The sun was shining brightly and the people on the streets were getting brighter. Suddenly, a strange procession appeared at the north gate. Sixteen Ming Destiny Imperial Guards in full military uniform with sabers hanging from their waists escorted a brightly painted carriage into the city.
They were all tall and handsome white horses with magnificent saddles. The armors worn by the guards on the horses were many times more exquisite than the uniforms worn by the border soldiers. The carriage did not stop once it entered the city. The procession went straight to the courier office.
Inside the courier office, Yang Ling, Liu Biao and Yang Yiqing were chatting and sipping tea, trying to find out as much as they could about the capital and the Imperial Bodyguard from them. At this moment, a courier hurriedly ran in and said, "Daren, there are passing officials who have come to deliver a letter. The convoy will arrive soon."
Hearing this, Yang Ling was greatly puzzled. Although the courier office was responsible for receiving passing officials, not far from here was the Tatars' territory. There had never been any high ranking officials of the imperial court coming here. If there were officials delivering a letter, the size of the convoy must not be small. Who was coming?
Liu Biao and Yang Yiqing accompanied him and hurriedly went out to welcome them. In front of them, they saw a carriage coming slowly along the courier road. On each side were eight handsome warhorses. The riders on the horses were wearing helmets and armor, looking very formidable.
As soon as he saw the yellow flag on the carriage, Liu Biao quickly caught up and whispered in Yang Ling's ear, "Daren, the people from the capital have come."
Yang Ling nodded slightly and stood solemnly in front of the door. The carriage stopped in front of them. The curtain of the sedan was lifted and a man in his fifties walked out with a bent waist. He had a thin face and was dressed like a palace eunuch.
Yang Ling said hoarsely, "Eunuch Liu?" The man was the military supervisor, Eunuch Liu. He got off the carriage and said to Yang Ling with a sincere smile, "Yang Yicheng, we are really fated. It's only been a month and we meet again."
Yang Ling invited Eunuch Liu into the main hall. For a moment, he was still unsure of his intentions. Normally, when he was promoted to the Imperial Bodyguard and became a fifth-rank Tongzhi, there was no need for the eunuchs from the palace to come forward. When the eunuchs left the palace, they were usually ordered to supervise the army, collect taxes, and purchase items from the palace. It was rare for a eunuch to come forward with an imperial edict to announce an official below the third-rank.
Sixteen warriors walked into the main hall and stood on both sides. Their hands were on their swords and their eyes were focused. Eunuch Liu walked to the center of the main hall. He turned around and cleared his throat. In a loud voice, he said, "Jiming County's Deputy Yang Ling, receive the edict!"
Yang Ling was at a loss. He was at a loss of what to do. When he heard that the Emperor had given him an imperial edict, he was shocked. As for whether or not he would do it like in the movies, he had no idea. Fortunately, Eunuch Liu had seen many officials like this. An imperial edict was not a newspaper. How many officials had actually received an imperial edict? Even among the officials in the court, many had made a fool of themselves when they received an imperial edict for the first time. He smiled slightly and held the yellow silk with both hands. He said softly, "Yang Yicheng, kneel and listen to the edict!"
Yang Ling looked at him gratefully and hurriedly knelt on both knees. He said, "Subject … Yang Ling, receive the edict." This was the first time he had to kneel to someone. Yang Ling felt a little uncomfortable. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. At least he didn't have the guts to resist.
Eunuch Liu slowly unfolded the yellow silk and said in a loud voice, "In accordance with the will of Heaven, the Emperor has issued an edict: I have heard that the world of the three generations lies in the people. Therefore, the people are the foundation of a country. The ancient sages have said: When the Great Way is carried out, the world is for the common people … "
Eunuch Liu shook his head as he recited, his voice rising and falling in cadence. Yang Ling listened to Eunuch Liu read. Although he understood the meaning, it was difficult for him to listen. After a long time, he heard Eunuch Liu read the main topic. "… the people are the rulers of a country. The Son of Heaven represents the people to create the world. As a ruler, he is trustworthy and harmonious, choosing the best and the most capable. The current Crown Prince is intelligent and studious. I have heard that the scholar Yang Ling of the Imperial Residence is both virtuous and capable. I have decided to summon Yang Ling to the capital to be the Study Attendant of the Crown Prince. Upon receiving the edict, he must immediately enter the capital without delay. Hereby. Hongzhi's eighteenth year, second month. "
Yang Ling was baffled. The Study Attendant of the Crown Prince? Wasn't that the same as the Imperial Bodyguard? He suddenly thought of what Ma Lian 'er had said that night. "Promotion in the officialdom is not a child's play. There is a saying that the career of an official is dangerous … based on the' merit 'you have made, there is no reason for you to be promoted three levels straight to the central government. There is no one in the capital who would be so kind as to promote you for no reason. I have to think carefully, I can't be cheated by others …"
Yang Ling suddenly understood. No wonder the Imperial Bodyguard had rushed over to promote him. They had heard that the Emperor wanted him to be the Study Attendant of the Crown Prince. Although the Study Attendant of the Crown Prince was a sixth-ranked official, he was actually the Crown Prince's classmate. Once the Crown Prince ascended the throne, how could these people who were closest to the Crown Prince not be put in an important position?
His post as the Deputy Minister was originally just a small official in the Imperial Bodyguard. Now that he had been promoted, he had become a member of the central government of the Imperial Bodyguard. With one appointment, he had pulled the future Emperor's confidant into his camp. Of course, he would not be at a disadvantage.
Eunuch Liu saw that he was still kneeling there in a daze. He said in a low voice, "Deputy Minister Yang, why haven't you accepted the imperial edict and expressed your gratitude?"
Yang Ling came to his senses and hurriedly shouted, "Your subject accepts the imperial edict and expresses his gratitude." He took the imperial edict from Eunuch Liu's hands with both hands and stole a glance. Seeing that Eunuch Liu had no intention of asking him to kneel three times and kowtow nine times, he stood up.
Eunuch Liu handed over the imperial edict and immediately retracted his aloof and disdainful demeanor. He amiably said to Yang Ling, "Master Yang, my family's Liu Jin is the Crown Prince's servant. In the future, when Master Yang becomes the Study Attendant of the Crown Prince, we should get closer."
Yang Ling heard this and was startled. He said hoarsely, "Liu Jin? You are Liu Jin? "
Eunuch Liu blinked his eyes and asked curiously, "Why, Master Yang has heard of my name?"
Yang Ling nodded, then shook his head. He didn't know what to say.
Liu Jin, the original character of the 'New Dragon Gate Inn', the legendary Great Eunuch of Dongchang who killed without batting an eye, was this ordinary looking old eunuch in front of him?
Thanks to the novels and television series, Yang Ling had heard of names like Wang Zhi, Wang Zhen, Liu Jin and Wei Zhongxian. These eunuchs in the novels were all skilled in strange martial arts. They had white hair and a youthful complexion. Now that he had seen the real Liu Jin, Yang Ling thought that they had the same name and surname.
Liu Jin said happily, "I serve the Crown Prince and it is rare for me to leave the capital. There are not many people who know my name. I did not expect Master Yang to have heard of me. Hehe, it is true that a scholar knows everything in the world without leaving the house."
"Master Yang, now that we have accepted the imperial edict, I think we should set off immediately. The current Crown Prince is a martial artist. It is best for him to wield his spear and stick and march the army. I will bring back the invitation that Master Yang presented to General He. When the Crown Prince saw it, he was very happy and wanted to use your method to train the Shenji Battalion. Don't make the Crown Prince anxious. "
Liu Jin was still very careful and serious in his work. He was now in charge of the Drum and Bell Division, which had the lowest authority among the 24 internal government offices. The Crown Prince Zhu Houzhao was willful and fond of martial arts. His temper was erratic, and the Emperor doted on his precious son. How could Liu Jin dare to neglect him?
Yang Ling had no choice but to summon Young-niang and start packing. Liu and Yang Family claimed to be servants of the Yang Family. Although the local courier station found it strange, Eunuch Liu did not know the Yang Family's financial situation and did not think much of it. Yang Ling had finished arranging everything. Ma Lian'er had not returned yet, so he spoke to Young-niang and asked her big brother to go out of the city to inform her, lest she thought that he had left without saying goodbye.
At this time, the three carriages were already on the winding mountain road. The mountain road was narrow, and there were sixteen guards, eight at the front and eight at the back, protecting them. In front was Eunuch Liu's red carriage, while the other two carriages were sent from the courier station. In front of the carriages was a tall pole with the word "courier" written on it. Behind them were Liu Biao and Yang Yiqing sitting in a luggage carriage.
Han Youniang silently looked out the window. She had never been separated from her family since she was a child. She had been as excited as a child when she thought about going to the capital. Now that she was really leaving, her heart felt empty. Alas, her father had become a courier station and had to run around everywhere. This time, she had not even seen him once. She did not know how long it would be before she could see her family again.
Yang Ling knew that she was reluctant to leave, so he gently comforted her. "Don't worry," he said. "Once we have settled down, I will think of a way to bring father-in-law and the others to the capital."
Young-niang made a sound of agreement and gently lay in Yang Ling's arms. Her large eyes flashed, and it was unknown what she was thinking. Yang Ling gently stroked her back. For a moment, he was also thinking of many things.
What kind of role was the Study Attendant of the Crown Prince? He did not retain the memory of the original Xuanfu scholar, Yang Ling. If he really wanted to test the Four Books, Five Classics, and the eight-legged essay, it could be said that he knew nothing about it. He only hoped that the Study Attendant's name was true, and that he was only accompanying the Crown Prince in his studies.
The history he remembered was too simple. Other than Zhu Hongwu, Emperor Cheng, and the last Emperor Chongzhen, he knew very little about the other Ming Emperors. Now that he had been pushed to the center of the stage of history, he would be surrounded by people of high status and power in this era. Would he be able to handle it?
Yang Ling had always been muddle-headed. He only wanted his wife and children to warm the kang bed, and to live happily for two years. Now that he was forced to do something beyond his abilities, as the saying goes, accompanying the Emperor is like accompanying a tiger. For the sake of his own safety, he had to get serious and take the initiative to understand and understand this era.
Yang Ling sorted out his thoughts. Information about this era slowly flowed through his mind.
It was now the 18th year of Hongzhi. The Emperor was the Hongzhi Emperor, surnamed Zhu. His name, due to his limited knowledge, could not be associated with the era, so … it was unknown. His life was also unknown. Crown Prince Zhu Houzhao, dissolute, lecherous, muddle-headed, and very handsome. His life and deeds: Like a dragon playing with a phoenix, he seemed to have died quite early. Liu Jin, treacherous official. When he rose to power, it was unknown. How he died, it was unknown. In any case, it was not a good death.
Useless wood! Absolute useless wood! Yang Ling could only give himself such an evaluation in shame. Could he rely on this bit of information to see through opportunities, seek good fortune, avoid calamity, and grasp history? After being discouraged for a while, Yang Ling suddenly perked up and straightened his back. Why should I care so much? What Emperor Zhengde? What treacherous official Liu Jin? My life is as short as a plant. It's not something I should worry about. My goal is to go to the capital, become a high-ranking official, and live in Beijing!
The ignorant are fearless. Yang Ling, who was prepared to close his eyes and charge into the capital, began to be blindly optimistic.
* * *
Ma Lian'er rushed to the post office like a gust of wind. In the blink of an eye, she galloped off, heading straight for the northern part of the city. The sound of the horse's hooves on the stone floor was as rapid as the rain. As the horse galloped out of the city, the carriage could no longer be seen in the wilderness. Ma Lian'er held the reins of the horse and circled around the city gate for a while. She did not step onto the winding official road that wound around the mountains. Instead, she cut through the unplowed fields and took a shortcut to the front.
Her dark green cloak fluttered in the wind. She was very, very anxious. Did the heartless Brother Yang not even have time to wait for me to see him? Why did he leave in such a hurry? After this separation, it will be three years before they can meet again.
The horse galloped like it was flying. Under her superb horsemanship, the date red horse galloped like an arrow released from a bow. At the end of the ridge of land was a small river. As the date red horse galloped past, it splashed a sky full of jade. In the distance, she saw the carriage slowly moving along the winding mountain road. Ma Lian'er was ecstatic. She turned the horse around and followed the small river and the carriage. One was halfway up the mountain, and the other was the foot of the mountain. She chased after the carriage.
The terrain of the mountain changed. In front of them was a semicircular valley. The carriage turned halfway and on this side was a steep cliff. The armoured soldiers on the winding mountain road and the bored Liu Biao and Yang Yiqing, who were sitting on the shaft of the carriage, became the red horse that was chasing after the carriage at the foot of the mountain. Liu Biao could not help but stand up and look down the mountain. He shouted: "There is a young lady chasing after us at the foot of the mountain."
Hearing this, Yang Ling and Young-niang hurriedly came out of the carriage. They saw a red horse and a green cloud slowly approaching from the foot of the mountain. Han Youniang could not help but shout: "It's Lian 'er jiejie. Husband, Lian' er jiejie has come."
Yang Lian hurriedly called for the driver to stop the carriage. Standing on the shaft of the carriage, she looked down the mountain. Ma Lian'er also stopped her horse. One person and one horse stood there silently. An unclimbable cliff forced the two of them to look at each other from a distance.
Ma Lian'er dazedly stared for a while. She saw Yang Ling wave his hand at her and then signal for the carriage to continue forward. However, he still stood at the front of the carriage and looked at her. Ma Lian'er's heart was agitated. She suddenly pulled out the small scimitar at her waist and cut off a strand of her hair. She hurriedly tied it to the shaft of an arrow.
The carriage slowly moved. As long as it turned out of the valley, it would disappear from her sight. Ma Lian'er suddenly pulled on the reins and pressed her legs against the horse's abdomen. The horse neighed and shook the valley.
Halfway up the mountain, Yang Ling and the other warriors all looked down at the valley. They saw the red horse stand on its hind legs. It paused for a moment, and then its four hooves kicked off. The date red horse charged forward with incredible speed. In front of them was the cliff of Death Valley. It was only thirty zhang away.
The fast horse crossed the distance of twenty zhang in a flash. If they charged forward at this speed, the person and the horse would probably crash into the cliff and die. The people on the mountain couldn't help but exclaim. They saw Ma Lian'er's fast horse suddenly make a ninety-degree turn. She threw away the reins, took out the bow, twisted her body, and pulled out the arrow. All of this was done in one go. Her movements were clean and graceful.
Liu Biao, Yang Yiqing, and some of the soldiers couldn't help but cheer. The high officials and nobles of Jing all had some Mongolian officials in their homes. They were Mongolian warriors that they admired. They had seen those people perform the riding and archery skills that the Great Yuan's cavalry had once dominated the world.
The Mongolian's riding and archery skills were the best in the world. Ma Lian 'er's skill in controlling the horse and drawing the arrow was the same as those Tatar warriors who were good at riding and archery. Performed by a young girl, there was an indescribable beauty.
Yang Ling's carriage was just about to turn around the cliff in front of them and leave Ma Lian'er's line of sight when three arrows came together and hit the flag pole an arm's length away from Yang Ling. The tails of the arrows were still humming. The carriage driver sitting under the pole shook in fright and almost fell off the carriage.
The carriage moved slowly. There was a patch of grass in front of the cliff and Lian'er could no longer be seen at the foot of the mountain. The three arrows hit the pole in a straight line. The arrow in the middle had a strand of black hair tied to its tail that was still flying in the wind.
Han Youniang stroked that strand of black hair and said sourly, "Husband, Lian'er jiejie is shaving her hair."
Yang Ling scraped the tip of her nose and turned back to look at the three arrows and the strand of black hair nailed to the flag pole. He couldn't help but grimace and think, "Black hair, love thread, three arrows, three years. This girl won't be as stubborn as Young-niang, will she?"
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
