Chapter 257: No two candidates volunteered
Chapter 257 The best candidates come forward
On the first day of November, the morning chill had not yet dissipated, and the main hall of the Xizhou Governor's Mansion was unusually full of people. Under the still empty main seat, all the officials from Xizhou have arrived. Su Nanjin, dressed in military uniform, stands at the front, nodding and joking with the familiar officials with a relaxed face. Even when facing Pei Xingjian, he smiles brightly. But when Qu Chongyu followed Qu Zhizhan into the main room, he immediately turned his head subconsciously, then calmed down, and bowed to Qu Zhizhan together with the officials.
Qu Zhizhan has obviously lost weight, but is in good spirits. Wearing a purple floral robe, he looks neater than usual. After sitting down, he was not polite and said straight to the point, "The governor invites you here today to discuss the matter of escorting grain and grass. Recently, there have been several gangs of horse thieves in various parts of Western Xinjiang. I heard that the grain teams in Tingzhou and Yizhou are quite compromised. Damage, there are still 130,000 stones of grain, rice, 20,000 cloth and 10,000 jackets to be transported to the military warehouse in Xizhou. How to **** them? I hope you can discuss a safe plan. "
Most of the people in the room immediately stood up straight, looking at their noses and mouths, making up their mind without saying a word. The chief clerk, Yan Hailong, waited for a while, and when no one spoke, he folded his hands and smiled, "Captain, I remember that in previous years, the military rations in Xizhou were all escorted by Hu merchants themselves, and it was always very appropriate. Why not keep the same arrangement this time? Although Xizhou's soldiers are short of manpower, Mr. Su's 500 soldiers are an elite division capable of fighting ten against one. I heard that Mr. Su also recruited 500 soldiers to train day and night. The subordinates saw that they were no worse than the soldiers of the government. . As long as these more than a thousand strong men are divided into various grain teams, and Mr. Su is in the middle to coordinate and coordinate, the transportation of grain will be guaranteed. What is the point of a small group of horse thieves? "
Qu Zhizhan nodded slightly and looked at Su Nanjin with a smile, "What do you think, Mr. Su?"
Su Nanjin bowed and said, "Since I came to Xizhou, I should obey the military orders and obey the arrangements of the governor. Since the governor thought it was appropriate to let Hu Shang lead the troops to **** the grain to the army warehouse, I had no objection. It's just that this time the horse thief I heard that they are very fierce. The governor has issued a military order the day before yesterday to use troops in the middle of winter. The 10,000 cold jackets and 20,000 cloths are the most important things. Therefore, if you want to detach the team to Xizhou, go down. Most of the soldiers led by the officials had to follow the convoys carrying cloth and cold coats, and they could only spare more than a hundred soldiers. The five hundred soldiers were originally from the tribes of various families in Xizhou, and the lower officials just took them away. It’s just additional training and should be assigned by the governor.”
"As for the matter of central control, it is too important. I am not familiar with the Hu merchants, and I don't know the terrain of Xizhou very well. I really can't take on such an important task. I hope the governor will send someone else."
His words were quite reasonable. While everyone was thinking about it, Qu Chongyu laughed, his voice full of sarcasm, "Master Su came to Xizhou just to transport the more valuable military supplies to the military warehouse. Don't worry about other things! This is a clever idea, but why didn't you tell me earlier? I was so happy for a long time, thinking that since you were here, I didn't have to worry about the escort. I should let the young master have a few more drinks! This will save him from having all the good things in Xizhou, but he didn’t even get drunk.”
Su Nanjin's face suddenly turned red. She glared at Qu Chongyu, her eyes almost bursting with fire. She took a step forward, then paused, and the masseter muscles on her cheeks bulged out.
Qu Zhizhan glared at Qu Chongyu, "Yu Lang, don't joke around, it's more important to discuss business matters."
Qu Chongyu hugged Su Nanjin in a good-natured manner, "I'm sorry, sorry, Chongyu is slippery, don't blame me. Master, he left a good story in Xizhou." But the smile on his face clearly said something else. kind of disdain.
Su Nanjin didn't dare to answer, and closed her lips tightly, for fear that if she opened her mouth, she would not be able to help but raise her fists, and her body was shaking a little. Lu Qingsong behind him hurriedly took a step forward, "Young Master Qu is joking. When you came to Xizhou, you were ordered to assist the governor in arranging the transportation of grain, grass and military supplies. However, if you divide your troops into several groups, you are not very familiar with the personnel and terrain. How can I take up the position of dispatcher? It’s not that I don’t want to, I really can’t!”
Qu Chongyu raised his eyebrows in surprise, "So, if we don't divide the team into several places, Mr. Su is willing to be responsible for escorting?"
Lu Qingyan chuckled and said, "The military order of the Protector-General clearly states that the young master is here to assist the governor. He who assists can help by threatening him. The raising and escorting of military resources is the duty of the governor. How can the young master be so virtuous and capable? How dare he "Responsible?"
Qu Chongyu laughed out loud, "Master Lu is really good at words. He said so much, but it's as if he didn't say anything at all!" He glanced at Su Nanjin and Lu Qingyan with a sneer, then turned to Qu Zhizhan. With a ceremony, "Captain, Chongyu thinks that since Mr. Su is unwilling to divide his troops and there are horse thieves in the surrounding areas, there is no need to detach a team to transport food this time. As for the person in charge, there is no need to trouble others. Please ask Zhang Huaiji, the military officer, to be responsible for escorting the food." Yes, wouldn’t this be the best of both worlds?”
Zhang Huaiji's face suddenly changed, and he hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, "I would like to report to the Commander-in-Chief that my subordinates are stupid and have never escorted grain, rice and military supplies. They are unable to take on this important task. I hope the Commander-in-Chief will choose someone wiser!"
Qu Chongyu's voice was a little cold, "Why should you be too modest when joining the army? Although the horse riding in the army is sometimes not stable and the body is prone to wind and cold, it is far-sighted and well-planned. Not to mention that Mr. Su leads the troops to assist him, who is responsible for this important task. No matter what the candidate is, the Governor's Office will send people to take care of him and never let him get injured or sick. Even if there is any accident, they will carry him and **** him all the way to the military warehouse. "
The room suddenly fell silent. Zhang Huaiji wanted to speak, but when he met Qu Chongyu's cold gaze, he couldn't help but be speechless. Su Nanjin and Lu Qingyan looked at each other, and Lu Qingyan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, Mr. Su leads the way. It is easy to say that soldiers will assist in transporting food this time, but if Zhang Shenjun has never been responsible for escorting matters, is it a bit rash to take charge of the transport of more than half of the military supplies this time? "
Qu Chongyu said calmly, "How can I be rash? You might as well teach me, who else in Xizhou City is more suitable to work with Mr. Su than Zhang Canjun? Zhang Canjun, please know that the delivery of food and grass is a great achievement. That's it." Opportunities come once in a lifetime, and they are much more useful than giving birth to several good girls."Su Nanjin's face suddenly turned blue again, and Zhang Huaiji's face was also flushed. Qu Zhizhan still had a kind smile on his face, "What do Zhang Canjun think?"
Zhang Huaiji calmed down and said with a wry smile, "If the official refuses, how should I arrange these tens of thousands of grains, thousands of carts, travel, food and accommodation? I really don't know what to do with my promotion and disgrace." "This is a big deal, delaying military supplies. Please think twice, Commander-in-Chief."
The room fell silent for a moment, and everyone knew that the prince was taking this opportunity to attack Zhang and join the army. Transporting food was originally a hard job. It was cold and freezing, and he had to sleep in the open air. Even if the food was transported properly, it would only be a few words of praise and a small reward. So he dismissed it; if there was an accident, the guilt would be huge. Apart from the Hu businessmen who travel to various parts of Western Xinjiang in pursuit of profit, and except for the good-tempered Pei Changshi, which official is willing to take on this responsibility? Many people glanced at Pei Xingjian secretly, feeling somewhat vaguely guilty.
Zhang Huaiji couldn't help but look at Pei Xingjian. Although he knew there was no hope in his heart, he couldn't help but reveal a bit of begging. Pei Xingjian seemed to feel his gaze and turned to look at him, his expression so calm that he could not see any hint of happiness or anger.
Qu Zhizhan still smiled slightly, "Is there anything in this world that we are born with knowledge? There will always be a first time. Could it be that the good things in the world should be ours, and the hard work should be done by others? After Zhang Canjun is a famous general , and was born in Xizhou. In Xizhou City, which household should not listen to Zhang Canjun's words when doing things? In my opinion, it is most appropriate for Zhang Canjun to come forward in this matter. I don't know what you think. ?”
As soon as these words came out, those who originally wanted to plead for Zhang Huaiji did not dare to speak, and had no choice but to nod in agreement - the governor's words were too clear. Since the Zhang family wants to climb high, they will lead everyone to mix with Mr. Su. If you have a bunch of them, you should suffer the consequences!
Lu Qingyan lowered his eyes and said in a somewhat indifferent tone, "This military resource collection and **** matter was originally presided over by the governor. Since the governor insists on making such arrangements, I think it makes sense. The young master and the lower officials will do their best to assist Zhang Canjun. I only hope that the governor will do his best. Everything goes well and I will not disappoint the great protector’s expectations.”
There was some reluctance in his tone, but Qu Chongyu just glanced at him with a sneer, and Qu Zhizhan's expression didn't change at all. Zhang Huaiji's heart had already gone cold. He stood there bravely, waiting for Qu Zhizhan to speak, but he heard a gentle voice say, "I am informing the governor that the matter of transporting grain is indeed important. I am willing to cooperate with you." Zhang joined the army to transport grain and grass to the military warehouse. "
Everyone in the room was stunned. They turned to look at Pei Xingjian, who still had a calm face. They almost couldn't believe their ears. Qu Zhizhan looked at Pei Xingjian with astonishment in his eyes. He paused before smiling and said, "Chang Shi has been working hard for many years, and Xizhou is now full of chores. I still count on Chang Shi to take care of my worries about transporting grain." , it would be more appropriate to leave it to Zhang Canjun.”
Qu Chongyu came back to his senses and added coldly, "Everyone in Xizhou knows the ability of a long history, but we must teach others to have the opportunity to make meritorious deeds."
Pei Xingjian's voice was neither urgent nor slow, but it had a firmness to it. "The military food matter is a big one, and the governor is responsible for coordinating it. The subordinates have escorted military grains many times, and they still have some experience, so this time it is natural for them to do so." Don't wait for Qu Zhizhan. After speaking, he turned to look at Zhang Huaiji again, "What's more, Zhang Canjun and Mr. Su are assisting this time. As long as they are willing to obey my arrangements, there will be no surprises in the fate of the military resources this time."
Su Nanjin exhaled a breath of turbidity, nodded and smiled, "It's a good idea that Commander-in-Chief Chang Shiken will be in charge of escorting this transportation. Nanjin will act on the leadership of Commander-in-Chief, and if there is any disobedience, he is willing to be punished by military orders!"
Pei Xingjian smiled and said, "Okay, then it's settled."
Qu Zhizhan frowned, but finally nodded, "Then there is Lao Pei Changshi."
The dull atmosphere in the room suddenly became much more relaxed, and Zhang Huaiji also let out a long breath. After everything was discussed, the officials of Xizhou each took responsibility for various preparations and left soon after. Seeing that there was no one else in the room, Qu Zhizhan looked at Pei Xingjian and sighed, "Keep the promise, why are you doing this? The Su family arranged it so carefully and managed it step by step just to give me a schedule." So what if they are accused of incompetence, improper employment, and damage to military resources? Now that the Qu family has a stable foothold in Chang'an, why do you, the governor of Xizhou, risk your life because of this? "
Pei Xingjian bowed and said, "It may not matter if the Qu family is missing the Governor of Xizhou now, but Xizhou is determined to lose the Governor of Qu now. Governor, don't worry, Xingjian knows what he is doing, and he will definitely live up to the expectations of Governor Su!" He straightened up and looked at Qu Chongyu with a smile, "Besides, being frugal doesn't mean being alone in danger, but I wonder if Yulang is willing to drink in the smoke of the battlefield again this time?"
(End of this chapter)