is important. Can she choose a husband to remarry?" Thinking over District Magistrate Huang's words, Yang Ling suddenly understood. He didn't know there were so many taboos, but how could Ma Lian 'er not know? She had said those things clearly to create a fait accompli and use public opinion to get him to marry her.
Yang Ling grimaced and said, "Miss Lian 'er, did you purposefully tell Official Min and the others that we got lost in the forest and spent a night in the snow cave? You know that those formalities can kill people, but you still joke around with your reputation. Why did you do such a stupid thing? "
Ma Lian 'er's hand stopped passing firewood. After a moment of silence, she suddenly giggled and said, "Is it bad to be stupid? Don't they often say that a woman without talent is virtuous? Do you prefer me to be clever or stupid? "Her smile was a little sly, and a little pleased with herself for having succeeded in her scheme.
Yang Ling stamped his feet and said, "How can you not know the gravity of the situation? Words can kill people. You … … you are too rash! "
Ma Lian 'er's hand shook. She did not raise her head and kept it stiffly lowered. A moment later, she choked out, "Yang Ling, do you dislike me?"
The red fire of the stove spat out flames. Yang Ling saw a glowing teardrop fall on the back of her hand. His heart softened and he coaxed, "How can that be? When have you ever seen me dislike you? "
Ma Lian 'er's tears turned into a smile. "Of course … … never. I can see if you like me or not." Under the illumination of the red fireplace, that brilliant smile was in high spirits, carrying a bit of joy and complacency.
Yang Ling was depressed. This girl not only looked like a vixen, but her heart was also like a little fox. He really did not know if she was really sad or just pretending. Looking at her appearance, it did not look like she had just cried.
Being stared at by him, Ma Lian 'er actually felt shy. She shyly lowered her head and said with a red face, "Brother Yang, that night was my fault. You were right. If you really divorced Young-niang, would you still be worthy of my love? That night, when I saw the way you looked at Young-niang, I knew that no one would be able to replace her in your heart. How could I dare to hope to replace her? I only hope … … I only hope that you can also treat me well. Then I will be satisfied. "
She foolishly stared at the flickering fire. Her eyes were filled with the longing for happiness. She said in a dreamy voice, "As long as I have a husband who can spoil me and love me, I will be satisfied. I don't want to live a luxurious life. The title of the principal wife … … If a man treats women as his private property, like my father and many men like Ming Destiny, can the so-called principal wife give people happiness? "
She spoke with confidence and with a maturity that did not match her age. She confided in Yang Ling. "I grew up outside the Great Wall. I don't do things like the women in the Central Plains. But I am not a casual woman. Brother Yang, I will abide by the rules of a woman and respect Young-niang."
Yang Ling smiled bitterly and stamped his feet. "You … … You are usually smart, but why are you so unreasonable? I won't accompany you in your madness. Tomorrow, I will go and find Ma Ang and become sworn brothers. Brother and sister will hide together. No one will gossip about us, right? "
Ma Lian 'er saw that he was about to turn around and leave. This time it was her turn to panic. She quickly jumped up to stop him and threw herself into his arms. She said angrily, "You only see me once every half a month. I won't let you go."
Yang Ling panicked. He quickly said, "Quickly let go. What will happen if other people see us?"
Ma Lian 'er did not let go of his arms. Her pretty face, which had not even dried from her tears, had a flattering smile on it. "The one who will lose her reputation is me. The one who will be drowned in spittle is also me. If I am not afraid, what are you afraid of?"
Yang Ling was speechless. He stammered, "This … … I … … I am worried for you." Ma Lian 'er rolled her eyes. She charmingly said, "The gentleman can still marry. The concubine is not married. I am not afraid of other people talking behind my back."
A trace of contempt and inexplicable hatred flashed in her eyes. Suddenly, she angrily said a proverb, "Listening to the sound of the drum, I don't want to farm anymore!"
Yang Ling did not know whether to laugh or cry. Ma Lian 'er smiled sweetly. She wrapped her arms around Yang Ling's neck. She said in an intoxicated manner, "Since that night, I miss your embrace. I want to listen to the stories you tell me that I am afraid of but also want to hear. Do you know? From that night onwards, I can't bear to leave you anymore. "
She really said it from the bottom of her heart. Her tone was very sincere. Unfortunately, her beautiful face had a kind of seductive charm. It was just that because of her young age, it was not so obvious. At this time, she looked like a young girl in love. Her face was delicate and her cheeks were red. No matter how affectionate her words were, there was always a kind of seductive charm. It felt like she was deliberately seducing people.
She looked at Yang Ling's uneasy expression and mischievously said, "You really want to become sworn brothers with my big brother? You really want to be my godbrother? " That pair of bright black eyes contained two clusters of flames. She shyly lowered her head. Her mouth softly hummed a song, "Dry wood ~ fire ~ good cooking ~ ~, godbrother, godsister ~ ~ good marriage ~ ~" After only two lines, she could not suppress her shyness and threw herself into Yang Ling's arms. She gathered her courage and said, "I learned this song outside the Great Wall. You want to be my godbrother? Okay, I don't care! "
Yang Ling was completely petrified, "Comrade, where did you come from?" In front of others, this young lady dressed like a little lady. In front of him, she was completely hot and unrestrained like a big girl outside the Great Wall. She did not hide it at all.
Ma Lian 'er gathered her courage to boldly confess. Her pretty face was constantly warming up. Her palm was pressed against Yang Ling's neck. The back of her hand was warm and hot. That was because of the stove fire. Was the pair of plump jade rabbits on her chest also warm and hot?
Yang Ling knew that he should not think about it. But when his eyes touched the beautiful curve of her chest, his mind involuntarily flashed this thought. He only felt his lower abdomen heat up. An irrepressible restlessness almost made him lose control and kiss that pair of cherry lips that he could do whatever he wanted.
If he fell one step further, there would be no turning back. Yang Ling secretly warned himself and suddenly broke free from Ma Lian 'er's embrace. Ma Lian 'er was caught off guard. She staggered two steps back. Her face became snow-white. Her pair of beautiful eyes that were like the moon suddenly became dull. She was like a prisoner on death row being escorted to the execution ground. Her eyes were filled with fear.
If Yang Ling had feelings for her and had intentions of taking her in, why would he treat her like this? Ma Lian 'er tried to control herself and maintain her last bit of dignity. But her tears uncontrollably flowed out. At the same time, a desolate smile appeared at the corner of her lips.
Yang Ling could not bear it and turned his head away. He said softly, "Miss Lian 'er, Yang Ling is not a person that you can entrust your entire life to. Really, what I'm saying today isn't for myself, nor is it for Youniang, it's for you. Two years, at most two years. Then you will understand why I refuse you! "
He did not dare to turn his head back. He walked out and disappeared into the night. Ma Lian 'er slowly walked to the door. Her pair of lifeless eyes dazedly looked in the direction he had disappeared. A moment later, she slowly looked at the sky.
The sky was clear. A moon as bright as a silver plate hung low in the sky, reflecting countless stars.
Ma Lian 'er's eyes were misty with tears as she murmured in a low voice, "' When the golden wind and jade dew meet, it surpasses countless things in the world. '
I don't know what you're talking about, and I don't understand what excuses you're looking for. Perhaps to you, that night was nothing, but you should know that to me, it was a happiness that I'll never forget in my entire life! "
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