Flourishing of the Ming Dynasty Novel - Chapter 103

Chapter 103 “Serving the Country Faithfully” at the Banquet
Facing Lu Zhen’s doubts, Shen Tianxing could only accompany him with a bitter smile, “This official also feels a little puzzled. Although this official and General Hu did report your contributions to the Imperial Court truthfully, I never thought that the Imperial Court would attach such importance to you, and even sent a message that Emperor wanted to see you.”

“Is this rumor true?” Lu Zhen asked in surprise.

Shen Tianxing nodded seriously, “That’s right. Although the documents that transferred you to the capital only contained the seal of the Ministry of Officials, the news that came from the capital is just like that. Not only the Son of Heaven, but also the Cabinet Elders have praised you a lot.”

“This … I’m really flattered. I’m a little embarrassed.” Lu Zhen said self-deprecatingly, “But this matter is still puzzling.”

“Perhaps someone in the court thinks highly of your ability, County Magistrate Lu. Therefore, this official would like to congratulate you earlier. After going to the capital, Gao Sheng is already within reach.” Shen Tianxing laughed.

Lu Zhen hurriedly said that he didn’t dare, but the doubts in his heart became heavier. His contributions were not enough to be seen in the Imperial Court, and it was even more difficult for him to be appreciated by a certain high official. Those people had countless opportunities every day, so who would care about a small grade seven county magistrate like him? I’m afraid that there must be something hidden in this that I can’t see through, which makes Lu Zhen’s heart feel a little more worried.

However, Shen Tianxing wasn’t as worried as he was. Instead, he felt that this was a great thing. He smiled and said, “County Magistrate Lu, although the transfer order didn’t give you a time limit to enter the capital, the matters in the Imperial Court can’t be careless. Since you have already left, then hurry up and go as soon as possible.” “I won’t keep you any longer. After seeing you off today, you can leave for Beijing tomorrow.”

Lu Zhen was about to decline, but Shen Tianxing cut him off and said, “How can I be the host of a banquet for you, Lower Official? You have done meritorious deeds for Datong. This official should reward you. Why aren’t you even willing to give this little face?” “Also, Commander Hu will also be present this time. Even if you don’t give this official face, Commander Hu will always give him face. He can be considered your savior.”

Lu Zhen saw that he had spoken to this point, so how could he not obey? He smiled bitterly, “Since that’s the case, it’s better for me to obey orders with respect, but I’m really terrified in my heart.”

“Ah, you deserve this. Remember, I’ll wait for you in the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion for a moment today.” As he spoke, he picked up the teacup and took a sip. That was the intention of delivering tea to the guests.

Lu Zhen hurriedly stood up and bowed to the other party before leaving.

The magistrate’s attitude towards him was very friendly, which was a good thing for Lu Zhen. However, the doubt in his heart could not be resolved because of this, but it still made him feel slightly uneasy. Now it seems that only after entering Beijing City can we know the exact reason.

@ @ @ @

Since it was the boss’s banquet, Lu Zhen naturally did not dare to slack off. He was a little early. After a while at Youshi, he brought Li Xian to Tianxiang Pavilion, which was less than a street away from the inn, to attend the banquet.

He didn’t expect that there were already many officials who had arrived earlier than him waiting inside. After exchanging identities, he realized that these were all adjutants in the magistrate’s yamen, as well as several deputy generals in the army. Among them, Huang Hu was also surprisingly present.

Since they were the important guests of both the civil and military officials, these officials were naturally very polite towards Lu Zhen. In addition to his own reputation, before the arrival of Shen Hu and Shen Hu, a group of people also got along well with each other and talked a lot of flattering gossip.

After two moments of waiting, the hotel owner’s curtsy greeting came from outside, “Sir Shen, General Hu, it’s really glorious for you two adults to be able to drive to the store.”

When the officials inside heard this, they immediately stood up and went out to welcome him. Seeing this, Lu Zhen did not dare to fall behind. He followed them and thought to himself, “These two really have a good grasp of time. They actually arrived here at the same time. In this way, it is impossible to tell who is higher and who is lower.”

There were simply too many dao in this officialdom. Just the time it took for the banquet to arrive was much more exquisite. The higher their status, the later they would naturally arrive. Judging from the current situation in Datong City, it was hard for Hu Sui and Shen Tianxing to say who had a higher position, so appearing together was the most suitable outcome.

After receiving the two of them, everyone greeted each other and flattered each other for a long time before entering the spacious tavern. Because they had already prepared, they had two or so main seats this time, so they didn’t have to worry about it for a while and decided to let the two of them take their seats according to the rules of Wen Zuowu and Wu You.

Then, the next seat was given way for a long time, and finally Lu Zhen, the guest, was still sitting in the host-guest seat. A small grade seven county magistrate was actually sitting higher than those who passed sentences, ginseng generals, and so on. If it weren’t for his current special status, he would probably have offended a large number of people.

After that, the matter was very simple. It was to flatter each other and toast with constant toasting.

Originally, the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion was accompanied by a beauty. However, this was a semi-formal occasion after all. These officials did not dare to go too far, so they could only be calm and simply drink, eat, and eat.

But even with this simple drinking, Lu Zhen couldn’t resist it. He was originally from the south and was not good at drinking. Although Shanxi was not famous for its good wine, it was still located in the north. Even a scholar could drink eight and a half kilograms of wine, let alone many generals in the future. Now that he was the main guest greeted by everyone, Lu Zhen was unlucky.

It was already the Great Ming Dynasty. If it was before the Song Dynasty, before the distilled wine appeared, ordinary grain rice-fruit wine would not have been very intoxicating. However, although the liquor’s strength was not comparable to that of later generations, it was still very strong. After a few cups, Lu Zhen felt his entire body heating up and his head was dizzy. Afterwards, they didn’t even know what they were talking about, so they could only barely stay awake.

However, those officials did not let him go because of this. Instead, they continued to toast. Very quickly, he was somewhat fluttering, and even he was somewhat confused as to where he was.

“County Magistrate Lu” An official next to him called him again, causing Lu Zhen to subconsciously pick up the wine glass and want to touch it. Only after discovering that the other party did not have any wine cups did he awkwardly smile, “What advice do you have?”

“Eh, it’s Commander Hu talking to you.” The official hurriedly explained.

Only then did Lu Zhen look up at Hu Sui with some difficulty. When he looked up, he discovered that the Commander-in-Chief had become three or four shadows swaying around, almost causing him to vomit.

Hu Sui didn’t care about his performance. He only smiled and said, “Just now, Huang Hu mentioned that county magistrate Lu once sang a song with his subordinates during the battle against Tartars. It greatly boosted the morale of the army. Is there anything wrong with that?”

“Indeed … there really is such a thing.” Lu Zhen nodded with his tongue raised, “That song called ‘Sailor’ is indeed quite appealing to the soldiers.”

“This official has also heard this song sung. It is indeed catchy and imposing, but did you personally compose it, County Magistrate Lu?” Hu Sui asked again.

‘”This” Lu Zhen intentionally denied it, but he couldn’t find any excuse after losing his mind. He could only nod his head, “It was indeed Xiaguan’s game for a while. This is truly a joke to my lord.”

“I didn’t expect County Magistrate Lu to have such ability. He is truly versatile and impressive.” “The airship has already stunned us. Now that you can even make a tune, I really don’t know what else you, County Magistrate Lu, can’t do.”

Lu Zhen burped and smiled casually, “Well, I definitely can’t give birth to a child. And embroidery …” These words caused everyone to burst into laughter, but the official’s expression changed slightly.

Actually, the implication of this person’s words was to question whether Lu Zhen had lied or not. Unexpectedly, he was actually teasing him like this.

Another official who had some friendship with this person saw him and said, “This song is not simple. It is also different from poems. May I know if County Magistrate Lu has any poems? Can you take them out for us to experience?”

Although he had drunk too much, Lu Zhen could still sense the suspicion in the other party’s words. His expression sank slightly, “Xiaguan indeed doesn’t know much about poetry and prose, but when it comes to songs, he did write some. Actually, this’ Sailor ‘isn’t too good for the army. I once had another song that I can present to Commander Hu today.”

Seeing that these two officials were making things difficult for Lu Zhen, Chief Hu was already unhappy. Now that he had said so, he added jokingly, “There’s actually something better? Sing for yourself. If it really works, I’ll have my subordinates sing it. It’s not necessarily weaker than those poems.”

Lu Zhen took advantage of the alcohol and didn’t have any misgivings. He stood up like he used to when he went to KTV to sing after drinking with his classmates. He took out his chopsticks and knocked on the cup and plate in front of him. He sang softly, “Wolf smoke rose, Jiang Shan looked north. Tornado scroll, horse hiss, sword qi like frost …” It was Tu Honggang’s “faithful service to the country”

This song was more like a song from the army than “Sailor”. The moment it started, it stunned Hu Sui and the other generals. They then listened attentively and held their breaths. Soon, excitement appeared on their faces.

Whether it was lyrics or songs, this song was much stronger than the songs that were circulating in the army. That kind of heroism, that kind of melody that could be remembered with a single listen, coupled with the hot-blooded lyrics, instantly captured everyone’s hearts.

When Lu Zhen sang, “I am willing to defend the land and reopen the frontier. I am willing to let the four sides congratulate me for being so magnificent (this place is naturally going to be changed)!” Whether it was Hu Sui or the other generals, they couldn’t help but cry out. Many people even took a sip of the wine in their glasses, their faces scarlet red, but they didn’t know if it was because the wine was on their heads or because they were excited.